Having finished a night duty and grabbing a few hours sleep, I jumped into my car and drove to Charminster in Bournemouth to see Alex and the crew at Primera Sport. After the usual chit-chat, I then started setting up my bike on a turbo for a Retul bike fit. Paul is the resident expert.
Basically, after placing motion sensors on the right hand side of your body, from toe to shoulder, a series of measurements are taken after cycling for 30 seconds. These measurements are then analyzed on a laptop and read outs are produced. These read outs provide information (various angles) which in turn can be converted to correct rider positioning on the bike, to maximise performance and comfort.
Given that I am still only about 80% (back injury) fit for Modane to Alpe d`Huez in 19 Days time, this is quite important to me. I`m hoping that this will help, coupled with the addition of a 12-30 rear cassette. Now I`m only nervous, as opposed to petrified.
Thank you Paul. I would highly recommend the professional warm service provided by the guys at Primera Sport.
Welcome to the official Broken Bikers web site. From here you can find the very latest news on our challenges.
2 September 2012
17 August 2012
It`s a percentage thing.
Yesterday after finishing a night duty, Mark, Chris & I departed from Wiltshire, to head down to Devon. Exmoor to be precise. The idea being to get some more hill training in, prior to riding Modane-Alpe d` Huez next month. We started at Minehead riding out on the A39 to Porlock (notorious for more than `Kubla Khan`). Once we arrived at the foot of Porlock Hill, like all others that have travelled, cycled, ridden horse back or walked that route before us, we were given the option of using either the toll road (£2.50) or the main A39. My car is old, so in order to squeeze a few more miles out of her yet, Mark & Chris decided to take the wise option of taking the toll road........I did not.
Oh how I wish I had !
It started like most other climbs, difficult, but manageable, but then came the first of four 25% hair-pin bends. Having read other blogs some refute this information, I would recommend updating their information. They ARE 25%. I manged to get up two, then had to stop, my heart rate monitor was reading 189 Beats per minute (BPM). Now if you are young, fit with no long term injuries, this wouldn`t be cause for concern, but given that I am close to 53 (smoke, I know) and have a less than perfect knee, combined with the fact that I`m recovering from a back injury, this caused me great concern. Stop, it`s a `no-brainer`. After a short pause, to lower my heart rate (HR), I gathered my thoughts, and then attempted to clip in to my peddles to resume my efforts, on such a steep incline this was funny. I somehow achieved it and continued to climb, round the third, once again my HR soared, once again I stopped. I thought to myself ` enough is enough` re-clipped in (yet again funny) and continued up to the crest without any more stops. I continued to ride over the summit to a resting area where Mark & Chris were waiting for me. (fortunately my car was in better `nick` than me).
After a short pause (for pause read fag), I then continued along the A39 towards Lynmouth (Waters meet), at this point the heavens opened & it poured down with rain.
I last visited Waters Meet many years ago with my parents & siblings, I remembered it with great fondness,.... truly happy days.
As I was peddling along a reasonable pace, I also rembered Shit, there`s a really steep decent into Lynmouth. As I started to decend into Lynmouth, my previous thoughts were confirmed, it was steep, torrents of rain running down the road, braking,. braking, not much response. I was seriously considering the escape lanes, wondering if cyclists have ever needed to pile into the shale that form these useful (sometimes lifesaving road features). Somehow I got to the bottom, saw Mark & Chris parked up, so I pulled in to have a quick chat and a warm cuppa.
I then started to cycle again, this time heading towards along the A39 to Barnstaple. That was fine except for one thing, it was the wrong way. ordinarily that wouldn`t have been a problem, but in this case there was a price to pay. The bloody road ramped up in excess of 25%, I kept cycling for as far as I could. I had to stop, this time for different reasons......
The rain was pouring down, causing torrents of water to run down the camber of the road, exactly where I was trying to peddle up. There were cars behind me testing their clutches to the limit.There were oncoming cars trying to decend as slowly and as controlled as possible, testing their brakes to the limit.
Oh yes......The reason I had to stop, my back wheel was slipping in the rain, might as well have been on a turbo trainer. Never experienced that before. I rested against a wall, had a think, realised that this was potentially dangerous, so once again tried to continue up. Still no joy, still spinning. Mark & Chris pulled up behind me. Chris got out and tried to give a push (much like the team mechanics do on the Tour du France). Saldy this didn`t quite work and I fell off, embarrasing, as those in the cars behind witnessed the whole thing!
