Ride to the Horns - update

So, as noted in a previous post, this weekend I was entered to take part in a charity bike ride called Ride to the Horns, hosted by Red Bull F1's Mark Webber. However, I spent most of the past two weeks training by taking a vacation in Scotland and Italy with Cath, dining out most evenings, and drinking a few pints in the evenings with friends. Are you wondering why no mention of bike riding? Hmm, well, I didn't ride my bike at all, that's why! With hindsight, I now know this might not have been ideal...

The course was two laps of a 25 mile loop including a 4-5km climb up the Ivinghoe Beacon - for car nerds, its not far from the Aston Clinton hill climb that gave the cars of David Martin their name - Aston Martin - its true, you can Google it!

Well, I started at 9:53 this morning (image above) and finished the first 25 mile loop in about 1:45. I was pleased with this progress, given the amount of climbing and the lack of form, so reveled in this while I sucked down energy bars, fruit and electrolytes. I then embarked on lap two. Not nearly as easy the second time around the course as I thought it was going to be, and my confidence gave way to a sore butt and cramping muscles!! Anyway, I'd like to thank my sponsors Molson Canadian and Red Bull - I wouldn't be the man I am today without you!

OK, so you may be wondering, whats Mark Webber really like? Well, I didn't get a chance to talk to him, but had a burger at his pub, and he makes a fine burger. I can also testify that his pizza is fantastic. And he's on the verge of his first victory with Red Bull F1, so he's a very fortunate guy. But not fortunate enough to have calves like mine - have a look at him checking them out in the next photo!! Well, that's what I'm telling myself anyway!