The Way of The Roses.

I am full of admiration for my Pedaller Pals who have just completed The Way of the Roses ride of around 170 miles in very adverse conditions. Well done all eight of you. Pity you had to split into two groups of four because of the Corona Virus Guidance.

My friend Sarah at the end of their ride. 

For my part, I have been very much restricted to Hampshire with only two rides and a walk. 

The first ride on Tuesday was a groupetta substitute for the normal Pedallers one as they were mainly in Lancs/Yorks. Four of us did a non-E-bike ride to West Meon.

Then on Friday Reg led me a right dance to Sutton Scotney and back.

On Saturday I turned down a ride and instead hosted Caroline and Ian for a chat, coffee & cake in my garden.

Then in the evening I went for a walk.

I am confident my tender hand with be well enough for a usual Tuesday ride. (No plans yet).

I hope you are all keeping well, best wishes,

Gridironman.

Tour de France and all That.

 Wow! What a week we have had both watching and cycling ourselves. It has been brilliant. 

Thanks to all those taking part in the TdF for one of the most exciting tours ever. We have seen the rise of a number of new stars. Namely, Pogacar winning the Yellow Jersey and also winning the White and Polka Dot Jerseys too. Hirschi from Switzerland won the prize for the most agressive rider. He had a win, a second and a third-place and had he not crashed might have won another. Sam Bennett of Ireland won the last stage and also the Green Jersey.

My favourite rider Julien Allaphillipe was a little under his best form but he did win a stage and wear the yellow jersey for a while. 

I felt sorry for Roglic, he must have been devastated by losing on that penultimate stage, it was of course "man against man" without team support.

More locally:

On Tuesday I had a solo ride as I still was not feeling confident enough to join the Pedallers while they were playing away.

On Thursday I decided to go for a walk instead of a ride. Did the local riverside walk of about 2.6 miles.

Then on Friday, I went a bit mad and did the battlefield Mini Circuit of nine and a half miles twice on my two Gridironman powered road Bikes.

Today Sunday, back to normal on an E-bike ride with Paddy and Reg.

Hope you are all well and enjoying yourselves. 

Best wishes, Gridironman.

My First Ton since my Crash!

It has been an excellent week for cycling once again. I managed to ride with other riders from the Groupetta three times and topped off the week with a short solo one. 

The Three Megawatts at the Village Shop, Chilbolton on Sunday 13th September.

Extract from Winchester CTC's Strava Leaderboard.

I was so tired last evening I went to bed early leaving this blog for something to do while I recovered from the week's exertions. I am thrilled that I am still improving with my fitness and enjoying the rides immensely. 

Best wishes to all, keep safe.

Gridironman.

Three Days full of Cycling.

 Having started off the week rather quietly, merely pottering about and watching the TdF I finished the week with three very busy days with three morning rides followed by watching the professionals in the afternoon.

Completing the second circuit 

of the Pace Judging on Saturday.

A memory from October 2008.

Me in my non-cycling clothes waiting my turn to ride. 

 My first time taking part in an Alton competition. 

Total Miles for the week 88.8. More importantly three most enjoyable days with friends.

Best Wishes to you all,

Gridironman.