At this point Mark chirped in with something that made me smile " errrr ummm, Jamie mate, we`ve gone the wrong way, turn round & we`ll meet you at the bottom"!
No I didn`t swear.....Honestly!
We then set off (on the right road) the B3223 to Simonsbath. This was one of the main reasons for travelling down to Exmoor. The climb out of Lynmouth to Simonsbath is close to 5 miles of constant climbing up onto the moor, in cycling terms a category 2 climb, nowhere near as tough, but similar to the ones I will be doing in France. A constant `grind`.
The scenery was stunning, it had even stopped raining. The climb was easier than I had imagined and I gently cycled up to the top. Heart rate fine. Spirits fine, mood fine. As I turned left onto the moor, things changed, I was cycling into a very strong head wind, it became a real toil.
Remember I mentioned previously that my back had been quite bad recently, well it was getting no better. At each stop, I had been taking pain killers, Mark & Chris saw this and were a little concerned. At the last stop, we all decided, better to stop now and hopefully be in better shape for France, especially given that the Alping challenge is only five weeks away and to continue could jeopardize that.
We packed the bike into the car and headed to Minehead for some food.
We travelled back to Wiltshire in good spirits.
I`ll write again soon and post some pics that Chris took, (he is a good photgrapher).
Thank you Mark & Chris for your constant support, as well as being hilarious, you are `nice guys`.
Oh how I wish I had !
It started like most other climbs, difficult, but manageable, but then came the first of four 25% hair-pin bends. Having read other blogs some refute this information, I would recommend updating their information. They ARE 25%. I manged to get up two, then had to stop, my heart rate monitor was reading 189 Beats per minute (BPM). Now if you are young, fit with no long term injuries, this wouldn`t be cause for concern, but given that I am close to 53 (smoke, I know) and have a less than perfect knee, combined with the fact that I`m recovering from a back injury, this caused me great concern. Stop, it`s a `no-brainer`. After a short pause, to lower my heart rate (HR), I gathered my thoughts, and then attempted to clip in to my peddles to resume my efforts, on such a steep incline this was funny. I somehow achieved it and continued to climb, round the third, once again my HR soared, once again I stopped. I thought to myself ` enough is enough` re-clipped in (yet again funny) and continued up to the crest without any more stops. I continued to ride over the summit to a resting area where Mark & Chris were waiting for me. (fortunately my car was in better `nick` than me).
After a short pause (for pause read fag), I then continued along the A39 towards Lynmouth (Waters meet), at this point the heavens opened & it poured down with rain.
I last visited Waters Meet many years ago with my parents & siblings, I remembered it with great fondness,.... truly happy days.
As I was peddling along a reasonable pace, I also rembered Shit, there`s a really steep decent into Lynmouth. As I started to decend into Lynmouth, my previous thoughts were confirmed, it was steep, torrents of rain running down the road, braking,. braking, not much response. I was seriously considering the escape lanes, wondering if cyclists have ever needed to pile into the shale that form these useful (sometimes lifesaving road features). Somehow I got to the bottom, saw Mark & Chris parked up, so I pulled in to have a quick chat and a warm cuppa.
I then started to cycle again, this time heading towards along the A39 to Barnstaple. That was fine except for one thing, it was the wrong way. ordinarily that wouldn`t have been a problem, but in this case there was a price to pay. The bloody road ramped up in excess of 25%, I kept cycling for as far as I could. I had to stop, this time for different reasons......
The rain was pouring down, causing torrents of water to run down the camber of the road, exactly where I was trying to peddle up. There were cars behind me testing their clutches to the limit.There were oncoming cars trying to decend as slowly and as controlled as possible, testing their brakes to the limit.
Oh yes......The reason I had to stop, my back wheel was slipping in the rain, might as well have been on a turbo trainer. Never experienced that before. I rested against a wall, had a think, realised that this was potentially dangerous, so once again tried to continue up. Still no joy, still spinning. Mark & Chris pulled up behind me. Chris got out and tried to give a push (much like the team mechanics do on the Tour du France). Saldy this didn`t quite work and I fell off, embarrasing, as those in the cars behind witnessed the whole thing!
