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primaleuropeambassadorsstuff · 4 years

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So 2020 has been a bit of a weird year...

With restrictions on international travel and cancelled events some of us had to get a bit inventive for our adventures.

I set out to explore England by bike in September, starting and finishing from my home in Essex and covering as much of the coastline as I could in 10 days. My adventure took me over 1181 miles cycling and 58,494ft of elevation in total and here I’m going to recap the 5 best/most scenic bits from my trip!

Aldeburgh to Southwold

This was one of the best sections of the first half of my trip. A rural bit of riding here, through Dunwich Forest, and over the River Blyth. Through nature reserves, spotting rabbits, squirrels and deer, a River Crossing I hadn’t expected and the approach to the crossing did make me question my mapping capabilities, but was totally worth it for the views! A really stunning part of England, felt very connected to nature, and the flat easy riding through this section helped to give me the time to focus on my surroundings.

Hull to Scarborough

I rode over the Humber Bridge into Hull which felt a bit surreal but after that my favourite bit was Withernsea! When you think of seaside Withernsea is exactly the sort of fairytale seaside location brought to life! Sea, sand, a castle and amazing sea front cafes! I loved it!

Then the ride from Withernsea to Scarborough hugged the coast, went via Bridlington Harbour before heading into Scarborough. A true seaside adventure!

Scarborough to Whitby

Now I have to add a bit of a disclaimer here! Whilst actually riding this section I didn’t appreciate it... there were some tough climbs and it was pouring with rain! But by the time I got to Whitby I realised I had ridden through some amazing locations - and Robin Hood Bay really would have been worth the descent down followed by the climb out of the weather hasn’t been quite so hideous! I really want to go back and do this in better weather as I know it was stunning! Lacking in photos for this bit as the weather was inclement but even here the view over Robin Hood Bay looks amazing!

The Pennines (Stanhope to Hartside)

Well... this wasn’t my favourite bit to ride as being a bit ambitious my trip included the coast to coast from Newcastle to Whitehaven in one day... Brutal climbs and into a headwind... However I do believe all cyclists are slightly masochistic in that it’s the rides that hurt the most that leave the fondest memories! And this section of my trip hurt, but was stunning, brutal and just amazing in equal measures! Tough climbs, nowhere near enough descents for my liking, tons of sheep, open mores and a huge sense of achievement...

Whitehaven to Carnforth

Save the best till last!! If you want a proper day of seaside and countryside riding this is the section to ride!!

Blue sea to your right and the mountains of the Lake District to your left, a coastal road that shows the best of both worlds! This route is one I would happily ride again, and again and again!!! I loved it! Can you tell? Rolling roads, very little traffic and in my opinion some of the best riding England has to offer...

I am a massive advocate of heading out on adventures and making the most of what you can do... I’m actually quite grateful to 2020 for taking me out of my comfort zone and getting me to try something new, who knew such adventures and beautiful roads could be found starting and ending from your own front door!

I wore the Primal Aqua Helix Kit (kindly washed by some friends a couple of times along the route) I had 2 pairs of socks with me (Narwhals obviously as I was riding the sea side, and the flamingo socks just because they are awesome) I also used the unisex base layer. I am please to report no kit malfunctions and no chaffing or saddle sores! I well and truly put my kit to the test on this trip... So for anyone wondering - the Helix kit absolutely lives up to even the toughest of adventures!

#primaleurope #happytrails #cycling #health & fitness #sports #bikepacking #endurancecyclist #endurance #cyclingadventures #cyclingkit

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primaleuropeambassadorsstuff · 4 years

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Adjusting training in light of COVID-19

I’m now in my 3rd year as a Primal Ambassador and its no secret that each year I pick a few quite tough challenges to aim for, previous years have included the Vatternrundan 300km ride, Ironman events, the Two Ton Tour, and numerous other sportives, triathlons and events.

This year was going to be a bit different. I had entered the TransAtlanticWay, a 2500km bikepacking event around Ireland.

I had entered lots of Audax events 200km, 300km and 500km distances to get me prepped and ready and give me an opportunity to test out my kit and race plans.

But then COVID-19 popped up, events started to cancel or postpone and outdoor activities have been restricted. I predominantly train outside in all seasons, all of a sudden I needed to adjust my plans... Therefore here are my top tips for readjusting your training in the current environment, they seem to be working for me, so I hope some other people can find them useful... 1) Recognise that its ok to change your plans... This is something I really struggled with to start with. I am such a planner and really don’t cope well with changing plans... I thought I needed to do all my long mileage days in one hit. This resulted in some rather long turbo sessions that I found uncomfortable and demotivating. I quickly realised that I needed to adjust. Days of long mileage are now split between sessions, 2 or even 3 sessions a day if I need to. Alternating between turbo sessions and also some local outside riding when I can has helped me to find a balance that’s both sustainable and enjoyable.

2) Refocus and reassess your goals

It might be that some of your events have moved, or even deferred to the next year. Instead of feeling like this is a negative, take the time to refocus and adjust your goals for the year. Maybe all your training was particularly focused towards an event (as mine is), but now take the positives from that training and look at where you can build on your progress to date.

3) Use this time to work on elements you might not usually dedicate much time to

For me this involves increasing my strength training, stretching and core work. I know that when I am physically stronger and more flexible my cycling improves. But a few years of long distance triathlon has seen me neglect these elements as I try to squeeze in sessions in swimming, cycling and running, as well as working, living etc...

So I’ve added in strength, core and stretching to my plan, and actually doing some of my training inside on the turbo has been perfect for this. I get off the turbo, pop a yoga mat on the floor and do my strength and core work straight after my session, this way I am already warmed up and in the right location so there really is no excuse to skip it...

4) Enjoy it

Easier said than done I know, but enjoy the time that is gained from not commuting to and from work. I am also enjoying training in bib shorts and short sleeved jerseys, I hate being wrapped up to train, even though I love training outside, so actually training in my favourite kits because the weather isn’t a concern is amazing. At the moment I am loving my Aqua Helix Kit, plus it goes well with my bike and rockerplate!

Why not add some creativity to sessions. I have done some Zoom spin and circuit training sessions with friends which definitely helps pass the time quicker and makes you feel like you aren’t suffering alone!

We will never get this year again. Make the most of it, make the most of the time, the reduced pressure that is a bi-product of the lack of events and races. Focus on you!

#cycling #indoortraining #cyclelife #bikelife #lifebehindhandlebars #wahooligan #primaleurope #endurancecyclist #justride

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