… Stuart McCall.

Following this weeks defeat a home to Bury, Stuart McCall will step down as Bradford City manager on Monday.  I have had the honour of meeting Stuart 2 or 3 times, most recently after last weeks win at Torquay.  He stopped to chat with Dan, Adam and I and thanked us for the support over the season.  He is a true gent and has put the fun back in to watching City over the last 3 years.  Every piece of ‘luck’ seems to have gone against him and as he has said it has just not worked out for him as manager.  Stuart, thank you for everything and I am so proud that our club has someone like you associated with it.

This man sums up my feelings far better than I can.

Total miles this week = 105 miles

Month to date = 105 miles

Year to date = 545 miles.

… probably true of me this weekend.

I would like to report back with a whopping addition to the mileage total, especially seeing as this weeks club ride was 75 miles.  Unfortunately whilst the rest of the Thorpers were spinning round West Yorkshire I was making my way back from Exeter with a slightly sore head.  Adam, Dan and I had been down there for the weekend watching City win for a change.  A 2.1 win vs Torquay, with both our goals coming in the last 10 minutes made a pleasant change from the drubbings we have had to watch recently.  Well done to Stuart McCall and the team. It’s about time our luck changed and hopefully this will signal a change in fortune for us.

Exeter is a superb place and it was positively tropical compared to Bradford over the last few weeks.  Everything seems so relaxed down there and I am looking forward to the next time I am down that part of the country.  Judging by some of the hills in Exeter and Torquay I may take the bike down next time. Hats off to everyone cycling in Devon, there are some real killer climbs.

Due to being on the way to Exeter on Friday the total mileage for me last week was a measly 80 miles.  Added to the current total of 360 that leaves me with 440 miles for January.  I’m happy enough with that total however I want to make sure I am above the 600 mile mark each month from now on.  Bearing in mind I will be doing double that in 3 weeks I really have to get cracking!

I’m really pleased the days are starting to get longer.  It was almost 5 before it was dark tonight so it won’t be too long before I’m out of work in the light.  I can’t wait.

Well done to André Greipel for winning the Tour Down Under (I’m sure he reads this).  It was the standard sprint fest but I’m still delighted the season is underway. Roll on the spring and we will really be into the season proper.

Last weeks riding was nerve wracking due to the potholes that have appeared after our cold snap.  I now have a photographic knowledge of the location of every pothole in Kirklees.  Due to the size of some of them there is no way I’m forgetting where they are. At the risk of sounding like a fisherman, they must be at least 5 inches deep.  You could lose a small child down some of them.

Now is the time for knuckling down and getting in the miles. I can’t wait!

Thanks for reading.

… no that is not the title of my favourite DVD it is the weather on this mornings ride…

Now you have watched the video there is not much else to add.

Thanks for reading and I will be back soon.

Ben

P.S – I forgot to add.

Weekly miles = 140

Year to date = 360

What a couple of weeks there have been at the start of the year.

The commute last week was restricted to the mountain bike.  Very slow progress (50 minutes to work as opposed to 35) but good for the fitness.  80 miles in total.

This week, only in work for 3 days so 60 miles.  Managed to come off on the ice on Tuesday which gave me a lovely lump. Serves me right for trying the Fixed.  Seems Wyke still had ice left when the rest of the area didn’t!

Today saw me start on the road to getting the real training started for the trip. I had the pleasure of riding out with Ravensthorpe CC.  It was a tough ride.  Only 60 miles (including the 5 to Mirfield meeting point and back) but a massive amount of climbing.  The rough route was to Langsett via Marsden,Meltham,Holme,Holmfirth,Newmill.  There was a massive amount of climbing but was a really enjoyable time. Thanks guys.

I am sill not able to confirm my dates for going due to European legislation still not confirmed!  Hopefully will have a better idea v. soon so fingers crossed.

Finally the Cycling season is underway with the Tour Down Under starting yesterday.  The Tour Down Under is preceeded by the Cancer Classic Criterium.   This is a race round a City centre circuit.   Team Sky started excellently by winning their 1st major race.  Highlights here.

1 Greg Henderson Team Sky
2 Chris Sutton Team Sky
3 Robbie McEwen Katusha

Today was stage 1 so I will be tuned in to Sky sports later for the highlights.

Unfortunately following City has not been as exciting.  Only 2 games played since 15th December in what should be a busy period.  Yesterdays game vs Notts County was posponed due to a waterlogged pitch so have to wait till Tuesday to see us start our winning run!

Weekly award for largest numpty in West Yorkshire goes to the bus driver last week who I passed whilst he was stuck in stationery traffic.  I had to tuck in just in front of him (Bearing in mind he was stopped and the 100 meters in front was full of also stationary traffic) to keep clear of an on coming car. I turned round just before I set off again to see him bouncing with rage in his cab shouting.  He seemed to be gesturing he had 2 points to make to me as well.   Must be a really bad time if you get that angry at, well, nothing.  Hopefully my tongue being stuck out at you added a bit of happiness to what clearly was going to be a grim day.

Weekly Miles – 140

Previous Year to date – 80

Current year to date – 220 (12.9 miles per day)

Happy new year to everyone.

Will have 80 commuting miles in this week. Today in the heavy snow was real fun. Lucky I borrowed a mountain bike a couple of weeks ago.

Busy week this week so I have little to say however, I’m pleased to unveil my new video blog.  Hopefully this will be a little more interesting as time goes by but here is the 1st edition of I hope many.

Very short blog this week but should have quite a bit of progress for next time and also more time to update the blog.

Thanks again for reading and hope it entertains you for a few minutes.

Thanks,

Ben