At this point Mark chirped in with something that made me smile " errrr ummm, Jamie mate, we`ve gone the wrong way, turn round & we`ll meet you at the bottom"!
No I didn`t swear.....Honestly!
We then set off (on the right road) the B3223 to Simonsbath. This was one of the main reasons for travelling down to Exmoor. The climb out of Lynmouth to Simonsbath is close to 5 miles of constant climbing up onto the moor, in cycling terms a category 2 climb, nowhere near as tough, but similar to the ones I will be doing in France. A constant `grind`.
The scenery was stunning, it had even stopped raining. The climb was easier than I had imagined and I gently cycled up to the top. Heart rate fine. Spirits fine, mood fine. As I turned left onto the moor, things changed, I was cycling into a very strong head wind, it became a real toil.
Remember I mentioned previously that my back had been quite bad recently, well it was getting no better. At each stop, I had been taking pain killers, Mark & Chris saw this and were a little concerned. At the last stop, we all decided, better to stop now and hopefully be in better shape for France, especially given that the Alping challenge is only five weeks away and to continue could jeopardize that.
We packed the bike into the car and headed to Minehead for some food.
We travelled back to Wiltshire in good spirits.
I`ll write again soon and post some pics that Chris took, (he is a good photgrapher).
Thank you Mark & Chris for your constant support, as well as being hilarious, you are `nice guys`.
30 July 2012
Trials and Tribulations
After the 24 hours non stop endurance fundraiser at Tescos Salisbury, came the Trial.
In what form you may wonder?...., Well being older, with previous injuries, I (Jamie) had underestimated the toll such a task would take on my ageing body. Within a matter of days, my back completely locked up, rendering me pretty much useless. I still attended work, consulted a doctor and begun a slow process of physiotherapy. That was all well and good, but with age comes penalties....., Time. I could no longer heal as quick as was once possible. To that end, our planned Alpine challenge for 30th June 2012 had to be postponed (not a decision taken lightly)! To say I was feeling low, would be something of an understatement, it was very hard to deal with, especially seeing as for me `The glass is most definately `half-full`.
At the time of going to press, I am now back on the bike, riding reasonably well, trying my best to get back to the previous level of fitness (most of which was lost during my rehabilitation).
A new date has been set for the challenge of riding from Modane to Alpe d` Huez, Friday 21st September 2012. Although not allowing that much time to get full fitness back, I consider this to be just enough time to prepare for the Alpes. This coupled with the fact that a support team of Chris Carroll and Mark Crew (our team from LEJOG July 11) are now fully `on board`, leads to Tribulation.
The logistics are pretty much taken care of. At this point I would like to thank Mr John Avery (the Station Manager) of Europcar Salisbury. He listened to our story, especially the disappointments of previous let downs (You know who you are)!, We chatted briefly about Le Tour, and the successes of Team SKY, not forgetting Tommy Vockler and Pierre Rollande of Team Europcar (not sure about spelling, I`m sure the French won`t mind). He then put something together to assist our challenge, once again Thank you John.
We will be filming the whole ride in HD from different angles on the bike and from the support vehicle, so those of you who read this, or stumble across this blog (as many do), then please feel free to comment, once we have edited and posted.
Although not attending due to family comittments, Neil is 100% part of this, supportive and the best friend a man could ever wish for.
I will do my best to continue to update the blog more regularly, especially now that I`m in a better frame of mind.
It`s funny how cycling can really get you!
As a foot note, anyone who has the slightest knowledge of cycling will know just how immense the task was for Team GB in the Olympic road race. Sincere congratulations go out to Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, David Millar, Ian Stannard and last but not least Mark Cavendish, for the sterling effort. You are still the best. Victims of your own success.....Chin up lads, you are not made of chocolate!
Tara for now
In what form you may wonder?...., Well being older, with previous injuries, I (Jamie) had underestimated the toll such a task would take on my ageing body. Within a matter of days, my back completely locked up, rendering me pretty much useless. I still attended work, consulted a doctor and begun a slow process of physiotherapy. That was all well and good, but with age comes penalties....., Time. I could no longer heal as quick as was once possible. To that end, our planned Alpine challenge for 30th June 2012 had to be postponed (not a decision taken lightly)! To say I was feeling low, would be something of an understatement, it was very hard to deal with, especially seeing as for me `The glass is most definately `half-full`.
