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Sports & Fitness

Europe – Why not enjoy an active vacation?

By in Sports & Fitness Comments Off on Europe – Why not enjoy an active vacation?

Throughout most of Europe you can cycle from one village to the next within a matter of minutes and you can do this on minor roads and cycle paths.

This means you pack in a whole host of sights within a single tour. Accommodation, restaurants and civilization in some form or another are normally close by. Whether touring alone or on an organized trip there is always the reassurance that help, civilization and communication are constantly close at hand. Cycling allows you to explore the scenery and culture. Mixing with the locals will give you a great insight into how they live.

By travelling through the different regions and countries you will be able to taste a whole variety of foods. You will be getting your daily exercise quota plus more most days, so taking advantage and experimenting with the many different cuisines should not be too much of a problem regarding weight gain and lycra stretching.

By bike you can experience the true charm of Europe. Europe is steeped in history, has a range of different terrains and many parts have a very relaxed way of life, which will often make you re-evaluate your own lifestyle.

The increase in cycling throughout Europe and all over the world means that cycling routes and places accommodating bikes and cyclists are constantly growing.

Whether you like dry dusty landscapes or hill climbs with mountain backdrops or lakes, Europe has it all to offer. Various different parts of Europe offer different climates and the seasons have a huge effect on this too. The only problem is that you can never guarantee the weather.

Road Cycling in Europe ba1Planning your route can either be down to you, or you can let us help you. If you are unsure about going it alone then why not book a place on any of our wonderful European trips. Our guides are all experienced and have a vast amount of knowledge of the routes, the sites, the regions and cycling in general. Believe me they are fabulous company and a great deal of fun, which means that often they can really enhance your experience. Europe is also great if you are restricted by holiday times, as travelling is not too far or long, leaving you with plenty of cycling days.

Remember if booking a tour to book early to ensure your place, then please ensure that your passport is current and will still be valid when your trip is due. Last minute passport obtaining is just a stress that you do not need, be assured of that. Make sure you have currency changed up or some way of obtaining the correct currency on route and remember to check the currencies for different countries before you set off. Make sure you have insurance and your European Health Insurance Card before you depart and then it is time to go and enjoy Europe.

 

 

 

The core to cycling.

By in Cycling challenge, Sports & Fitness Comments Off on The core to cycling.

A stronger core can help improve your cycling.

Core MusclesThis is an undisputed fact, but why is it that many cyclists only concentrate on working their leg muscles? Often it is because they don’t really understand the relevance of a strong core in relation to cycling; either that or it’s a time issue.

For cycling you need power (i.e. the production of watts). Power is an integral part of cycling and strength is the main component of power. When we say strength, we don’t mean bulking up to look like a muscle-bound meathead, we mean lean and strong.

Even amazing leg strength is not enough, as without a strong stable core you will not be able to properly utilise that strength. This quote from Graeme Street sums this up perfectly – ‘It’s like having the body of Ferrari with a Fiat chassis underneath’.

So now that we have established that a strong core is essential for great cycling, surely we should understand the reasons why? Having a solid core will help reduce unnecessary upper-body movement; this in turn will deliver the energy you produce from your legs into a smooth pedal stroke. 

The traditional cycling position requires the core to support you, however it doesn’t really develop your core whilst riding. Without a strong core, a long ride will often finish early or become a real problem due to some kind of pain in your body other than your legs, usually your back or neck. This will normally come from your abdominals, obliques, latissius dorsi and the muscles around the spine quitting before your leg muscles.

Cycling, just like any other sport, should be fun and we should enjoy it. Pain takes the pleasure away from most sports – building a stronger core could help solve many pain issues for cyclists. 

So how can you improve your core? There are a vast array of different core exercises out there and you just need to pick routines that work with you and your lifestyle. The great thing about strengthening your core is that you don’t have to have much time, any equipment (unless you choose) or much room. You can strengthen your core from home if you choose, and by not having to attend fitness classes or a gym you will be quids in. Those savings can be used to put towards equipment for your bike or maybe a cycling tour!

