Ready for Action?

Lizzie Woodall writes...

The runner has the marathon; the cyclist has the century. One hundred miles in one day - the cyclists’ marathon.

I’ve managed 80 miles in one day - with a tent and sleeping bag on the back - but never have I accomplished more.

I've wanted to achieve my century in the Action 100 ride for a number of years now, but it always clashes with a Notting Hill carnival.

Then, earlier this year, I finally found a solution. Of the many people I’ve met as a cycling advisor the one person that sticks in my mind is a regular cyclist I met at a business event in Temple Quay, and then the Great Weston Ride a few weeks ago. He is like the voice at the back of my head, telling me again and again, ‘forget about the carnival, just ride!’

Well, I have now signed up for the mammoth cycle ride and I’m still planning to go to my favourite annual event on August Bank Holiday Monday - as long as my legs don't fail me!

Ally Holbrook, my Cycling City compatriot, signed up weeks ago. Once I’d filled in the necessary online forms, we decided we’d better get some miles under our belts.

We took the NCN route number 3, (which snakes from Bristol to Padstow, over some gargantuan hills) all the way to Cheddar. The descent into the gorge is outstanding and you can really gather some speed. My 12 gear racer certainly enjoyed those roads, but I have to admit it struggled on the steep Harptree Hill, just past Chew Valley Lake.

After a rather long cake and tea break at my friend’s cottage, we made our way back on to the route. We followed the local cycle route number 10, which is an 85-mile circular ride around Bristol and is very easy to pick up from the Chew Valley.

The hills were kind to us, but I lost control when I happened upon a dead badger on one of the roads. I immediately pulled the brakes, stopped and took a deep breath. I looked behind me. Ally was on the floor underneath his bike and I was to blame!

Next week, we might just continue that bit further onto Wells… as long as I stay away from dead animals. I’m hoping Ally will still want to be my training partner!