All members - Questionaire for CW

[huw williams]

Can you help me out with a brief questionaire for CWs winter Health and Fitness magazine?

It's all about winter riding.

Most concise and interesting answers will run in the magazine with a picture of you (which we'll sort out later - it should also provide valuable info for ACC members to use. Don't feel like you have to answer all 10 - just the ones you've got some opinion on. Copy the questions you want, answer them and post on this thread

Thanks in anticipation - Huw


Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"

[Richard (Apples)]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"

[color=blue]Fewer cyclists so not getting so annoyed at them all sailing throught the lights[/color]

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"

[color=blue]Good waterproof overshoes. Your clothes can usually dry out at work but putting on wet shoes to ride home is not nice[/color]

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?

[color=blue]I do . Not getting on the Tube is all the motivation I need[/color]

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?

[color=blue]I use the same bike all year round [/color]

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"


[color=blue]I clean the chain and rims more often , and oil the chain more[/color]

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"

[color=blue]Porridge with chopped bananna[/color]

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

[color=blue]I prefer to buy British where I can , eating seasonal foods is a great way to vary your diet over the year[/color]

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"

[color=blue]I swim[/color]

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"

[color=blue]I'm not at the moment , but if I was I'd go to Mallorca or The Caniries for the sun and the miles[/color]

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"

[color=blue]I dont mind winter riding so it doesn't get me down but I dont like being soaking wet all the time[/color]

[Marek]

Question 1

"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"

I really enjoy getting out my long sleeve Assos Winter Jacket and Rapha Winter Jacket and riding in these. I don't know whether it is just cos they cost so much money, but I do enjoy riding in these pieces of kit. I also enjoy that feeling of the blood coming back into the toes and fingers when you stop for a warming cup of hot chocolate or coffee on one of those tortorously long and cold winter rides.

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"

The Rapha winter jacket is seriously good and this can help you cope when it gets really cold and wet. I have used in serious minus conditions in Poland with just a infil vest underneath and was fine.

Good tyres, I tend to use racing tyres all year around now. Tried some of these other makes that say you won't puncture and the like, but find that they tend to slip and the puncture resistance is not that much better than the traditional racing tyres to be honest.

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?

Yes, knowing that my club mates will kick my butt if I don't train, also the waistline soon starts to bulge if you don't keep going. I also think my wife would go mad if I was kicking around the house the whole weekend, so she motivates me by giving me a kick out the door.

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?

Designated winter bike, cannot beat the feel of steel in the winter months. Need to lug around the extra weight, also need to get mudguards to stop your butt from getting soaked.

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"

Tend to clean up after most rides.

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"

Porridge with honey.

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

Nope.

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"

Nope

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"

I am planning, but the wife normally puts the stops on it when it gets from the planning stage to the putting into practice stage.

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"

Nope, tend to be fine, I really enjoy those crisp mornings and I actually enjoy riding quite long distances at a pace where I can breathe through my mouth rather than my arse. Only problem is that most of the guys that I train with tend to want to breathe through their arses the whole year around.

Cheers

Marek....

[huw williams]

great stuff - keep it up.

Glad to see that others have discovered how good honey and chopped fruit is when mixed with porridge

[Andrew G]

Huw's Health & Efficiency Questionaire

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"
[color=blue]Quieter roads, sociable long steady paced rides.[/color]
Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"
[color=blue]Silk glove liners are the king for warm fingers, winter boots rather than overshoes which cope fine down to the really cold stuff, good wind/waterproof jacket. Get good clothes that work well, it was only the michelin man effect of lots of layers/bulk that annoyed in winter.[/color]
Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?
[color=blue]Yes, no problem I enjoy riding my bike.[/color]
Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?
[color=blue]Yes, fixed wheel whenever possible. Use commuting bike in winter, with 'guards when gears are needed/wanted.[/color]
Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"
[color=blue]Regular clean as normal. Also quick wipe down with kitchen towel straight after ride clears most of the crap off to prevent too much wear and tear.[/color]
Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"
[color=blue]Porridge or weatabix with warm milk. Plenty of honey or sugar.[/color]
Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "
[color=blue]Tend to eat fresh, local, and seasonal where possible all year. It just tastes nicer[/color]
Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"
[color=blue]No[/color]
Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"
[color=blue]Planning on Italy late April. Very nice bike hotel, good rides with hotel guide. Part training, part pleasure.[/color]
Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you
[color=blue]Occaisionally get fed up with the only daylight hours being when I'm in the office, but nothing too bad.[/color]

[Graham O]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"

Riding on fresh / crisp mornings - Its the best time of the year..

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"

If its too wet don't go out; otherwise just go for it. 9 times out of 10 its not as bad as it seems from your front room.