At the time of going to press, I am now back on the bike, riding reasonably well, trying my best to get back to the previous level of fitness (most of which was lost during my rehabilitation).
A new date has been set for the challenge of riding from Modane to Alpe d` Huez, Friday 21st September 2012. Although not allowing that much time to get full fitness back, I consider this to be just enough time to prepare for the Alpes. This coupled with the fact that a support team of Chris Carroll and Mark Crew (our team from LEJOG July 11) are now fully `on board`, leads to Tribulation.
The logistics are pretty much taken care of. At this point I would like to thank Mr John Avery (the Station Manager) of Europcar Salisbury. He listened to our story, especially the disappointments of previous let downs (You know who you are)!, We chatted briefly about Le Tour, and the successes of Team SKY, not forgetting Tommy Vockler and Pierre Rollande of Team Europcar (not sure about spelling, I`m sure the French won`t mind). He then put something together to assist our challenge, once again Thank you John.
We will be filming the whole ride in HD from different angles on the bike and from the support vehicle, so those of you who read this, or stumble across this blog (as many do), then please feel free to comment, once we have edited and posted.
Although not attending due to family comittments, Neil is 100% part of this, supportive and the best friend a man could ever wish for.
I will do my best to continue to update the blog more regularly, especially now that I`m in a better frame of mind.
It`s funny how cycling can really get you!
As a foot note, anyone who has the slightest knowledge of cycling will know just how immense the task was for Team GB in the Olympic road race. Sincere congratulations go out to Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, David Millar, Ian Stannard and last but not least Mark Cavendish, for the sterling effort. You are still the best. Victims of your own success.....Chin up lads, you are not made of chocolate!
Tara for now
13 May 2012
The Bacon Butty
You know when you have a story to tell or an event to recall ? Well as any of you who follow this blog will know, that sometimes you forget one or two details. (That is why I am not a journalist). Well I forgot to add something key to the story.
Between 8 & 9 am Fri 11th May, Ben and Pete (friends from Middle Wallop) arrived at Tescos to give me a little support. Ben had visited early the previous evening. So I was suprised to see him again. Pete asked me if I would like a coffee and anything to eat, I thought what the hell I had burned of more than enough calories, so I asked him for a bacon butty from the cafe upstairs. Pete returned with said coffee and butty. Now I have to confess, this was definately not `The Finest` butty, but it was probably the best bacon butty I have ever eaten. I have no idea why, but I thought it important that I add this foot note.
Also Ben, Pete, thank you.
Back on the bike tomorrow, then some more hills and then some more hills.
Stephen Magers doing his bit
Me (Jamie) looking tired.
Between 8 & 9 am Fri 11th May, Ben and Pete (friends from Middle Wallop) arrived at Tescos to give me a little support. Ben had visited early the previous evening. So I was suprised to see him again. Pete asked me if I would like a coffee and anything to eat, I thought what the hell I had burned of more than enough calories, so I asked him for a bacon butty from the cafe upstairs. Pete returned with said coffee and butty. Now I have to confess, this was definately not `The Finest` butty, but it was probably the best bacon butty I have ever eaten. I have no idea why, but I thought it important that I add this foot note.
Also Ben, Pete, thank you.
Back on the bike tomorrow, then some more hills and then some more hills.
Me (Jamie) looking tired.
12 May 2012
24 hour turbo endurance 10-11 May
At exactly 12 O`clock Thursday 10th May I climbed onto my bike which was mounted on a turbo trainer. I was in the foyer at Tesco superstore Salisbury. Table, boards, banners, buckets & promotional information all laid out and set up (nothing new there, we have been here before). This time I was doing it alone, my fellow Broken Biker Neil was on duty and unable to ride with me.
