Nottingham to Paris 2009

In April 2009 we (Glen & Greg) are cycling from Nottingham to Paris, because we want to.

We also want you to join us for parts (or all) of the journey. Get in touch if can you cycle 50+ miles a day with a hangover.

Homepage » Journal entry #02

Running is not cycling

Posted by Glen at 09:04pm on 05.03.09 | 4 comments

I’m looking forward to this now. I think its because I just realised that I am completely unprepared for it. When we started planning this it was going to be an epic cross-Europe ride but due to time and money limitations it got boiled down to Nottingham – Paris via Cambridge and London, the sense that it might not be that difficult to hit the mileage took some of the edge off for me.. but the edge is back (and I’m not talking about “The Edge” – hat wearing, guitar effects pest from that Irish band I can’t remember the name of) .

I’ve been running a lot lately, I ran the Nottingham Marathon last year and was delighted I finished (first Marathon) but overall was disappointed with my time, I made a few schoolboy errors. I’m entering again this year and I’m going to tear it a new arse hole. With this in mind I’ve been running, and loving it, but its fair to say that my bike has been collecting a little dust. I don’t mind admitting that cycling is a spring/summer effort for me, I can’t stand leaving my bike dirty and I can’t stand cleaning it (I live in a flat) so winter is tough. Running shoes on the other hand require little or no maintenance, plus I like the idea that you actually don’t really need any stuff for running, cycling for some people on the other hand is more about stuff than riding. You generally don’t get runners who are in it for the kit.

Anyway, back to the point. While I’m in reasonably good shape at the moment cycling uses a very specific muscle set – and not really the same muscle set as running. Anyone who has embarked on any consistent exertion will tell you that aerobic fitness won’t help you if your muscles are out of condition. So I’m expecting chronic neck ache, a sore arse, burning thighs and lower back ache – for five days and four hundred miles. I actually can’t wait. “It’s on”.

4 comments Leave yours

#01 Cole at 17:41 on 09.03.09

You’re not going via Scotland by any chance - happy to pop along for the ride on my folding bike (well, it used to be a folding bike, but it doesn’t fold anymore).
Let me know if you fancy the detour de France via auld Ecosse xxx
#02 Gregor at 20:19 on 09.03.09

@Cole afraid not this time mate - but stay tuned for expedition #2, where we are definitely going north. Deep north at that…
#03 Marty at 21:57 on 09.03.09

On these long rides, along with the back ache and sore thighs, also comes numbness in the gentlemen’s area. It’s alarming when it first happens but sensation certainly does return - usually after some beer. Good luck!
#04 Glen at 22:34 on 09.03.09

@Marty - A long winter run can have similar effects. I’ll remember your advice when it goes ‘dark’. Cheers.