Edit: Split posts to make things easier.
I went out for a ride yesterday for some climbing training.
I had some Etixx Isotonic stuff to try (Wiggle freebie) and it was nice, very still stuff (no fizz) but quite thick and full of flavour, like a cordial, making it not that refreshing and quite sticky/sickly. It seemed to work ok but I had to switch back to my High5 tab when needing more hydration. Also had a slightly iffy belly later that night so won't be buying more.
On the way out I did a
blast to Dormington and back to wake my legs up and get some miles in them so I could pace myself up the next climb. Anyone else do this? I find I climb better with tired legs!
I hunted out some of the local CAT4's (I hadn't ridden) listed on Strava in an area after a climb I'd set a goal for -
Haugh Woods. The only other time I attempted it I had to stop twice (including falling over) and took ~17 minutes, bit of an easy goal (15 mins) but it was there to encourage me to not stop! I may set a goal again of 9 minutes...
The
next parts were a bit dodgy - rough single track roads, but the view was worth it!
Mid-end loop was an easy part where I could enjoy some more of the scenery.
The
last few climbs on the ride back home I practiced 'emptying the tank' and worked on getting my average speed up on the descents!
All in all a great ride, but I'll probably not attempt some of those roads again on a road bike with road tyres (even these 25mm 4Seasons on loose gravel/dirt are only so good) but good practice for me. I've found I can sit and grind out almost anything up to 10% in my bottom 2 gears, only steeper do I need to stand.
I can pace myself standing much easier and longer than previously, even high-ish cadence.
Good ride in to work this morning, really warm start to the day! Although I do need some serious lessons in how to take it easy/recovery ride... Lol