I started to peddle, the aim being to cycle non stop for 24 hours (with the exception of necessary breaks). Initially I was comfortable, being distracted by interaction with the general public as they stopped, chatted and in many cases donated. Mid afternoon Stephen Magers (Tesco community champion) arrived and climbed onto a spare bike also mounted on a turbo. Stephen wanted to ride with me for a while, he has done this before with Neil and I when we have fundraised in Salisbury. Stephen cycled with me for several hours. A few friends popped in to see how I was doing and wish me luck. Spire FM were regularly announcing my challenge, people were chatting and saying they had heard about it on the local radio station (Thank you Faye, Martin & all the staff at Spire FM). The hours started to pass, I was maintaining an average of 20mph, the plan being to leave enough in the tank (Legs) to last the duration.
People who are following us on Twitter started to tweet messages of good luck, some referred to my effort as insanity, I have to agree. Before I knew it, I had passed 8 hours peddling, the longest I had previously done on a turbo. I was started to feel discomfort, but more people chatting eased that. Early evening, my partner Donna arrived to keep me company. Shortly after Neil and Angelina arrived. This lifted my spirit. Other friends visited and to them I send my thanks. As midnight approached, loved ones and friends departed, the lonliness of the night emerged. I was really starting to hurt. Friends tweeted, that certainly kept me going (you were all inspirational, you know who you are) !
It`s funny, because when you least expect it something happens that can make you feel much better. In my case, it was the night security guard Chris. I think my partner had said something to him before she left. Chris then kept me company for much of the evening and early hours of the morning. I was starting to feel really tired and was even beginning to fall asleep. Chris was keeping an eye on me, I think to make sure that I didn`t fall off my bike. After 14 hours had elapsed I had to change my Garmin (the battery was dying). I replaced it with one borrowed from Neil. I was in bits at this point and desperatley needed a boost. I succumbed to an addiction, I got off my bike and had a cigarette given to me by Chris (I know)!
I am no saint, nor a professional cyclist., I`m just a bloke trying to raise money for two great causes.
Dawn started to break which made me feel better. The night shift at Tescos were finishing work, the day shift starting work. Some of them were amazed that I was still there and still cycling. Chris and Mark, two good friends who were part of our LEJOG team came to visit me, which was another boost just when I needed it.
I was now at the point of hanging on, but still managing to maintain 20mph. It had been in the most part, a long and lonely night, Tesco Chris was an Angel.
Spire FM were being brilliant and shouting out for me on the hour. At about 11:30 Jack and Neil arrived to see me across the line. At 12:01 Friday 11th May I stopped peddling. I gingerly climbed off my bike. Jack and Neil supervising (we had read a blog from someone who had done the same thing, that due to cramp, he couldn`t get off his bike).
Finshed.......
How did I feel?
Tired, sore and very uncomfortable.
I then shook myself and had a re-think. How did I feel?
BLOODY BRILLIANT !!!!
Jack and Neil started to break down my bike and pack up. They then brought out a small bottle of Jack Daniels and poured me a JD & coke into a used coffee cup. It did taste good, as did knowing that I had taken on and completed a huge personal challenge for our chosen charities.
NUMBERS
Time spent cycling : 23 hours 10 minutes
Miles completed : 475
Pee stops 9 (I am an old man)
Fags smoked 2 (BAD BOY) !!!!
Money raised £1,178.00.
Our combined total now stands at £19,024.47.
I would like to thank every one who helped make this happen, in particular Stephen Magers.
I would like to thank the fabulous general public for their interest & benevolence.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me, either in person or over the airways/internet.
I would like to thank Help for Heroes and The Starlight Magic Children`s Foundation for the Stellar work they do for others.
Lastly I would like to thank my partner Donna for her endless support.
What next ?
ALLEZ FRANCE
I started to peddle, the aim being to cycle non stop for 24 hours (with the exception of necessary breaks). Initially I was comfortable, being distracted by interaction with the general public as they stopped, chatted and in many cases donated. Mid afternoon Stephen Magers (Tesco community champion) arrived and climbed onto a spare bike also mounted on a turbo. Stephen wanted to ride with me for a while, he has done this before with Neil and I when we have fundraised in Salisbury. Stephen cycled with me for several hours. A few friends popped in to see how I was doing and wish me luck. Spire FM were regularly announcing my challenge, people were chatting and saying they had heard about it on the local radio station (Thank you Faye, Martin & all the staff at Spire FM). The hours started to pass, I was maintaining an average of 20mph, the plan being to leave enough in the tank (Legs) to last the duration.