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?

Yes - Don't need to be motivated as I enjoy it !!

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?

I have a seperate commuter bike. But I still ride my good bike on special rides in the winter..

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"

Good Bike - Yes. Commuting Bike - Just normal..

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"

Ready Break !

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

Not really..Buy lots of cake from the Caf..

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"

Hope to do a little weights this year to improve my core strength. I have read this might help, particularly with my lower back..

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"

Not Really...

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"

The worst thing is lying in bed listening to the wind and the rain. If you spend too much time doing this you'll never go out. Best just to go and worry about it when you are in it...

[Ian A4size]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"

Longer rides at a more steady pace, beating the elements.

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"

Proper clothing, good gloves, insulated cycling shoes- my sidi MTB boots.

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?

Yes, I love it- don't try and keep on top form all year round, I actually train in the winter and when summer comes I just ride.

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?

Yes- I am a bike snob

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"

Clean it regularly- esp the drive train.

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"

Porridge oats and raisins

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

Seasonal foods yes- they are fresher and keep more vits and minerals.
I take vitamins as well.

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"

Weight training

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"

I hope to as I missed this year, ideally to get away from the lousy dark British winter- miles and sun as well.

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?

I can sleep on a clothes line anytime. I tend to wake up v.early in summer as it gets light. Constant rain is really depressing- bright winter days really lift me.
I have to get out at least once on the weekend or i will get cabin fever.

[Jonathan B]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"
[color=darkred]Letting the strange cycling tan lines fade.[/color]

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"
[color=darkred]overshoes and good layered clothing gets you so far but mostly you just have to grin and bare it. [/color]

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?
[color=darkred]Yes I commute by bike as no matter the weather it beats waiting for the bus.[/color]

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?
[color=darkred]Yes I use my Shimagnolo equiped bike.[/color]

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"
[color=darkred]I give the drive train a service once or twice a month plus a wipe down if the weather has been really foul. [/color]

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"
[color=darkred]Porridge with sliced bananna or frozen berrys[/color]

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"
[color=darkred]Fencing (epee & foil)[/color]

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"
[color=darkred]Not this year maybe in the futre[/color]

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"
[color=darkred]Just the normal winter blues that I guess most people get.[/color]

[adrian]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"
[color=blue]Defying the elements if the weather's bad, breathing the cold, clean air on crisp, bright days[/color]
Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"
[color=blue]Get decent gloves and overshoes, and tell yourself this is making you stronger and a better rider. Also have good lunch/dinner to look forward to post-ride[/color]
Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?
[color=blue]Yes - working full-time provides ample year-round motivation to make the most of spare time[/color]
Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?
[color=blue]Use the same bike all year round[/color]
Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"
[color=blue]Clean it regularly - after every ride if possible[/color]
Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"
[color=blue]Porridge with grated apple, raisins and cinnamon; toasted bagel with peanut butter if I'm in a hurry[/color]
Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "
[color=blue]Yes, definitely - have a organic veg box delivered, shop locally and avoid supermarkets. Seasonal, local and organic food is healthier (unadulterated) and tastes better, is more interesting (reflecting the change of seasons) and makes more environmental sense (reduces food miles, no pesticides, long-term contracts for growers means greater sustainability etc etc)[/color]
Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"
[color=blue]Do running and weights and strength/flexibility exercises all year round, but may add circuit training if the weather is really too foul to go out[/color]
Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"
[color=blue]Plan to go back to Italy in May for a week before Nove Colli - for all three reasons[/color]
Question 10:
"Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"
[color=blue]I look forward to the winter and enjoy it for a number of reasons. But it always outstays its welcome and I'm craving some decent light by February. A week off (not necessarily abroad - often go walking in Wales) around then gives me something immediate and tangible to look forward to[/color]

[Grahame]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"

[color=blue]Not sweating so profusely. No salty helmet straps and cool, crisp mornings. Also, when mountainbiking, there's just fewer people around so it feels like the trails are my own private playground.[/color]

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"

[color=blue]Realise that a waterproof is not about dry, it IS about warm. I don't think of any riding conditions as miserable. Having said that, a headband, good gloves and winter boots do a huge amount for mood improvement in moments of weakness.[/color]

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?

[color=blue]Yes, there's fewer people out in the winter, so it feels like a stolen pleasure.[/color]

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?