Starting out on a new regime to improve your core? Google ‘exercises for the core for cyclists’ and I think you will be amazed how many different sites, boards etc. there are. If you were to pick just one exercise to do, then it would have to be the basic plank ,also called a hover. The plank will work more than just your abdominals, it also works the glutes and hamstrings, supporting proper posture and improving balance. Here’s how to perform the plank:

  • Lie face down on the floor. Raise the body up with the forearms while balancing the lower body on the toes.
  • Do not sag around the abdominal region. Keep the body as rigid as possible.
  • To hold this position, you will notice that you need to brace and contract the abdominal muscles.
  • Hold for 30 seconds (less if that’s all you can do), lower and then raise again. Do 10 repetitions or less to start with.
  • Alternatively, hold until failure (you flop down), or three minutes, whatever comes first. Do three of these in a set. You will feel the abs burn.
  • Test yourself to find what your maximum time to hold the Plank position is, and then try to beat it as you develop strength. If you can hold for three minutes, you are doing well.Plank by Jaykayfit

 

(Don’t forget to breathe. If you feel pain in your lower back then you need to lower it and rest as the abdominals have stopped working.)

Remember preparation & prevention are essential for longevity in cycling; if you are planning any of our wonderful cycle touring experiences then being ‘core ready’ will ensure your cycling is so much more enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

 

Saddle set up shouldn’t be a pain in the rear

By in Sports & Fitness Comments Off on Saddle set up shouldn’t be a pain in the rear

Our ‘Sports & Fitness’ blogs aim to deliver straightforward and effective advice to increase your cycling enjoyment and performance, and minimise injury risk. As we have said before there is no one remedy for all – humans come in all shapes, sizes and, of course, genders. Our cycling requirements are different too: comfort on long touring holiday rides or performance through events.

SADDLES

There are numerous saddles on the market offering various levels of comfort through innovative and gender specific design. The correct selection is a very personal one, so shop around and try out as many as you can.

Range of different saddles

SADDLE HEIGHT

Firstly ensure the saddle is fastened centrally on the rails and parallel to the floor, this can be checked using a spirit level resting on top of the saddle.

Secondly ensure shoe cleats are set centrally on the ball of the foot or directly on a flat pedal.

As a rough guide, with these details set the saddle height can be set 10cm lower than the inside leg of the rider to achieve a general position from which adjustments can be made.

 How to measure your hip span Angle at the knee whilst cycling should be no greater than 150 degrees

Alternatively, and more accurately, having set, as above, the saddle and cleat arrangement, and sitting on the saddle with the pedal at its lowest point and the knee at full extension, there should be an angle of no greater than 150 degrees at the rear of the knee. If this angle is too great the rider will begin to stretch out to reach the lowest stroke of the pedal, and the pelvis will rock from side to side on the saddle – leading to lower back, ITB and lateral knee pain.

When the pedal is positioned at 3 o’clock and in full flexion there should be an angle of no less than 70 degrees at the rear of the knee. Reducing this angle will result in muscular compression and strain in the pelvis, quadriceps and through the knee, reducing performance with considerable discomfort.

A note of caution when setting saddle height, never extend the seat post beyond the manufacturer’s recommended maximum extension markers. If extra length is required do not compromise, buy a longer seat post and avoid dangerous mechanical failure!

SADDLE POSITION FRONT & REAR

The next consideration is saddle position back and forward. The basic rule of thumb is again to align the centre of the cleat or ball of the foot with the centre of the pedal and then the centre of the knee over this position with the pedal in the 3 o’clock position when looking from the side. This can be achieved with the help of a willing assistant and a plumb line – see below.

Plumb line for optimum saddle position

As with all set-up adjustments they should be small, incremental and tested. Do not continue to ride through pain – trial and error will lead to your optimal position.

Once you have made your adjustments take yourself on a test ride and if necessary make adjustments on the ride testing and re testing, it won’t be wasted time, and it may save you in lost time through injury.

You may find that over time, as your strength develops and flexibility evolves, that your set-up requirements change; this is not unusual so don’t be afraid to change to match them. Recognising your cycling ‘evolution’ and making the right changes will help to minimise injury and maintain comfort on those long days out.

SEAT TILT

The seat should generally be in a neutral position i.e. parallel with the floor, however there may be some circumstances where minimal tilt is preferred but do be careful to consider the following:

Excessive forward tilt may increase pressure in the arms, wrists and hands causing fatigue and numbness as well as tilting your pelvis forward; this may lead to forward movement on the saddle, knee drift over the cleat position and potential knee pain due to increased stresses.

Excessive rear tilt may cause overreaching and increased gripping of bars leading to fatigue in the upper back neck and shoulders. With the pelvis tilting backwards there is the additional risk of low back fatigue also radiating through to the upper back, neck and shoulders.