People who are following us on Twitter started to tweet messages of good luck, some referred to my effort as insanity, I have to agree. Before I knew it, I had passed 8 hours peddling, the longest I had previously done on a turbo. I was started to feel discomfort, but more people chatting eased that. Early evening, my partner Donna arrived to keep me company. Shortly after Neil and Angelina arrived. This lifted my spirit. Other friends visited and to them I send my thanks. As midnight approached, loved ones and friends departed, the lonliness of the night emerged. I was really starting to hurt. Friends tweeted, that certainly kept me going (you were all inspirational, you know who you are) !
It`s funny, because when you least expect it something happens that can make you feel much better. In my case, it was the night security guard Chris. I think my partner had said something to him before she left. Chris then kept me company for much of the evening and early hours of the morning. I was starting to feel really tired and was even beginning to fall asleep. Chris was keeping an eye on me, I think to make sure that I didn`t fall off my bike. After 14 hours had elapsed I had to change my Garmin (the battery was dying). I replaced it with one borrowed from Neil. I was in bits at this point and desperatley needed a boost. I succumbed to an addiction, I got off my bike and had a cigarette given to me by Chris (I know)!
I am no saint, nor a professional cyclist., I`m just a bloke trying to raise money for two great causes.
Dawn started to break which made me feel better. The night shift at Tescos were finishing work, the day shift starting work. Some of them were amazed that I was still there and still cycling. Chris and Mark, two good friends who were part of our LEJOG team came to visit me, which was another boost just when I needed it.
I was now at the point of hanging on, but still managing to maintain 20mph. It had been in the most part, a long and lonely night, Tesco Chris was an Angel.
Spire FM were being brilliant and shouting out for me on the hour. At about 11:30 Jack and Neil arrived to see me across the line. At 12:01 Friday 11th May I stopped peddling. I gingerly climbed off my bike. Jack and Neil supervising (we had read a blog from someone who had done the same thing, that due to cramp, he couldn`t get off his bike).
Finshed.......
How did I feel?
Tired, sore and very uncomfortable.
I then shook myself and had a re-think. How did I feel?
BLOODY BRILLIANT !!!!
Jack and Neil started to break down my bike and pack up. They then brought out a small bottle of Jack Daniels and poured me a JD & coke into a used coffee cup. It did taste good, as did knowing that I had taken on and completed a huge personal challenge for our chosen charities.
NUMBERS
Time spent cycling : 23 hours 10 minutes
Miles completed : 475
Pee stops 9 (I am an old man)
Fags smoked 2 (BAD BOY) !!!!
Money raised £1,178.00.
Our combined total now stands at £19,024.47.
I would like to thank every one who helped make this happen, in particular Stephen Magers.
I would like to thank the fabulous general public for their interest & benevolence.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me, either in person or over the airways/internet.
I would like to thank Help for Heroes and The Starlight Magic Children`s Foundation for the Stellar work they do for others.
Lastly I would like to thank my partner Donna for her endless support.
What next ?
ALLEZ FRANCE
7 May 2012
UP DATE
Have just finished last hard turbo session, climbing the Galibier (It`s a ball breaker, even on a turbo), prior to taking on the 24 hour endurance fundraiser for HelpforHeroes & Starlight Magic Children`s Foundation. Have been running around posting flyers and trying to arrange some media coverage to boost interest. Hopefully it will come together on the day(s) !
Less than 7 weeks to go until we take on our Alpine challenge, I`m not too sure which one scares me the most, it`s 50-50 at the moment.
More later...."Tarra"
27 April 2012
What`s Happening
So here`s the thing, yesterday I went to Wales to train, riding up some challenging climbs ( a huge thank you to Chis Carroll and Mark Crew) for driving me there. I lost my bloody phone, which as most of you know, in this day & age is such a huge inconvenience. Especially seeing as in 2 weeks time I am going to attempt to cycle for 24 hours straight through at Tescos Southampton Road Salisbury. Thank you to Stephen Magers & Tescos for your continued support. The 24 hour endurance ride will take place in the foyer at Tescos, starting at noon Thursday 10 May until noon Friday 11 May 2012. Hopefully Spire FM will be shouting out for us & inviting people to come along and see an old fool suffering. We`ll keep you posted and even tweet when I get a replacement phone (hoping my insurers aren`t too slow). We are hoping that we may be able to boost our fundraising total over that 24 hour period. TTFN.
