'Short and Sweet'

These were the words that came through on a text from Sian on Saturday night for this weeks training. So as we met on Sunday morning and Sian explained the proposed route I thought it sounded fairly 'sweet', that was until we got going!!

We headed off down the hill towards Watbridge, here we headed along the track and took the bridleway accross towards Windmill Farm up on the hill. Once on the bridlepath it became evident that this ride was going to be anything other than 'sweet'!!! Rutted, hard mud covered in longish grass hid a multitude of potential hazards as we all found out at various stages. I rather felt like I was on some sort of torture toning table being jiggered to pieces!!!

Once we ascended the hill we were re-routed onto an altenative bridleway route due to ongoing construction of Waddesdon Farm Centre, this was a most welcome SMOOTH tarmac road, total heaven after the ruts!!! Added to the smooth road were some of the most spectacular views accross the vale and as Sian reminded us if we weren't out training we would be missing out on all these benefits!!!

The bridleway took us down to the main entrance to Waddesdon Manor and into Waddesdon, where we took the route down Frederick street onto a farm track to pick up the Mid-Shires way, however we could not find this Mid-Shires way and after a detour past a very pungent sewer works we ended up asking a lady on a very nice horse if she knew where it was, she did not know but told us if we cycled out of Waddesdon at the cross roads there was a bridlepath that would take us back on to our scheduled route.

Upon finding this bridlepath I took one look at the hill we had to climb and gulped!! We ended up walking it as our bikes kept rearing up it was sooooo steep!

We came out on the lane opposite Waddesdon Stud and continued back to Pollicott on the roads, a welcome relief after all those bridleways!!! Sian's I-phone app told us we had covered 13.18 miles and burned 864 calories!! I like the calories burned bit best!!!

Back in Pollicott we had a much needed coffee and Sian's homemade mince pies (to replace those lost calories!!).

Fair Cop Guv!

So we got our collar felt by Inspector Morse Miller! “We ain’t going down alone, ketchup there may have been but we have witnesses – go and speak to the De-Banks, they passed us on Dorton Hill acknowledging us with a toot and a wave”.

With that little misunderstanding sorted, on with the business of the weekend.

“Oh What a Beautiful Morning” – it was not. Seven thirty on a Sunday morning in the pouring rain dampened our enthusiasm – but not as much as hearing that someone close to us had received some very sad news. It was with heavy hearts that we set off on a morning that would have been easy to walk away from – but today rain and cold were pushed aside by renewed determination to do our little bit for Macmillan. It was a slow start and our usual cheery banter was subdued – but this was a time to dig a little deeper and the close reality of why we’re doing this pushed the cold and wet from our thoughts.

We needed a little something to get our minds back to the job in hand, and there he was - Harry Rand – getting stuck in to the stuff that Harry Rand does. To be honest I don’t know exactly what he does – but as always he was there, doing it. His cheery “hello girls” and welcoming smile gave the Belles an extra boost on a difficult morning. Thanks Harry – you may never know how important you were today.

With Harry fuelling the pedal power we arrived at Haddenham station – and I began to worry – any ride that involved taking our bikes on a train was surely going to be a severe test of our determination and resolve. I was not wrong!

By the time we got off the train at Princes Risborough Sian had briefed Vicky and me about our planned cross-country route. Our immediate thought was that this is going to be too much but today was not a day to give up – today the stark reality of why we’re doing this was brought home - today was a day to make a difference.

Our route, as best as I can explain, was a circular ride taking in Parslow’s Hillock, Flowers Bottom, Bledlow Ridge, Crowell, Chinnor, and Saunderton. Some 16 miles as I learned later.

It was pouring and Sian thought it would be inspirational for us if she sung ‘Rain’ by Mika – and it was, for a short while. Eventually Vicky threatened to remove vocal chords if she didn’t shut up. We continued our ride with the just the sound of bicycle wheels churning through sodden ground.

Chinnor and Crowell Hill were particularly memorable for me because I ended up flat on my face covered in mud. Cycling is a new experience for me, as is brake failure - something I’d prefer not to experience too often. But!! - looking for a positive, Vicky and I chuckled, surely this would signal an end to the mornings endurance. ‘Next around the corner’ we kept telling ourselves ‘would be Andy in his bright green car’ – bikes on the roof, and thirty minutes later we’d be back home in the warm.

