Galway

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Measuring up

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Last Wednesday I got one of my New Years resolutions out of the way.

I spent a few hours with James O’ Donnell at http://www.bikefit.ie   getting my bike position improved.

When I go to a hair dresser I tend to bury my head in the 3 month old copy of Hello magazine. I answer the hair dresser’s first two questions in Single syllables,  there by establishing a twenty minute period of peace and quiet. Unfortunately for James when I go for a bike fit I do not do the same thing. I spent 90 minutes telling James all about my previous 10 years of cycling. Telling some anecdotes twice.

James quietly went about his work,  Politely listened to my waffling and occasionally imparted some carefuly chosen advise.

It was enjoyable and informative.  I left with my saddle adjusted upwards, my cleats corrected and headed to the Internet to try to find a wider pair of shoes and a shorter stem.

I’m liking forward to getting some kilometres in to see how the new positions suits.

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Tired, me?

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Well I won’t have the No. 1 on my bike next year but I did enjoy my day in the Sun. I was telling everyone  ‘I was fastest last year’, as they past me on the climbs.

Stayed with the front group until Maam and after a hour in the wilderness myself and two others managed to catch the leaders again as we arrived at the biggest climb of the day. They took it easy and I managed to stay with them over the top and down into Maam. 50 km to go and then Bang!

A race broke out when we arrived at the 3 km timed Mountain goat challange. I eased smoothly out the back as the back of Nigel Forde’s head disappeared up the road ahead of me. I finished the climb well out-sprinting a few guys and made it down to Maam Cross with one other guy. He then dropped me with ease and I found myself cycling back to Galway on my own.

I stopped in Oughtard for a comfort break and two guys past me. It broke my heart but 25km later I caught them. They kindly allowed me to tow them into Galway and past me in the last 50m.

Crossed the line in around 4 hr 25 min. A lovely BBQ waited and thanks to a 7am start I was fed and on the road home by Noon. Sat in front of the telly for Liverpool v United by 12:30