I'm back again

Hello again blogging buddies.

After a brief period away I am back for a cheeky little update; regardless of the fact little has changed.

So, firstly a summary of progress:

- Most importantly, I have invested in some new white shoes. The buckle on my dhb ones has started to grumble so Wiggle will refund me. Any excuse for a sneaky upgrade!

- Cycling summary - I am sitting around the 800 miles a month mark (all on road) and averaging between 19-20mph (courtesy of my good old friend 'endurance'). Still not really noticing a benefit so maybe it's time to throw a 60+ miler into the equation. I've put in some rides I am pleased with recently, but unfortunately these did not involve riding endurance. 50mins constantly in threshold = "shut up legs!" Great!

- 'Strava.com' has rudely bludgeoned it's way into my life in an effort to jeopardise my training schedule. If you're unfamiliar with the website then have yourself a little peruse, you have been warned! (I know this is probably a superfluous statement based on the fact only JLR Lowroad are reading our blog so far) So, Strava, not a bad thing unless you are super-competitive and don't like riding endurance. I am doing an 'ok' job of resisting getting "on the rivet" around every segment in the local area. I still have a few in my sights though.

- Punctures! Winter appears to have brought with it some spiky road shrapnel. My poor Schwalbe Ultremo can't hack the combination of tyre shredding power and tyre shredding road seasoning. A new Schwalbe Durano (matching the front tyre) now resides on my back wheel. I am hoping for a marked improvement in puncture resistance; at least for Steve's sake, he seems to volunteer as my roadside mechanic in any state of emergency. I think the last tube change took him less than 8 mins all-in. Impressive!

- 6 weeks out of the country planned in the next few months so I am a little worried about keeping up my training (no chance of 800 miles a month). I will always find a way to do some exercise but I may struggle to make it cycling-specific. Watch this space and we shall see.

Don't worry, I think that's enough of my ramblings for now.

Oooh, sorry, not quite. I have entered three races for next year so far. [Victoria Park Crits - 2nd one] - [Halesowen RR] - [Banbury Star RR]. Hopefully points will make prizes, in the form of Cat3. Maybe I am being a little optimistic for my first season but I should begin with a target in mind.

Have fun and keep on spinning,

Fab Rivet

                                                       - With power will come victory -