Zo'C Cycling

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This last week was a well deserved and highly needed holiday week in St. Ives, on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall, and of course, we took the bikes with us. On Thursday Anna decided to stay on the B&B and I took the time to cycle 12km (8mi) across the Cornish High Lands to Penzance, on the English Channel coast.

I don't usually like to cycle back the same way I went somewhere, so I decided for a different, longer, route. Also, I was hoping that by following more of the coastline I'd have to face less hills but I couldn't be more wrong. The way back to St Ives via Pendeen was even more hilly and windy than the direct route.

I cycled from Penzance following the route to St. Just but taking switching to the road to Pendeen, where one of the most extraordinary things happened, the wind was not agaisnt me but in my favour, and I'm not talking about a breeze, I'm talking about wind strong enough to propell me to 52km/h (33mi/h) uphill, almost effortlessly and that went on for over 5km (3.1mi).

I have been to faster speeds than that in intense downhills but going uphill is just amazing, not only because the crazy feeling of, well, riding uphill quite fast, but the sense of safety that comes of being more in control uphill than downhill. I loved that feeling, I want to do it again, if I only can figure out how to do it...

The other amazing thing has to be the lovely views of the Cornish countryside and the coastline, riding for miles and miles with no more company than the sun, the pastures, the ocean, cows and the odd car and cyclist.

All in all, every extra mile I cycled was worth the effort, it was an amazing ride and I strongly recommend it.

Oh, and next time I want to go as far as Land's End. Why? you ask. Oh well, it's called Land's End and it's the beak of England, do I need better reason?

Enjoy the pics.

The time has finally come.

After some 800Km (500mi) and several pounds worth of training in the last few weeks, this Sunday we're finally heading to Rochester (23rd of May).

Weather forecast says it's going to be nice and Sunny but changes so much that I'm not counting on it, whatever the weather we should be on the The Crown Pub in Rochester by mid afternoon and you are welcome to join us either for the ride (no, it's not too late if you want to go) or just for drinks afterwards. Trains run three times per hour from Victoria and you can catch up with us there.

We are happy that our effort here is helping make such a difference in Malawi. The good thing about investing in education is that the benefit will last for the lifetimes of those children and quite possibly passed on to future generations. Every pound won is making a huge difference, so please consider making a donation adn keep an eye on this blog for pictures and stories of the ride.

Oh joy! From Putney (SW15) to Hackney (E5).

A friend invited us for a Sunday lunch and as part of my training lessons for the Big Adventure I decided to cycle from home to Hackney. Easy!

It was almost a hill free journey, not so much traffic. Even the weather helped and changed from rainy to sunny/cloudy when I mounted my bike! It took me 1 hour and 40 minutes each way, cycling around 19 km per hour... not too bad! I feel I am getting there!

We had a chance to see the lovely North Mill Fields and the river Lea. After spending a great day with our friends we went back to Putney and were surprised by an AMAZING sunset. The sky was pink/orange, just beautiful! The riverside was particulary fabulous.

Please sponsor our ride to Rochester here. Only 2 weeks left and still £90 to be fundraised to build classrooms in Malawi, Africa, for poor children.

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I have read so much about the benefit of butterfly handlebars (also know as Trekking or Touring Handlebars) that I decided to give them a try. I bought this one for nearly £14 on ebay and I bought yellow and red Fizik Microtex tape to create a harlequim pattern. Now, you may have noticed that the handlebar was not put on its canonical position and the reason is that I want to try projecting the handlebars more to the front because I'm a tall chap and I want to gain a few centimeters. That also allows me to put the saddle a bit more forward too and putting me in a position closer to the one I am when I cycle standing on the pedals, which is much more efficient. I'll try the handlebars in a few different positions before I commit my tape into it and I'll let you know how it went.

I normally cycle around the park and it takes me 1 hr (30 min to Gui - shame on me!). There is a hard part of the route where I have to dismount my bike Josephine as I am not fit enought to cope riding up the hill, between Robin Hood Gate and Ladderstile Gate. My dutch bike doesn't help too....

The first ride around the park was great as usual - nothing new. Second ride was ok as well but in the end I needed water - and Gui bought me a bottle at the Roehampton Gate cafe (he's the best)! So... the third ride - that was difficult!!! My legs were starting to fail when cycling up the hills and I begun feeling very hungry. So we made a pause at the Pembroke lodge and had something to eat. Uff.... that was good but there was still more work to be done! Not the best performance after eating a sandwich and juice, but I finally made it! 3 rides around Richmond park!

Now I will keep working on the training, try to cycle 2 times around the park during the week and try again 3 times in the weekend. I have the feeling I will be left behind when cycling to Rochester..... oh no!

If you want to sponsor us in our big bicycle adventure on the 23rd of May, click here.

Wish me luck!

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The weather was so great in the weekend we decided to cycle from our home in Putney to Windsor on Saturday.

It was very challenging for me, an easy journey to Guilherme - a very experienced biker - and we made it! Almost 40km later and we were at the Windsor castle, relaxing at the Great Park

3 hours cycling! Fantastic landscapes and beautiful villas in the way to Windsor. It was a great experience and I am so proud I was able to reach my goal! Now I am more prepared for the big challenge: cycle to Rochester on the 23rd of May. Please sponsor us here.

We went back to London by train but instead of leaving the train at Barnes station we decided to leave a bit earlier at Richmond and complete our journey cycling 10 more km home via the Thames path. It was a beautiful end of the day and it's always inspiring to cycle around the Thames path.

To celebrate our bravery we end up at the White Hard, our favourite local pub, overlooking river Thames.

Guilherme is saying Edinburg is our next challenge but I have to say I need more time for this - sorry, lol. But will keep you posted on our next adventure!

Cheers

Anna

Now we are almost there! Please keep helping the cause and donate!

Before I could even start the blog up properly, my wife, Anna, decided to join the ride and the fundraising so we decided to make a joint effort in training, keeping the blog and getting the funds. As a result, I've changed the profiles, pictures and the looks of the blog but it's the same campaign, just more collaborative and interesting now.

When I've decided to join the cycling event yesterday and start the fundraising I thought the thoughest part would be to actually raise the money. I wouldn't have thought that less than 24 hours after it started, I'd be halfway there and I'd be humbled by the support and generosity of early donators to the cause I'm supporting for this ride.

The cause

I have to say I've always believed education is the central piece for social reform and improvement. I do think most of the commendable things one can campaign for can be achieved as a consequence of an educated society and helping create a few classrooms in a poor country in a Africa is, though modest, is quite in the right direction.

The plan

Now, to the light of the generous donations that were given I do start to feel responsible not only towards the children in Africa but also towards the donors and being the one to have fun with the cycling, I do want to share the fun and joy with you guys so in the weeks that precede the event I will be updating this blog with pictures, cycling tips, routes, bike maintenance tips, training updates and all the general fun of cycling.

Last but not least, I'll try and bring as much as I can from the lovely ride it's going to be to this blog. So sign up for the feed to get the updates, please donate if you haven't done so, you'll be helping a lovely cause and if you are a cyclist sign up for the event and get involved.