30th May Monday Night Update

Well as thoughts turn to heading back to work tomorrow, I am satisfied I have done around 169 miles in the last 4 days, so I am feeling a bit more positive about taking on the Ride Across Britain. It's going to be tough, there is no doubt about it, there is going to be highs, there is going to be lows, but what ever happens it's going to be a great event to be part of, it's the biggest challenge I have ever taken on, so as I enter the unknown I just hope all my running and cycling training over the last few months will  carry me through. I hope I can take the time to record as much of the journey in Blogs, Tweets, FB posts, in photos and in this brave new world of video. A big thanks to James today was a really great day today as we rode over the hills from Peebles to Selkirk and back again, some amazing climbs, some fantastic descents reaching the heights of 40 mph at one point. Thanks also James for your encouraging words, as you said I looked strong today and I felt strong even at the end I knew I had plenty left in the can. I am nervously excited to be taking part in this years RAB and it will be great to share that experience with James and all the other Cisco cyclists along the way. Team Cisco's is going to be awesome and a sight to behold on the 9 stages as we ride across Britain. Here's the links to my Garmin downloads of the last couple of rides, shame it doesn't show wind speed as well, that sure made it interesting this weekend.

Peebles to Selkirk and Back 66 Miles by rmoir50 at Garmin Connect - Details
Saturday Morning 75K Training Run by rmoir50 at Garmin Connect - Details


Oh and some pics just for good measure :-)

58k training run for the Ride Across Britain by rmoir50 at Garmin Connect - Details

58k training run for the Ride Across Britain by rmoir50 at Garmin Connect - Details

Was out for 2 hours tonight on my bike, wasn't the best weather wise, it hosed it down for most of the time so it was mind over matter to keep going.

My route tonight took me from Livingston out towards Woolfords near the Cobbinshaw Reservoir, very remote and exposed that way there has been a new Wind Farm constructed near Tarbrax, good place for it, it always seems to be blowing a gale out that way. Eventually picked up the A70 and then with a tail wind flew along the A70 to Ballerno, the usual road I take to head back to Livingston was closed so I had to head further along the A70 to Currie before heading back along the Long Dalmahoy Road to Kirknewton. Headed back along the A71 to Livingston just over 2 hours and 58K in distance which was not too bad. Took ages for me to warm up when I got back, my feet were like blocks of ice could hardly walk upstairs till they thawed out. Will be heading back out again tomorrow evening fingers Xed the weather is a bit better, not that we will have much choice on the Ride Across Britain. Just hope we don't have the repeat of the winds we had earlier this week, that would be tough to cycle in, if not a little bit dangerous with all the bits flying off trees and a night under canvas in those winds would have been fun.

Update 26th of May

A big big thank you again to everyone that has sponsored me so far for this mammoth undertaking,  having downloaded the route profile it’s starting to dawn on me how challenging this event really is going to be, never mind the 950 miles of cycling it’s starting to sink in that I also have to spend 10 days sleeping in a tent!!. Training continues to be going well and I am up now to £450 in Sponsorship which is superb and I am well on my way to achieving my target. I know you all probably get regular requests for sponsorship these days, but if  you can still spare a few pounds or pennies to support my challenge that would be very much appreciated, as they say every little helps, but unfortunately I can’t promise any club card points in return.

http://www.justgiving.com/richardrideacrossbritain

STOP PRESS NEWS

You will be able to track our progress on a daily basis during the event using mapmytracks.com or via a map-my-tracks iPhone app, our bikes are individually  being fitted with GPS transmitters so you can track our progress throughout the 9 days, If I have enough energy left I also hope to take loads of video’s, pictures and Blog/Tweet along the way so will let you know the details once I have got that all set up.
ParalympicsGB is responsible for ensuring Britain's top disabled athletes are best prepared to compete at the Paralympic Games. With London 2012 approaching they have one opportunity to inspire more people with a disability to get in to sport and change public perception of people with a disability.

Hopefully with your help and support you can give me a  very good reason to keep toughing it out all the way to the finish at Lands End .... Everything you donate will go to the charity, not to funding spare inner tubes or medical attention for myself.  Remember if you are a UK taxpayer Paralympics GB will also get 28% more if you tick that box - so please give what you can.  
Feel free to forward this on to anyone you think would be interested in supporting this great cause and thank you again for you support
Richard