Alas, next around the corner was Sian – toolkit in hand, ready to get me on the road again. “Where does this girl get all this stuff?” I wondered. The only thing I’d seen Sian with all morning was an everlasting Marmite and cucumber roll, a magical roll that seemed to last the entire day - no matter how many times she stopped to take a bite. Vicky and I had often wondered if she was superhuman - everlasting fitness is one thing, everlasting Marmite and cucumber roll something completely different. We wondered if she could make us an everlasting bacon sandwich.

Vicky was also on hand with a medical kit. My last tumble not only damaged the bike, I’d also picked up a few cuts and bruises. So here we had it, Sian with toolkit, Vicky with medical aid, and me with my trusty bag of boiled sweets. Clearly I had a long way to go.

Eventually we found ourselves back at Princes Risborough station: a very welcome arrival after the days events, particularly the hill at Small Dean - another demonstration of Sians incredible fitness.

I’m not a great fan of train journeys but today the carriage was like a warm oven, and I was almost on the verge of slipping into ‘girlie’ mode and having a little cry. Perhaps I’ll take up knitting once we’ve conquered The Ridgeway next month, at least I wouldn’t have to worry about chattering teeth, blue hands, and cuts & bruises.

With a difficult day behind us we stopped for tea and cake at Haddenham Garden Centre – a kind of ‘ritual’ now for us Belles, but we still had one dilemma to face. Which way back up through Nether Winchendon? As you’ll know from previous blogs the support and encouragement of Nether Winchendons ‘Big Cheese’ doesn’t stretch to letting us cycle on his land so we left it to Vicky to make the right decision.

Despite Vickys scant regard for the rules of the Manor (sorry mister Big Cheese) it was the professional cyclists who didn’t like us on their road today. Can you believe it – according to the Top Brass in charge – this was an ‘international’ event. Keep off the road –Belles not invited.

By the time we cycled back down into Pollicott it was a quarter past three – we’d been out since seven thirty and cycled a distance of about 27 miles. Vicky and I quietly wondered if we should tie Sian up and leave her out in the rain as a kind of ‘thank you’ for the days activities, but deep in our hearts we knew we’d achieved something we perhaps could not have done without her.

All I have to do now is get my bike back from the repair shop, wait for my bruising to disappear, and let my cuts heal – and we’ll be ready to go again next week!

Alex xx

I took my eye off the Belle...

Life logistics were against the Pollicott Belles this weekend and so, it was decided, we would, for once, not cycle as a team. Of course we would all do our training - just not together.

I was happy with this. I was particularly proud of Alex taking the 'no Sian' plunge and I could have a guilt free evening with friends in Kent and then I could cycle at my own pace, at any time, on Sunday morning. It was a really good plan. That's what I thought anyway until I heard what Alex and Vicky did when my eye was off the belle:

• Vicky and Alex went on a Saturday morning loop of Dorton, Chilton, Chearsley, Ashendon.
• They did all the hills. 
• Neither of them fell off. 
• All in good time - except they took a little break.
• A brief sit down at the Chilton benches - that's fine - really! BUT that's not the half of it.

Honestly, they were left alone for ONE morning and ONE morning only and they did this...

BACON SANDWICHES at Chearsley tea rooms. My guess is tomato ketchup was probably involved too. What is to be done? I mean, after all those months of hard training, dedication to the cause and commitment to fitness this happens.

405 calories per sandwich.

I am undone!!

Sunday Morning Sprint

Together with our Sunday cycling buddies: Isalda, Tim and Diane we knocked off a quick 26.7 miles before breakfast (almost) took in some more of our beautiful villages, a revisit to the Phoenix Trail (scene of an early learning trip for Alex) and Haddenham Garden Centre for a quick coffee and tea cake. 

And the best bit is...we dared the Winchendon 'non-bridleway' again this week (scene of earlier telling off by chap too young to wear longs) and this time we got caught, red bottomed, by the Earl/Lord/Big Chief I Spy of the Manor himself - arf, arf - oh my gosh we were sooo told off (again). Anyway, we told him we are all for charity' and he said he was dead impressed 'a jolly worth cause wot, wot, innit' BUT no donations were forthcoming AND he made us get off our bikes and push them along the concrete track. We had time to reflect during our stroll and might perhaps sympathise with him cos - apparently - if he grants us permission to pedal our way along his driveway, non bridleway, safe route, private bit of concrete, public footpath THEN everyone will want to do same. Sustrans where are you when needed?

