Triathlon

I took part in a Team Triathlon in June as the cyclist!
The conditions were perfect, no rain, not too hot.

Great fun! I discovered I'm prepared to push myself so much more when I know my 
team mates are waiting for me.

It was hard, really hard - mostly uphill for 7 of the 13 miles - I ended up making up a 
little mantra to myself, which sorry it's so silly I can't share here!! It worked though :-)

The route is used for the Ironman and has been used in both Commonwealth & Olympic Games.
An area of outstanding beauty too which was nice....

Got me a medal too!

Anyone else cycle/do triathlons? What advice would you give?
Do you have a mantra?

XX

Back On The Bike

I did my first ride of the year last weekend - late start for me.

I need to get out much more, not just because I love it but 

also I am the cyclist in a work Team Triathlon!!

Here's my first climb out of my town....

need to train these hills as there's lots in the 13 mile triathlon route!!

 

Mr.L kept telling me to have faith in my ability after our Cycling Holiday

last year - should have listened - had a great time, really chilled, relaxed pace!

Any training tips gladly welcomed.....
Have a great week, XX

Cycling Holiday Part 2

Before I post about the Festival I have just returned from I would like to share some of the highlights of my recent cycling holiday through the beautiful Dales of Yorkshire.

We had sweet treats as daily rewards (& for energy of course)!

We went through beautiful little villages. Along the way I was in a World of my own just taking in the freedom I felt and admiring my surroundings, so unhurried, so chilled...

 The 100 mile mark - a big moment - WOOHOO!!!!

 At one of our stops mobile Phones were discouraged :-D

  Fifty of these little fellas are dotted around the Dales - find three and win a prize!

Gnome Fetish!

Sweet crafting shop en route - love the bunting, pretty.

 Time to rest our aching legs in the evenings - my lovely Mr.L & I, aaahhh!

 One of the best holidays I have EVER had - I am so grateful to my friends & of course Mr.L who just made it!

What has been your favourite holiday?

XX

Cycling Gisburn Forest

I didn't realise how much I missed cycling until I started again the last year or so. Mr. L and I try to cycle together every weekend.

 Best bike I've ever had - Cube Cyclo-Cross Bike.

 Now I do a bit of road and trail riding. Years ago I used to love mountain biking - the tougher the better ;-) BUT now I'm a real scaredy pants - when does that sneak up on you?

Last weekend we met friends at Gisburn Forest - purpose built cycle trails in the beautiful Trough of Bowland.


Cycling Gisburn Forest

We always have a cafe stop on our bike rides - tea and cake obligatory - one of the few times I am guilt free! Wahey!

Essential bike storage outside Forest Den Cafe.

These beautiful beams were crying out to be photographed. They are in the Cafe - I just love how they are not engineered. 

 

  Me wearing my favourite Sweaty Betty cycling pants (bought in the sale I hasten to add) - perfectly padded bottom and a little skirt attached to hide fatty bits at the top of my legs. LOVE! 
My cycle pants

Little known fact...

The Queen actually says she would like to live in the Forest of Bowland if she had a choice! 

Back with more soon,

XX