16 APRIL - PART 3

Good to hear from David Jones about his training plans. I managed to put in a 25 miler this evening from home in Lyminge to Nonington and back. I do wish the strong NE'ly would go away although it does make the return journey easier. It is great to see that the pot holes are being repaired across the county; it is making the ride down the Elham Valley road less rough. Spoke to the nurses and care assistants at the Ashford Hospice this afternoon. Viv Bell had seen me out and about training through Stowting. Sunday will be the big day this weekend.

16 APRIL PART 2

It is great to have followers and people posting comments. David Jones wanted to know about my speed.

I average about 10 to 12 miles per hour so last weekend's stint was 4 hours. I anticipate that the ride, with stops to lay forget-me-nots in memory of loved ones, will take me about 9 hours. Yesterday speedy Dr Bill Crawley said "we don't all have to ride together do we?" I think he was scared I would slow him down! He and Ian Ashton will probably do it in 4 or 5 hours. Richard Davis will be more my speed, as will the other members of Team Pilgrims.

Got measured for my Team Pilgrims shirt today.

16 APRIL

Went to see the physio today to get the knee checked out. She thinks I have a minor cartilage problem which can be sorted out with physiotherapy, ibuprofen and exercise. More to the point I can still keep cycling - I just have to avoid twisting.

My plan for the weekend is at some stage to do the whole ride to make sure that I can get the distance. It will mean getting the food and fluid intake right. I will let you know how I get on.

So far 189 people have signed up for the tri-hospice challenge which is fantastic, although there are still places available as there are for the other shorter, challenges based on the hopsices at Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet. Please do all that you can to encourage friends and family to turn out.

11 APRIL

Set off to test out the knee in a headwind towards Sandwich. Took it nice and easy with plenty of care when going uphill. Made it to Sandwich and decided to push on to Richborough Towers. En route I was passed by the dynamic Linda Rendle of Team Pilgrims heading in the opposite direction - she quickly disappeared at pace! I turned round and headed back which was great as it was the first time for days that I had had the wind at my back. The knee held out well with only one twinge on crossing the A2 I got back earlier than planned so pushed on up Longage Hill and looped back to Lyminge. All in all around 48 miles. Picked up some more sponsorship money at dinner the night before.

9 APRIL

Met fellow cyclist David Jones at our Ashford Hospice. David had been out riding part of the route and had done around 50 miles. It was great to meet someone who is following this blog and who is also well on the way to raising a few hundred pounds for Pilgrims Hospices. We will aim to ride the route togethr on the day but I suspect he will leave me behind.

Went to see the doctor about me knee - goods news - I can continue to ride but need an x-ray and some physiotherapy.

BSET BY INJURY - 8 APRIL

Damaged my left knee riding last weekend and it still hasn't recovered. It feels like a cartilage, ligament or joint problem. Played golf today in aid of the hospice and although we finished second I was limping at the end. I am concerned tha the injury will prevent me from doing sufficient training so I am hoping to see the doctor tomorrow. Come what may I will still do the ride even if I have to walk up some of the hills.

EASTER WEEKEND TRAINING

Didn't quite make the full route but settled for a 28 miles stretch which took in the area from Lyminge to the Ashford Hospice and then on to Waltham and Petham before returning home. Not an easy route to follow so I am glad that I took time to stop to enable me to write up the route card. There are two steep hills on this section, one on Lonage Hill (the name gives it away) and another to get back onto the North Downs after leaving the Ashford Hospice. The volunteers made me a good cup of tea and fed me fruitcake to sustain me. I also met Ray Bissil en route but he was in a car. Still he is fit and doesn't need to do the training. I may try the section to and from Sandwich tomorrow.