Saddle angle for optimised comfort

CLEATS

Cleat position, or more generally foot position, can have a great impact with regards to injury, specifically glute and lateral knee pain.

The clearest way to think of this is to visualise your legs as pistons moving up and down in constrained parallel motion, any deviation from this motion can lead to injury. The deviation will be internal or external rotation of the cleat or foot causing misalignment of the joints and musculature of the ankle knee and hip.

You may remember that in a previous blog we discussed the high repetition count of the cycling pedal stroke? This is how minor misalignment leads to injury.

Diagram of foot Diagram of correct cleat, or foot position

We have all ridden behind that person with splayed out knees and wide elbows, with this knowledge of alignment and position think what they would need to adjust…..!

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE FOR ADJUSTMENT CONSIDERATIONS

PROBLEM
ADJUSTMENT
Rear knee pain Saddle down & forward
Front knee pain Saddle up & back
Lateral knee pain Cleat position & rotation
Front pelvis & hip flexor Saddle down & tilt forward
Numb parts! Saddle tilt forward or changed

REMEMBER THIS CYCLE OF CHANGE

=> SADDLE => BARS => CLEATS =>

EACH SET-UP ALTERED WILL AFFECT THE OTHER, SO BE SURE TO TEST THE NEW POSITION AND CONSIDER THE IMPACT!

For more tips, or to find out more get in touch with Martin Felix on Twitter

Cycling doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck!

By in Sports & Fitness Comments Off on Cycling doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck!

Whether you’re starting out or have spent hours in the saddle it’s likely you will or have experienced neck pain at one time or another. The question is why does this occur and what can we do to elevate it?

Fundamentally the human anatomy is not designed for cycling. We have evolved to stand and move on two feet in an upright position with our spine and neck acting as a shock absorber. So immediately we mount a bike our anatomy is compromised.

Cycling pain in the neck

If you examine the image above you see the cyclist has a forward curvature of the spine (Kyphosis) and, in order to look forward, hyper-extension of the neck – you begin to see why neck pain can occur!
In this position musculature within the upper back, neck and shoulders is driven to work harder to support the imbalanced weight of your head (approx 4.5 to 5kg).
Some of the weight of your upper body is supported through your arms onto the handlebars but even this load can create muscular tension.
We have all seen riders with their shoulders around their ears and arms locked out! All issues which add to the mix.

So what can you do about it?

We discussedGet the right cycle fitting to suit you previously the importance of professional bike fittings in minimising injury potential. So now let’s look more specifically at the areas which may help relieve neck pain.
Front end length and height relative to the saddle (E, D, C) are the main considerations in set-up, assuming correct frame size and saddle position (we’ll cover this in detail next time).

Adjusting the cycle handlebars

There is of course no one size fits all position – there are too many variables in individual anatomy and ride requirements, from aggressive racer to holiday tour riding. So when making adjustments to your riding position make them small and incremental, test them over a week or two and correct them where necessary.
First let’s look at length. Front end length (reach) reduction or increase can be achieved by altering the headset length (extension) and/or angle (angle A).

Make the right adjustments to your cycle helps

The second consideration is handlebar height, which can be increased or decreased with the addition or removal of headset spacers.

Thirdly, handlebar type and brake hood position can play a part in poor set-up. Consider optimum handlebar width to be in-line with your shoulder width, unduly large or small bars will also impact the loading into the upper back, neck and shoulders. Brake hoods can offer support in the neutral riding position but incorrectly positioned they will influence the front end length, height, support and reach as previously discussed. Be sure not to set them too high, making braking on the drops unsafe.

Diagram of handlebar measurements

The mechanical changes to front end set-up discussed are relatively straight forward requiring minimal equipment or expertise. However if you are unsure talk to your local bike mechanic.
Finally, try to remain relaxed in your riding position, neck, shoulders, arms and grip soft. Over a long ride you will drift away from this position so check yourself every now and then.
From an exercise perspective the occurrence of neck pain can be minimised through effective strength, stability, flexibility and mobility training through the whole spine. Remember to think about the muscular skeletal interconnections generating the stresses.

