We're on the web (31 March 2012)

That's right. Through the wonderment that is the world wide web Upside Down 2012 now has it's own website too. OK, so as of 31 March it's still a bit 'work in progress' but the intention is good. Now there is a chance that you've got here (by here I mean to the blog, not here as in wherever you are now) through the link on our website. But on the offchance you didn't then you can visit us (by visit I mean go to the website, as opposed to popping round here for a cappuccino - although you're very welcome) at www.upsidedown2012.org.

Aside from all this fiddling around with new fangled technologies how's the ride preparation going I hear you ask.....

Well, well I would say (its going well, I mean). The lighter nights over the last week, coupled with the early spring sunshine have allowed one after-work ride each which is very helpful in getting some miles in. This very weekend we've a couple of rides planned ahead of some serious 'back-to-back' training over Easter.

In terms of readiness for the main event - well there's still some way to go! Pete asked me last week to rate my feeling of readiness on a scale of 1-10 and I scored myself 4. Craig was asked the same question and he scored himself a 6! I'm not so bold and will remain lacking in confidence until we've done the Easter challenges, at the moment I remain scarred by the experience that was the Mad March Hare.

And soon it will be April, which means that the ride will then be 'next month'. Gulp. Make that 4 into a 2 would you......!

Oh dear (13 March 2012)

Having committed to be much more diligent in keeping our blog up-to-date (see the last post) I seem to have failed in spectacular fashion. Apologies.

Despite my lack of diligence in the blogging world I am pleased to report that the cycling world has been progressing in roughly the right direction. Ish. Kind of.

First the bad news that our cycling wingman Pete has had to withdraw after an operation on his foot that, while debilitating right now is likely to make him bionic come the summer. The 'will he / won't he' saga around the operation was resolved a few weeks ago and now Pete is proudly sporting an impressive leg cast thing and a pair of errant crutches. The ride won't be quite the same without him - the constant adjusting of bicycle components and the banter will be missed (well one of those things will anyway).

Undeterred both Craig and me have set to with some serious training. But before that I should say that we have considered delaying the ride to later in the year to allow Mr Ryan to join us. However, a combination of the Olympic Games (a leave embargo) and a new little one on the way in September has rather limited the available options. We're not so heartless you know!

Anyway, where was I? Training, of course. Rides have been undertaken singularly and in pairs. The most recent of our particularly challenging escapades being the Mad March Hare sportive. The ingredients are simple and go something like this:

- 500 riders (of which 300 actually pitched up to the start)

- a 75 mile route

- a couple of really tough climbs

- the last 25 miles generally uphill

That's the basic cake then. Iced with pouring rain, temperatures just about above freezing, sleet on the lower hills, full on snow on the upper hills and a strong headwind. Mmmmm, my favourite. Not.

The challenge was duly despatched and I'm pleased to report that despite all of the above we finished in a reasonable time and were one (two, actually) of only 170 finishers. Well done us I say.

The following Sunday and Simon ran the Fradley 10k - doing it in under 50 minutes which was a bit of a result and we were both out for another 35 miles, this time in a gentle breeze and some early spring sunshine. Much more like it.

And so we get to 12 March and time to sit down and think rather more seriously than we have of late about the route. Google maps is all well and good but from Glasgow to Exeter it rather prefers those new fangled motorways which, while rather splendid (and, may I say, very very well operated) are not suitable for those travelling under their own steam/legs. Having dealt with that challenge and discovered the not inconsiderable merits of www.bikeroutetoaster.com we now have a route. Yes! All 900 glorious miles of it. Yes! All 35,000 feet of climbing. Yes! What? NO!!

Having just re-read that I can waste no more time typing. Instead I shall be going to train, immediately. Training yourself to eat enough to cope with burning 5,000 calories a day is important stuff you know. If you want me, I shall be found near the fridge.

Until next time (when I shall post the route links - how exciting). Take care!