Snowbound

The snow and ice appears to be showing little sign of abating. After hitting the deck on black ice a couple of times last winter, I have taken the oath of sensible riding this year – as I get older the pain from crashes seems to be a lot more acute, and my body seems to take a lot longer to mend than before – so if the mercury dips below zero I’ve vowed to myself that I’m better off staying off the roads. I admit I find it really difficult to accept this stance as it seems like I’m wasting training days, but better that I suppose than crashing and losing several weeks with a broken collarbone instead. I’ve only managed one day cycling into work this week, and that was a pretty stupid decision, as the roads were treacherous.

Which was all fine while the video-linked turbo trainers were working at the Hurlingham Club, where I can cycle up and down the Col de Peyresourde or Alpe d’Huez safely in the indoor warmth and comfort of the gym. But then both machines were out of action, so I was left without a training option – very frustrating, and with the forecasters (yes, the same ones that predicted a sweltering summer in 2009 and a mild winter in 2009/10) telling us that the cold snap is here until at least the end of the month, I am considering getting a turbo trainer or a fixed exercise bike for home. But the expense and (hopefully) limited use over winter means I don’t want to buy one and ebay prices are still quite steep. But found a website that hires out fixed exercise bikes – they look like the ones in spin classes, but better, with more adjustment options and an electronic gear adjustment and data on heart rate, cadence, power output. So have decided to order one for 3 months at just under £10/week, which should get me through the winter…now fingers crossed they can deliver in the snow!

On the plus side, we had awesome fun with the kids and dog in the snow – went to Wimbledon Common and sledged down the hill on a tea-tray – some traditions are irreplaceable – until I had a go and promptly broke the tray. Clear blue skies, proper deep crunchy snow…for a moment you could believe we were in the Alps…well, almost. Rounded off with hot chocolate in the Windmill Café. Unbeatable.






Weekly totals
Commute – 15 miles
Other rides – zero
Swim – 1500m x2