MOBILITY:

1. Side Flexions – Walking around on hands

Walking around the hands

2. CAT Spinal Flexion & Extension

Spine flexion cycling exercise    Spine extension

3. Flexibility

Flexible cyclist 1  Flexible cyclist lady 2  Lady flexible cycling 3 Flexible cycling

– Lateral Flexion
– Forward Flexion
– Rotational forward Flexion
– Rotation

4. Stability (core strength):

Planking exercises for cyclists

As you can see there are numerous versions of the plank and its progression. The key thing to remember is alignment, visualise a straight line from your ankle through your knee, hip, on up into you shoulder and neck. Any sag or elevation in the midline and you will have lost the hold.

 

 

 

 

The Roller is also a useful tool in developing spinal mobility and stability, it has endless uses in self-treatment and is a valuable tool to have in your cupboard. We will revisit the roller throughout my blog.

Using the roller for exercise  Exercising with a roller on your back

Regular sports massage will help improve muscular flexibility and function, so source a recommended Sports Massage Therapist or search the Sports Massage Association (SMA) website. Regular treatment is proven to enhance performance and minimise injury.
One final thing I tend to discuss with clients – the eyes. Sounds odd, but your eyes have a broad range of motion which is often neglected. So do try to use the eyes’ range of motion, not just the neck.
Next time I will look at saddle set-up and position, its impact on the various common injuries and what we can do to elevate them. I hope this article has been of some help and you don’t have to worry about neck pain again!
Remember there are numerous resources on the net dealing with the issues above, so take a look. I often refer to https://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/

If you would like to discuss further check out my twitter @MFFELIX 1966.
Happy Cycling!

Reasons to consider a bike fitting

By in Sports & Fitness Comments Off on Reasons to consider a bike fitting

 Hello all – Martin here, Bike Adventures’ resident expert on all things training, fitness and sports injuries.

With more people in the UK than ever taking to cycling there has been a growth in associated businesses from cycle tourism to specialist bike fitting services.

Our question in this blog is why get a bike fitting? Is it right for me?

Most new cyclists think bike fitting is only for the elite rider, and many experienced riders think they know best!

But in both cases there is a lot to be gained from engaging a professional to study your bike setup. If you’re not convinced the first thing to consider is the cost of long term injury: time out of the saddle missing the thing you love most, and the financial cost of ongoing treatment for injury.

It is highly likely that poor bike set-up and sizing will negatively impact your body, be it back, neck or knees. Believe it or not, humans are not actually designed to ride bikes; really our feet should be placed on the ground where weight distribution through the muscles and spine are evenly balanced. That said, our bodies are extremely versatile and will adapt to new conditions; this can be helped by a considered bike fitting.

When discussing this with clients I get them to visualise the repetitive single plain rotational action of cycling. You only have to do the maths to understand the issue:

A one hour ride at a moderate 70rpm equals 4200 potentially negative actions on a misaligned limb or joint.

When you start to multiply this over longer sportive rides of 5 plus hours or multi-day trips like our LEJOG it’s easy to see where problems might arise.

So, yes, in my opinion bike fitting is important for all, to minimise the risk of injury.

But here is where it gets a little more complicated, because good bike fitting should be developed around not only your physical dimensions but your riding style. By this I mean are you looking for peak performance, max power output or touring comfort? There are obviously many positions between but you get the idea. It’s a fine balance between performance output, comfort and potential injury which you as an individual have to make allowances for.

So if you do decide on a bike fitting be sure to do your research: make sure the provider fully understands your needs, and remember these needs may change course over time, requiring further adjustment as your goals and cycling evolve.

Here’s a list of 12 specific areas a specialist should consider:

1)         Frame size

2)         Bar width

3)         Headset length

4)         Headset angle (height)

5)         Saddle height

6)         Saddle position (front to rear)

7)         Saddle position (tilt)

8)         Saddle type

9)         Crank arm length

10)      Pedal type

11)      Cleat tension

12)      Cleat position 

On a final note, key areas of fitness which will also minimise the potential for injury are FLEXIBILITY (the one everyone loves to hate and can’t find time for) and CORE STRENGTH. Flexibility allowing unrestricted full range of motion of muscles and core strength stabilising movement, control and alignment.

There are numerous resources on the net for both, so take a look. I often refer to http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/. In the next blog we will start to look more specifically at individual injuries. Happy Christmas and safe cycling!

Cycle Fitness #1

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Cycle Fitness #1

Welcome to the first of our fitness and therapy Blogs. It is our aim through these blogs to open dialogue with you, discussing the topics that matter most. Whether you are a regular cyclist or not, we will try to explore some of the common areas of cycling fitness and the benefits; along with cycling injuries, how they may occur, how to avoid them, and their potential treatment.

