Bad weather means a session in the gym

Cycling in the gym is not exactly the same as actually going out for a ride. However, the weather is so wet and windy, I'd rather do a workout than battle with the wind and the rain. I know I may have to tackle this sort of weather during the ride but I'll wait until the spring when it won't be so cold!

Chris Bunten, the Gym Manager and Sports & Fitness Coach has devised an excellent workout to improve my cardio vascular in preparation of the ride to London. I've only been going to the gym for a few weeks and already I feel much more fit and energised. In fact, I get quite grumpy when I can't get out on my bike!

I know tomorrow's weather will be worse so I'll do some other form of workout - may be some pilates to work on my core muscles..... or perhaps spend some time on the Wii Fit and have some fun!

Weekly cycle ride took me to Druridge Bay in Northumberland

On Sunday 15 November, the weather being dry and sunny, I took to Route 1 on the National Cycle Path heading north and 13.5 miles later I arrived at Druridge Bay in Northumberland. This was an easy ride which took one hour.

What I did not realise on the way was that the tail wind was obviously making the ride easy. When I decided to return home heading back south, the wind was so strong that I struggled to do more than 10 mile an hour!

Next time, I'll check on the wind direction before I embark on another ride! Meanwhile, here is a picture of Druridge Bay - what a fantastic coastline!