I have recently upped my efforts somewhat as i near my ride in September. I have become a little obsessed (as have most cyclists) with Sportives (which are challenge events usually offering 2 or 3 different length courses of varying difficulty).
I recently came to know a chap from Preston - friend of a friend - who is into cycling and he mentioned that he wanted to register for some Sportives as something to train for. And so our first event was Pain in the Pennines - as organised by Halifax Wheelers Cycling club. We opted to do the 63 mile ride rather than the full 107 mile course. The ride was to include 2000m(!!!) of climbing which, believe me, is a hell of a lot if you dont often do hilly rides.
Here is the profile of the course:
I came in 7th out of approx 55 riders who did the short course (see me at 4 hours 21):
http://www.halifax-imps.org.uk/PenninesResults.htm
A very tough course and i was very tired at the end but tea and flapjacks soon brought me round and i feel much stronger for having done that particular ride.
I have done more flat miles since then including a few 70 mile solo efforts.
The plan now is to get a few back to back days of long mileage in to replicate the London to Paris ride itself - certainly never done anything like 300 miles over 4 days but i am feeling confident enough on my current form.
