Eamonn Deane, TrainingBibleUK's very own cycling legend shares his thoughts...
The Times they are a changing…
A couple of surefire signs that spring is round the corner: Firstly the advent of the Bournemouth Jubilee 100 mile reliability trial, the final ride in a series of four (the others being the 50mile, the 100km and the 75mile). From November through to February these tourist trials are very popular, with 121 riders signing on for the 50 back in November. The numbers drop off a little as the distances increase but with the recent addition of a 100km option, on the same roads as the 100 mile, the turnout is still high and there is always someone to ride with if you crave some company! Take each ride on its own and they are simple enough, however, to do all four over one winter always proves a challenge. There is an engraved medal for anyone who manages it. Sickness, punctures, mechanicals all take there toll. The ice this year broke more than a few riders’ hearts and dreams of that medal were put off for another year. Having been riding these reliability trials for quite a few years now, it always amazes me how unreliable some people are: not carrying enough fuel, only one spare tube and having no idea of the route seem to be the most common “crimes”.
Another sign of the changing season is the club dinners and prize presentations come to and end. I have been invited to a few over the years and was a guest at one recently but there is no such thing as a free lunch, a speech being required or even having to “sing for me supper”. I like the formality of these occasions, with the saying of grace and toasting Her Majesty, it is also an opportunity not just to congratulate those who have won trophies but to thank all those people who work behind the scenes, be it promoting events, marshalling or making the tea - without these people there simply would be no sport.
It has proved to be a challenging winter on the bike, with more than a few road rides turned into turbo sessions. Not sure what I prefer, the turbo session takes less time but you know it is going to be hard - there is no chance to skive like you can out on the road! Freewheeling is cheating!! I am lucky enough to have my turbo permanently set up in the garage with an old racing bike, ready to go. I have no excuse really. However sometimes this winter it has been so cold out there I have started my sessions with hat and gloves on. Love em’ or hate em’ turbo training works.
There are no short cuts in training for endurance sports, however lots of hard work will bring rewards, look for consistency, quality, and commitment and when the going gets tough just dig in and get on with it. Your training will work, it just won’t happen overnight!
One of my athletes, who’s training for London, came for his weekly massage having clocked up 131 miles in training. After he left I went out on the bike… well, I couldn’t have him running more than I’d cycled!
See you up the road,
E D
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