A Crash and More Cash...

Tuesday evening saw what will hopefully be the first of many evening rides now that the nights are lighter. We whizzed round the Ashendon, Dorton, Chilton, Chearsley circuit in just over an hour but it wasn't without incident.

Incident 1 - the CRASH
Poor Vicky took a big tumble when her wheel dropped down the edge of the road. It all happened so quickly. One minute she was leading the pack and setting a really good pace, next the noise of skidding on gravel was followed by the sight of Vicky lying on the road. There were two lucky breaks:

1. Isalda made an impressive swerve and
2. No cars were coming so Vicky wasn't hit by anything other than the road when she landed.

Vicky picked herself up and, despite a cut knee, grazed and swollen lip, sore hands (thank goodness for cycling gloves though) and injured pride, she cycled on undeterred with her usual good humour. You are a True Blue Belle and we are proud of you.

But...damn the state of our roads and, in particular, damn the drivers who think it's OK to drive over banks and churn up the verges which eventually caused the road edges to collapse and great big gaps to appear between the bank and the road edge. We need protection - which brings me nicely on to...

Incident 2 - the Men in Black
At Chilton club a mini bus full of young men in high spirits was unloading - that looked fun - then we saw the brand new, shiny, black saab parked outside, with men in dark glasses and smart jackets. Only one obvious reason for them to be there - body guards - so whose party was it? Well probably our little, jumped up, friend with the bashed up Ka and posh driveway/footpath (not bridleway) from Nether Winchendon House will know!

Who cares anyway - there is something more important yet to mention...

CASH
This week our efforts are so well rewarded - the wonderful ladies of Ashendon WI held a raffle at their monthly meeting to help us in our fundraising. They raised an impressive £32 for Macmillan Cancer Support. You are fantastic ladies because every penny raised goes towards a positive reality - £17.50 will pay for one more member of a cancer support group to go on a social event with other support group members. AWI - with your help we are now perilously close to achieving our target before even starting our Ridgeway adventure.

Morning has broken.....us!

An early start was made today - 7.30am on a Sunday morning was a tough call. We took a little while to get going but Tram hill up to Brill sorted us out. Followed by the long downhill into Little London and Oakley - weeeeeeeeeee.

As we woke up we started to appreciate the lovely wildlife and scenery that we are so fortunate to be surrounded by. Sian was particularly impressed by a gold coloured bird she saw (looked up later - it was a Yellowhammer) and our ever popular Red Kites. The fields are full of lovely mummy sheep and their baby lambs so we had to communicate with them as we went along!

From Oakley we took the road to Worminghall past the old airfield and we really kicked on in pace as it was soooo flat. At Worminghall we chucked a left and kept up the good pace to Shabbington and into Long Crendon. Our pace to here had been so impressive that we arrived far too early for the coffee shop. We pressed on to Chearsley.

After the 'no stop' success of Brill hill, Alex came close to repeating the performance on Frogmore Lane at Long Crendon - she made the mistake of looking back and lost momentum on the steep bit (where we reckon it's easy to fall off backwards on cos it's so steep). So she walked the last few steps - next time that's a challenge to be beaten.

The early start meant Vicky had little time to think about what she was wearing - Alex and Sian were thoroughly entertained by the stripy knickers under lycra which we had to view whenever Vicky was in front. Speaking of which we were supremely impressed to see the 'racing stripes' pass us as she smelt the coffee at Chearsley - she was down and up the dip like a rocket.

The Chearsley coffee stop was well appreciated and, as we left, we enjoyed a little banter with some fellow cyclists at the newly installed bike rack. Alex controlled her temptation to offer them a sweetie!! Only as we left did we realise what fab company we had just kept - their (specilized racing) bikes were truly amazing - they could have had all Alex's sweeties - in fact, honey, you can ring my bell!!!.

Heading home the view of Ashendon was stunning - in the sun with the village seemingly hanging off the Church - how lucky we are to be Pollicott Belles!

Speaking of Pollicott Alex ended our incident free trip with a wee topple as we cruised down the lane. At least now she knows how good her brakes are!

Apologies for the long wait since my last blog entry - what with quiz nights, shifting sheds, and Easter holidays, time juggling has been as hard as staying on my bike.


Saturday 13th March – to be fair today our minds were on this evenings quiz night. As usual we gathered in the lane to set off but all conversation along the way was about tonight. I’m sure there was lots to see as usual but each of us was torn between excitement and apprehension – so many people had put so much effort into our fund raising evening and, just for this once, our minds were elsewhere.

