The Wrekin [South Side]

I took a route around the south side of the Wrekin for a change which was really good. Climbs were the order of the day with the upwards elevation starting at the bottom of Wrockwardine village hill. On through Burcot & past Neaves Castle around the south side of the Wrekin up to Little Wenlock & then on up & over New Works this was a gradual climb over 6.5 miles with the odd lung busting gradient requiring a low gear. Only covered 21 miles in total [just to keep the legs ticking over] - as I also wanted to get back to watch Chelsea stuff Fulham.

Sue & Barney

Sue & Barney have been out cycling together again, this time I accompanied them to take a few photos, we did the same 3 mile route that Sue had done previously which is mostly off-road. We had to stop for a few minutes on the way back as Barney likes to cool off in the stream at Bean Hill Wood.

4 Castles "Comedy Moments"

There were two rather humorous comedy moments during our ride which are worth a mention, firstly I managed to fall off my bike when stationary [?] yes stationary. Clip-in pedals are wonderful things but they can catch you out occasionally, always make sure that you unclip the correct foot before attempting low speed manouvers.

The second comedy moment was when an elderly cyclist passed us wearing the full Astana racing kit, I jibbed that we had just passed Albert Condor-Moment [Alberto Contador] which raised a giggle or two.

4 Castles Ride [Nantwich]

Mike's planned ride taking in 4 castles situated around the Nantwich area. Most castles are located at the tops of hills so this ride was to be a good leg tester with at least 3 stinging climbs. The planned 43 miler turned into 53 as Mike's map reading skills [?] & lack of sign posts on country lanes meant doing an extra 10 miles. As for the 4 castles [?] we only actually got to see 2, Peckforton Castle [Hotel] at the top of a tree lined climb, Beeston Castle in the distance [didn't actually ride up to this one] Bickerton Castle [we must have missed somewhere doing the extra 10 miles] & Chomondeley Castle was closed.

A good ride non the less in fair but blustery weather.

Mike is now registered for the Cat & Fiddle - Dave, MIke & I will be getting together soon for a few rides in preparation.

The Cat & Fiddle Challenge

I've just registered for the Cat & Fiddle Challenge - so its all uphill from here!

Good news - Dave has registered - just waiting for Mike to confirm.

Tomorrow is a bit of a training ride with Mike - doing his "Castle ride" 43 miles undulating?

www.cftrust.org.uk/help/events/catandfiddle

Cycling [Related] Songs - "Racer or Penny Farthing"

5 Cycling [related] Songs - have your say in the comments - Vote - "Racer or Penny Farthing"

1. Pedal Pusher - Stereophonics

2. Bicycle Race - Queen

3. My White Bicycle - Tomorrow [or Nazareth]

4. Tour de France - Kraftwerk

5. Push Bike Song - The Mixture's [or Mungo Jerry]

More to follow shortly to make a top 10

Classic Kraftwerk

Check out the Video bar at the foot of the blog page for some classic footage of Kraftwerk & Le Tour de France

Sue is back in the Saddle

Having not ridden her bike in anger for a few years, Sue was back in the saddle last week after work on a couple of occasions. Using her Mountain bike for starters & with Barney [our Terrier] running alongside for company - she cycled a local loop on the cycle paths of approx. 3 miles, this was probably the limit for Barney, as he is only 10" tall as it is.

[I will try & get a photo for next time]

As you know from the "Pedal to Paris" blogspot Sue [along with friend Clare] will hopefully be tackling the London2Brighton charity ride for BHF - next June [see attached link]- so this is the start of the training.

www.bhf.org.uk/get_involved/take_part_in_our_events/bike_rides/london_to_brighton_bike_ride.aspx

Next Up - Its the Cat & Fiddle

Looks like Mike & I will be taking on "Rourkie's Cat & Fiddle Challenge" - 55 miles around the Peaks, Staffordshire, Cheshire etc including the infamous 7 mile "Cat & Fiddle" climb used on the Tour of Britain.

Still got to register - probably this weekend - entry is £15 with proceeds going to Cystic Fibrosis. More details at the attached link.

www.cftrust.org.uk/help/events/catandfiddle

P.S. I have also asked another friend to join us & hopefully Dave Timmins will be up for the challenge

A New Beginning

Following on from where "Pedal 2 Paris" left off - my new blogspot "Wheel Spokes & Pedal Strokes" will be a catalogue of cycling adventures & information as we [this now includes Sue & friends]continue our passion for cycling.

I hope you like the new site.