Feeling Good

On Sunday I did a quick ride up to the Brickworks and back - about 33 miles and 1700ft climbing. I was back in 2 hours 5 minutes - 20 minutes quicker than when I last rode it in June (ok, it was damp on that day). I felt strong on the ride, climbed steadily & kept up the speed on the flat. It was a lovely day and I really enjoyed being out on my bike again - much more like it. Come the afternoon, I felt a little tired so took myself off upstairs for a snooze.

Yesterday, just did a 25 minute spin around the block. I was tired in the evening and didn't really feel like it but knew that a bit of fresh air would do me good after spending the day indoors with my chicken poxy baby.

Today, with under 13 days to go now, I feel so much better. My penicillin course finished yesterday, I had a good night's sleep and woke feeling fresher than I have for a while. The ulcer is still there but it's bothering me less and less. I'm feeling much more confident that I will be fully healthy by a week on Monday.

I read a reader comment on Simon's blog that he and I are worrying too much. I'm sorry if I've given the impression that I am a bag of nerves or feeling negative about the Etape - actually, my main feeling is huge excitement and eagerness to be in France doing it. So far this year, I have ridden for 184 hours covering 2400 miles - about 80% of my riding for the whole of last year. I've climbed over 130,000ft - 4.5 times Everest - already stacks more altitude than last year as I have gone for miles of the hilly variety. I've lost 25lb!!!! (and none of my clothes fit.) I've completed 6 sportives, 3 of those were centuries, one of which I finished in 6hrs 40 mins. Each sportive has been a learning experience in preparation for July 20th - I've ridden in bunches, taken a turn on the front, been a wheelsucker (this more often - unashamed too - I'm definitely going to be taking as much benefit as I can on the Etape and will be looking for some fast huge Dutchmen (or anyone else) to tuck in behind!). I've ridden through all weathers - not always enjoying it (Polka Dot) - but knowing that it will all stand me in good stead for THE big ride.

Having said all of that (and feeling very positive about it too) I do have a few concerns, which I think is a natural state for a first time Etapist. I have never ridden a ride against the broom wagon. On this front, my main worry is that I get a puncture early on and get caught. There is nothing that can be done if this happens - I just have to change the tyre as quickly as I can and get back on it. It doesn't stop me being a little apprehensive about that possibility though. I guess all anyone wants is a clear run at it - no crashes, no mechanicals, just you against the course.

God it's hissing down here.