Early days still with my training but so far, so good. Off on my longest ride ever tomorrow – 72 miles – the Wiggle Spring Saddle Sportive. It should be a good challenge although the forecast is for it to be quite windy which I’m not looking forward to.

Over the past few weeks I’ve completed a couple of long rides. Firstly I did a 53 mile Ipswich Bicycle Club social ride, managing to get into a faster group than I expected , which meant I did my fastest 50 miles ever by miles (17.5 mph average)! It was really tough and I ended up holding up the rest of the group towards the end, which was a bit embarrassing.

Last weekend I took part in the Boxford Tornado with my fellow tennis referee Alan. It was a 60 mile sportive around Suffolk with the first half being relatively comfortable but the second half was really tough with a strong headwind. Alan finished much stronger than me, but we made it round in one piece.

Here we are at the finish about to tuck into excellent tea and cake.

So far I’ve undertaken two big training rides this year. Major lesson learnt from both is to pace myself better as I’ve started each strongly but run out of steam towards the end. I’ve also ended up riding solo in the wind in the second half of both which makes it extra difficult. I will aim to stay in a group for longer in future. So far though I’m pretty happy to have got some miles into my legs with plenty of time to build up stamina for the big one.

Here’s my Strava entires for both rides…

Following our challenge in 2013 I have continued cycling and in the process have lost over 2 stone in weight. I have even bough a road bike and taken up spin classes at the gym.

I decided that I would like to raise some more money in memory of mum this year and the Stroke Association kindly offered me a place in the 100 mile Ride London event on Sunday 2nd August. In return for the place I have committed to raise £700 or more for the Stroke Association.

Therefore, I’m after your support! I’ve never ridden 100 miles before let alone 100 miles with three very big hills half way round. This is going to be a really tough challenge!

If you are able to spare any amount, please visit my JustGiving page or click on the links in the sidebar.

Thank you so much for your support.

Here’s the route if you are interested

Chris