If you have a particular issue you would like discussed please contact us and we will do our best to offer you help and advice.

To get us started here a few things to think about over the winter months. 

Love it or loathe it winter is upon us again.

The temptation to ease off exercising, hibernate and enjoy the festivities of the season are high. It takes willpower, determination and self belief to overcome this feeling, but the benefits outweigh the difficulties and are extremely worthwhile. Firstly, you will have gained 5 month’s additional regular exercise, self esteem will rise and you’ll be ahead of the game come the New Year’s resolution season.

Winter is the time to be imaginative with your exercise regime, whether you are a regular competitive cyclist, weekend warrior or family cyclist. Look for variety from your regular routine. It may be time to look at alternative routes, negotiate some trails, add in strength and conditioning, rehabilitate a niggling injury, adopt a flexibility or yoga routine, or simply find some fun alternatives to see you through the long dark nights.

Here are a few suggestions to keep you on top of your game.

  1. Roller workouts (rolling road) – great for core strength and improving bike handling
  2. Mountain Bike sessions – roadies you’re getting wet and muddy anyway!
  3. Spin classes – a break away from the misery of winter
  4. Hour Power session – if you have access to equipment measuring WATTS in the gym or home
  5. Weight training – often neglected by cyclists but can increase power and control
  6. Nordic ski or Stepper gym equipment – you’ll be surprised the gains you can make
  7. Heavy gear or Pace increase turbo trainer sets
  8. Night riding – buy those lights you keep looking at and get out
  9. Stretching or yoga – let’s be honest we should all do it but always find an excuse not to
  10. Try out Cyclocross – stay competitive in a new environment
  11. For those of you who prefer the gym at this time of year use this time to try something new and freshen up your exercise regime. Try the equipment you have been avoiding all year, increase the level your working at, try a different program on the equipment: be it treadmill, X-trainer, stationary bike, or join an exercise class, there are plenty to choose from or simply ask an instructor to surprise you with something new.

    The only way your body and fitness will improve is by responding and adapting to new stresses.

     

    cycle fitness 3 

     

    There’s no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothesBilly Connolly

    As Billy suggests, the right clothing is key to continuing training outdoors, but for the uninitiated there are a boggling variety of clothing and materials to choose from and prices appear high, although you do generally get what you pay for. If you work on the basic three layer system you can’t go far wrong.

    Firstly, a thermal base layer to maintain body heat.

    Secondary, a breathable thin layer for comfort and further insulation.

    Thirdly, a weather proofing layer, be it waterproof, shower proof or wind resistant to keep the worst of the weather out.

    Another obvious consideration for the dark winter conditions is visibility. Many of the layered items above are available in high visibility materials and designs, so talk to local stockist for advice and availability.

    Hats and gloves can be of lightweight insulating material, good enough to fend off the chill and small enough to put in a pocket when not required. For more severe conditions consider layered gloves. Personally I use Seal Skinz gloves and socks to keep the wet out and a Buff as a neck warmer, hat or balaclava. (www.sealskinz.com, www.buffwear.co.uk). Arm warmers are a popular choice and surprisingly effective not only in keeping your arms warm, but your hands too. I suffer with poor circulation and have always had difficulty with my hands, which is not helpful when trying to negotiate Welsh mountain bike trails, but the arm warmers have been a revelation.

    We hope something in this article has struck a chord and inspired you to try something new this winter. Keep an eye out next month for an overview of cycling injuries and their treatment which we will expand on throughout the year. If you have any specific requests feel free to contact the Bike Adventures team.

Food Glorious Food

By in Road Cycling Holidays, Sports & Fitness Comments Off on Food Glorious Food

Large American portion of a rack of ribs for dinner

Little Debbie's Cherry Pie

Entrance to Brewing Company in Solvang

Last night I disgraced myself. We went to a Western themed restaurant and I was guilty of ‘eyes bigger than stomach’ syndrome. In my defence I wasn’t really expecting the complimentary beef stew starter (a meal in itself) or the complimentary salad (another me‎al) or the fact that the ribs were not from a pig as promised but from a woolly mammoth.

I left more than I ate :-(.