12 April 2012
Haven`t said much for sometime, there hasn`t been much to say. Since then, things have moved forward. On 10th April we had great pleasure in banking £1,158.16, taking the total we have raised to £17,846.56. If anyone would have told us that, when we were sat down planning all of this, we probably wouldn`t have believed them. Now due to the amazing public, even in these times of austerity WE believe it. So a MASSIVE (one for kneel) thanks to everyone who has shown interest, support or donated whatever the amount. Jamie has invested in a Tacx i-magic turbo that simulates rides in real life video. He has a route called Alpine classic, this is basically 90% of the route that we are riding on 30th June. It`s bloody savage & that`s putting it mildly. With close to 10 weeks before we ride Modane to Alpe d`Huez, we are trying to get as much training in as possible (quite difficult when you work shifts that overlap). On that note, now would be a very opportune moment to thank my long suffering partner, so on behalf of myself (Jamie) "Donna" I can never thank you enough for your support & words of wisdom. We have some more promotional cycles planned, dates & venues to follow. We are also hoping to get across to Wales to cycle over some CAT 1 mountains, to better prepare us for the lumps in France. Well that`s about it for now, so be well & "Ta-ta for now", I think that should be abbrieviated?
13 March 2012
Neil breaks his Scott CR1
On his way home on 11 March 2012, Neil's chain snagged pulling the dérailleur over the cassette and into the spokes. Not thinking he grabbed the dérailleur and pulled it out of his spokes, it snapped off the hanger and the dérailleur was just hanging on the road. (Cries of obscenity from the side of the road). The dérailleur hanger on Neil's 2009 Scott CR1 is part of the frame and not a addition that can be replaced.
Initial research on the internet, looked like the frame would have to be written off (Disaster for BrokenBikers). Neil decided to take the bike to his favourite Scott dealership Pedals Cycle Centre, Ferndown, Dorset. At first Roger (the mechanic) agreed the frame was indeed a write off, then he said "let me just phone Scott Uk". Then the news Neil had been waiting for, YES-YES it can be repaired, the repair is not cheap all in £275, but Neil gets his beloved bicycle back on the road. (Cries of delight on the way home).
John from Andover wheelers has kindly loaned Neil a bike to keep him on the road. All is well again, disaster averted, now Neil just has to wait 3 weeks for his Scott CR1 to come home.
Initial research on the internet, looked like the frame would have to be written off (Disaster for BrokenBikers). Neil decided to take the bike to his favourite Scott dealership Pedals Cycle Centre, Ferndown, Dorset. At first Roger (the mechanic) agreed the frame was indeed a write off, then he said "let me just phone Scott Uk". Then the news Neil had been waiting for, YES-YES it can be repaired, the repair is not cheap all in £275, but Neil gets his beloved bicycle back on the road. (Cries of delight on the way home).
John from Andover wheelers has kindly loaned Neil a bike to keep him on the road. All is well again, disaster averted, now Neil just has to wait 3 weeks for his Scott CR1 to come home.
14 February 2012
Influencing others
Popped into ATS today to get my tyres checked. Chris the manager recognised me from last year, normal to form it was because I was giving him an ear bashing about BrokenBikers and our charity work. I was so happy for him, as he has started to raise money for "Cycle Vietnam to Cambodia 2012" an event organised by Parkinson's UK. Good luck Chris
Follow this link "pedalpowerchris" to find out more about Chris and his event.
11 January 2012
The diary is taking shape
2012 is here and the BrokenBikers diary is already taking shape, having confirmed the date of this years challenge 30 June 2012, it was a simple case of fill our days off with charity static pedals to raise money for our two favourite charities Help for Heroes and the Starlight Foundation, also getting in some training as well.
As a foot note: After devouring 5 profiteroles at the same time I felt quite ill. My advice is to eat 4 at a time...
7 January 2012
Eating myself fit
Jamie "How many profiteroles can you fit in your mouth"
Neil "Never tried to put more than one in"
Jamie "I estimate you could fit five"
Neil "Lets see".........
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