Today I did 119 miles and instead of coming in and lying on the floor comatosed like I did today, in 2 weeks I'll then have to cycle up 8 miles of one of the most famous climbs in the world. And I'll have 2 other huge climbs in the legs too. When you look at it like that, we must be mad, indeed I think we are mad. Nevertheless it's all for an excellent charity and in honour of a fantastic man and I'm sure we'll all be spurred on to complete this ultimate challenge.
I have to say it's pretty impressive that we're all mostly able to do 100 mile training rides, what are we going to do after it I wonder?! I'm going to try and keep fit I think, maybe do some other big rides in the future like the classics or something like that. Some big challenges, that's what I need now I don't race anymore.
Glad to be back from South Africa, I like the place/people/work but it's always best to be home with Holly eating homemade lasagne ;-). Got a little bit done in the gym and rode a different bike in there and it had a 'mountain' setting so I did that quite a few times. Did 45mins of those and that was very hard. I used it on level 16 - there are only 16 levels ;-) - and one time after I got off this other guy got on and he couldn't pedal it. So he looked at me, warming down on the cross trainer, drenched in sweat and didn't understand my comment to him 'I've got to keep up with a Ducati you know'
Anyway, that's probably my last big ride before the main event, got to drive there next weekend and then it'll be too close to go out flogging myself but I think I'm there or thereabouts fitness wise.
Data from todays ride for those who read it (ie Seatpin)
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/387602
Nathan Evington
28/02/77 - 03/11/07
About Nathan
Nathan, was a big chap in more ways than one. He was always to be found at the centre of the action, telling it exactly as it was – loudly!
In fact, Nathan was in such a hurry to make his impact on the world, he arrived on a cold February morning 8 weeks early. He was so premature that he spent his first month in hospital, and at the time was one of the youngest babies in Hedon Road hospital to survive!
Cycling played a huge part in Nathan’s life. He loved the film American Flyers and watched it many times. In it, there is a scene where the main character does the "torture test" which involved running on a treadmill for as long as possible before ending the test by hitting the "chicken" switch. After Nathan’s diagnosis of cardiomyopathy in 2004, he was actually quite excited to discover that he would be required to do his own "torture test" and spent a good deal of time psyching himself up for a good performance. In fact, he was so determined that it was ultimately the doctor, his Mum and the technician who had to drag him off, as Nathan refused to give in himself.
Cycling also revealed Nathan’s talent for remembering facts and figures. He was our very own walking cycling encyclopaedia. He loved to test his friends and show off his knowledge, and he was always the person you would want on your pub quiz team.
Nathan was determined to live life to the full, and unbeknown to his Mum he began playing in a football team a few years ago. The cat was out of the bag when a new football trophy took pride of place on the mantelpiece one evening. Nathan was very proud of himself and his team-mates, although I am reliably informed that Nathan was valued more for his enthusiastic participation, rather than his football talents – which led to his shots on goal just missing the target – 100% of the time!
Nathan was the life and soul of any party and loved to dance. He would always take to the dance floor first, and was quite happy to dance alone. However, his infectious enthusiasm always encouraged others to join him.
Nathan was a kind man, and always generous to a fault – on the benefit of his Mum and brother. He had a very special sense of humour – one he shared with his brother – and left his mark on everyone he met.
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