Saturday 20th March 2010 – as you’ll know from Sians blog all of our apprehension surrounding last weeks quiz night was unfounded and the night was a brilliant success – thank you again to everyone.

Todays cycle ride had a really good feel to it – somehow last week had made it all ‘real’ - so many new people now sharing our plan, Had there been a ‘point of no return’ then today we’d be beyond it, no going back now.

Joe and Andy joined the Belles today, so five of us set off towards the crossroads at Nether Winchendon. From there we headed left along towards……well, I don’t know where. What I do know is that we darted down a little ‘off road’ section and ended up in Eythrope.

As the sun shone five mad people from Pollicott sailed down through Stone towards the Bugle Horn. At this point out group split with Andy and Joe heading off to Stoke Mandeville and The Belles heading off to Haddenham for well deserved tea and cake before heading back home via Chearsley.

A great day, not necessarily due to distance, speed, or spectacle but, it simply felt different and very positive way.

I think we’re all looking forward to The Ridgeway just that little bit more now.

Sunday 28th March 2010 – With Vicky busy organising the ‘Big 5’ birthday party for Georgina it was Sian, Andy, and I who set off from Pollicott to meet up with our super supporters Isalda & Tim on our way out to Wotton. So far so good.

Now for those who know where they’re going, it would be obviously apparent that to cycle from Wotton to Quainton via Doddeshall, and back to Pollicott - it would be necessary to tackle the A41. Twice!! A small detail Sian forgot to mention before we set off. Usually at this stage of my write up I’d be telling you about the long, endless, slog up Wesctott Hill to home. But not today.

I knew something wasn’t quite right when Sian began shouting at me. Usually a picture of composure and confidence Sians face looked slightly panic stricken as I glanced around to see what the problem might be. Unbeknown to Sian, who had spotted a slight wobble as I veered out towards the passing traffic, I’d spotted a pothole heading rapidly my way. What Sian saw was a cycling novice easing her way into a stream of speeding traffic on the A41.

But I lived to fight another day. Perhaps spurred on by the adrenaline rush of the A41 experience (or a desperate need for the safety of my own home), Westcott Hill offered no resistance, as I managed a ‘no stop’ climb right back to Pollicott. Much to the mutual satisfaction of both Sian and I – a climb I’d never have contemplated when the training began.

Easter Sunday – With Sian, Andy, and Joe, away for the holidays and Vicky suffering from one of the numerous ‘bugs’ doing the rounds at the moment – I had no choice. Today was going to be my first day out alone. Sian had drilled into me the importance of safety equipment so, at 7am sharp, I wheeled my bike out onto the lane fully kitted out in high viz jacket and safety helmet. It felt slightly odd being out on my own, no Sian to provide motivation and encouragement, and no Vicky to banter with.

Before I’d even realised it I’d hit the crossroads at Nether Winchendon and headed straight over towards Cuddington. As I cycled down the hill I quickly concluded I might not be able to navigate a decent route from Cuddington, so I hung a right up to Chearsley and back along the top road to Pollicott.

Despite being out on my own, time passed surprisingly quickly. Clearly I’d managed to have some decent conversations with myself and even the steep climb up to Pollicott came and went without incident as I found myself back home. All in all not an unpleasant experience but I’d rather be out with the rest of the Belles.

Easter Monday – Having heard of my Loner experience the day before, Roger (Ewers) offered to keep me company and join up for a 7am training ride. I was a little apprehensive, as the impressive former custodian of the Ludgershall FC goal, I figured he must be at least half fit. Even with Sian away I’d have to be on top form.

We headed out of Pollicott and hung a right up to the crossroads at Nether Winchendon (seem to end up here a lot) and this time hung a right into Chearsley before heading off towards Cuddington. “Hey” said Roger “let’s drop in on my dad and grab a cup of tea”. Now I can’t speak for John (Rogers dad) but, two cyclists turning up at my door, unannounced, at 7.15am on a Bank Holiday Monday, and the door may remain unanswered. But not John, he was already up and about, and I’m sure the kettle was already on.

So, with a decent cup of Nether Winchendon tea under my belt, we said a thankful goodbye to John and Helen (who had arrived by this time) and headed back to Pollicott. A great morning out and a big thank you to ‘Honorary Belle’ Roger.

Alex xx