by Training has not been going that smoothly, although I’ve done a few decent rides. I managed a half-century in very windy conditions which took a lot out of me, but I’m pleased I was able to do the distance regardless.
The route was mostly flat although it’s rolling around the reservoir. There’s also one significant climb in Rayleigh (London Hill). I used to do a paper round in that area and would regularly ride up London Hill with two bags of Sunday papers, I have no idea how I used to manage it!
The weather has also not been kind thanks to ‘The Beast from the East’ and Storm Emma. The snow has only just cleared away, so I’ve done a few Zwift rides. I finally worked out how to change the starting FTP so I was able to complete an FTP test. Zwift claims my FTP is 103W which feels relatively low. I’m not convinced the calibration with my dumb turbo trainer is correct, but at least it gives me a baseline to work from. My average heart rate through the 20 minutes was 177 which will also help work out heart rate zones when I’m out and about. I’d love to get a power meter but they’re too expensive for me at the moment.
I had hoped to get out for a 50km ride today but I didn’t get much sleep last night. My knee is also playing up a little – I think it’s on account of pulling the kids on a sled through the snow last week! Hopefully it will clear up soon.
I’ve also signed up to raise money for the British Heart Foundation during RideLondon – I’ll update my Charity page with links once I’ve got everything setup.
Pros back in the swing of things
It’s great that the pro-cycling season is back under way properly, with the classics starting and Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico about to start. Can’t wait for Milan-San Remo in a couple of weeks! Strade Bianchi looked very gruelling. There are some awesome pictures of the riders covered in dirt, such as this one of the winner Tiesj Benoot.