STEVE'S WEEKEND

As they say in the military: "no plan ever survives first contact with the enemy". Well Saturday was a bit like that. It started well with a 14 miles ride from home to Downland Cycles for a ride out with my trainer, Will. Unfortunately Will could only take me out on a 20 mile ride rather than something longer. Anyway, after a tour of Herne Bay, Whitstable and the surrounding countryside, I set off on a circuitous route home to Lyminge. The first bit to Wingham via Stodmarsh and Preston wasn't too bad but the last 10 miles were purgatory. The 5 miles from Wingham to Barham is steadily uphill and was also into a biting headwind. Suffice it to say I ran out of steam at Derringstone Downs and had to walk a short while. Got back on and made it home for a total of 54 miles. Lessons learnt:

1. 70 miles is a long way in a day - still more training required.

2. It is important to take onboard the right amount and sort of food and drink. I didn't and paid the price.

Today I cycled the 13 miles from Lyminge to the Canterbury Hospice; the hills don't get any easier!