American Pie

I would like to introduce you to the most advanced sports food on the planet – the Little Debbie’s ‘fruit’ pie (don’t worry – no fruit is harmed in the making of   little beauties!). They come in red, green and yellow (these colours have fruits associated with them but, again, I’m pretty sure there is absolutely no fruit involved – the ‘fruit’ filling is basically just a sort of lube to assist with swallowing). For $1.29 you get a pie about the size of a pack of cards that contains…….420 calories. Two of these and a bucket of Coke and you have a whole day’s intake for about 5 bucks. Even NASA has nothing to compare.

Identity

For the last 3 weeks Geoff has been busily checking into a hotel each night using my credit card. Usually this goes without a hitch but sometimes they ask for photo ID. This isn’t a problem because Geoff also has my driving licence. At no point has anyone checked the photo of my beautiful visage with his ugly mug. God bless America.

Tonight we are in Solvang – a little bit of Denmark in the California dessert.

Always The Sun

By in Road Cycling Holidays, Sports & Fitness Comments Off on Always The Sun

Halloween scarecrow competition

Multiple scarecrows for Halloween scarecrow competition

Long stretch of empty American road with the sun shining.

Palm trees against a blue, cloudless sky. The sun is out.

When I checked the forecast this morning for San Simeon (our hotel on the coast) it said highs of 25c.‎ I then checked the forecast for San Luis Obisbo (our lunch stop but 10 miles inland) it said highs of 38c. Surely a mistake ‎I thought. Actually NO. As you head inland the temperature rises by about 1 degree C per mile.  
 
In the morning we passed through a Halloween scarecrow competition but the rest of the day was unexciting after yesterday’s thrills, just scrub and a searing sun.  
 

Today was a peasy 57 miles and we were all done by 2pm, time to laze in the sun and talk bollocks.  ‎We are in Arrayo Grande, a couple of hundred miles north of LA. Tonight we are heading to a ‘western style’ restaurant. So basically hot dead cow.

 

Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the EE network.

Simply the Best

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Beautiful shot of a bay in slight shadow.

Open road along the coast in San Francisco, perfect for riding along.

A bay and rolling hills in America

A secluded bay spotted whilst riding through San Francisco

A cyclist riding along the coast in San Francisco

‎Although this is my first time riding the whole route I have ridden the stretch from SF before, with Nobby some 7 years ago. On that ride the Big Sur stretch was a bit of a trial – thanks to a cock-up on the daily mileage estimate a day that should have been a testing 110 miles ended up as a ball-breaking 130.  
 
So today’s 94 miles should have been a walk in the park……but it wasn’t. It was hilly (as in chuffing) and hot (90’s)‎. Having said this………I was magnificent. Actually I was just adequate but that IS pretty magnificent these days. We were all done by 3:45 and never has a jump in the pool and a cold beer been more welcome.
 
Big Sur IS stunning! If you don’t have a Mustang then a bike is a pretty cool second choice if transport.
 
Off to find a head-sized steak now.
 
Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the EE network.

Drive

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London Bridge Pub spotted whilst riding the 17 Mile Drive.

A harbour spotted whilst riding the 17 mile drive.

Two seals sunbathing in the sun.

A seal relaxing near the dock. Spotted during a tour of the 17 Mile Drive

A bit of an odd day today…..our first for some time without any encounter with the emergency services.
 
We had a laughably short day because of a problem with availability of our target hotel. On this bit of coast (Big Sur) accommodation at sensible prices is hard to find so we have had to stop short by 25 miles. This gave us less than 30 today but will require, gulp, 94 tomorrow. To make matters worse they will be hilly. Bigger gulp.
 
We left Marina for the short cycle path ride to Monteray where we wasted time on the wharf watching sea lions and pelicants before riding ’17 Mile Drive’ to Carel. This scenic route follows the headland from Monteray to Carmel past Pebble Beach golf course and some of the most gob-smacking real estate you could imagine. ‘That’s a big hotel’ said one of the group. ‘Yes it is’ I replied, ‘but it is actually a p‎rivate house’.  
 
With the combination of perfect weather, spectacular views and outrageous wealth it is one of the coolest 17 miles you can ride bar none.
 
We are now in Carmel where Clint Eastwood was once mayor. It is swanky and VERY expensive but quite fun.With such a short day we were done by lunchtime and we are wasting the afternoon by the pool. Although quite relaxed I ‎can’t help the occasional worry about how 94 hilly miles in 100 degrees is going to feel. Final gulp.
 
 
 
Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the EE network.