[color=blue]I have an old, steel mountainbike with road bars, 8 drivetrain, wide mudguards and 1.5" slicks (the "Frankenbike") that I use for winter rides. Strangely, riding behind me appears to be very popular on winter clubruns.[/color]

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"

[color=blue]8 speed stuff seems to be more resilient in dirty conditions, and the mudguards seem to keep a lot of the worst away, so a hose down and re-lube seems to keep it running sweetly until the spring.[/color]

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"

[color=blue]Cereal - muesli in summer, porridge in winter - and a slice of toast, oh and a huge mug of tea, will get me through the first 40 miles or so easily.[/color]

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

[color=blue]My wife and I are making an effort to reduce our food miles, mostly as a sop to our huge carbon footprint. We also eat seasonal foods as a way to get some variety into what we eat. Don't know about diet and health, I'm still breathing, and that makes me happy.[/color]

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"

[color=blue]Does mountainbiking count? maybe some swimming or the odd game of badminton. I'm allergic to gyms. I'd rather spend the money on some decent lights and go for a bike ride.[/color]

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"

[color=blue]No plans yet.[/color]

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"

[color=blue]I sometimes feel a bit lethargic, and depressed. I try to make the effort to make maximum use of the daylight hours in winter - go for a walk at lunchtime, get up early(ish) and get outside at the weekend. A good bike ride is a great tonic for me.[/color]

[George]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"

Psychological advantage of training hard whilst everyone else is inside.

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"

Scull cap, booties, goretex jacket and mudguards

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?

Love riding and know I must train all year round to stay race fit.

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?

I only use the winter training bike when it's really wet and bad.

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"

Yes clean with a big bucket of soapy water after every ride.

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"

Porridge with dates and golden syrup plus toast and jam.

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

I just eat a mixed balanced diet mostly from the Turkish supermarkets in West Croydon.

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"

No

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"

If I was planning one it would be just for the holiday.

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"

I tend to ride more in training groups during the winter such as the Elmers End chain gang, seeing other people out in grim conditions spurs you on.

[Paul on the Pearson]

Cant cook wont cook,
Huw I'll do the questionier next week when Ive got a bit more time, but you mentioned how good honey, dried fruit and porrigde is, so I'll take this opportunity, what with the recent doping scandals and all that to explain that the small silver foil wrappers that I discretely unwrap and consume at the cafe isnt speed, edible epo (available in several tasy flavours), smack or dried yaks blood, but indeed a secret recipe of porridge oats,dried friut,syrup, black treacle and honey baked in the oven, obviously not as secret as it was though as I've just given away the ingredients.
see you saturday.[/quote]

[Mike I]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"

I ride about 6-10 TTS a year. Even that fairly modest shot at competition influences my summer riding. ("Can't do a long ride on Saturday, I'm riding a 50 on Sunday" sort of thing.) Winter riding is just for fun.

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"

As Billy Connolly says, there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes - inner gloves and overshoes are the key. I tried extra socks, but my shoes were so tight the circulation was restircted and my feet got even colder.

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?

Yes. The alternative is not riding, which makes me grumpy and lethargic.

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?

My commuter bike doubles as my winter 'training' bike. And I put mudguards on my fixie when the clocks go back.

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"

Not really, but it gets crud-bound more often and looks embarrassing. Since that's when it gets a clean, it probably gets more attention in the winter months.

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"

Porridge. I used to have it with honey and banana, but have now discovered chopped dried figs and pumpkin seeds.

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

This is really my wife's department (calm down, I do the laundry!), but, yes, she does feed me mostly fresh, local and seasonal food. (Try Wallington farmers' market, although it clashes with the club run, and Garson's Farm near Esher for pick your own fruit and veg of all sorts.)

I have no reason to disbelieve the nutritionists who say fresh is better for me, but I just prefer the taste.

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"

What? There are gyms out there?

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"

Not this year. When I have done it (Mallorca in February), it's ticked all three of those boxes.

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"

Yes, I hate the cold and the short days. A decent bike ride helps get me through them.

[kieran]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"

The sense of smug satisfaction in completing a ride in bad weather when others are still cowering at home.

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"

Dress well and keep moving, keep fingers and feet warm, bring lots of spare inner tubes, make sure your tyres aren’t worn, not nice changing a tyre in cold, wet dark conditions

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?

Yes, commuting-wise it’s the only way to go, otherwise it keeps me sane, gives me time to think and the longer steadier, slower rides are a nice break from the spring/summer higher intensity training racing stuff.

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?

I use an MTB for commuting and put mudguards on the racing bike for weekend riding

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"

No, lots of lubrication, a wipe once in a while and the MTB is left to fend for itself, then gets a spring clean and worn parts replaced.

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"

Weetabix or porridge

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "

We get a organic box thingy but otherwise just try and buy local to reduce food miles. Do it for environmental reasons mainly.

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"

No.

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"

No.

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"

NO.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Question 1
"What do you enjoy most and look forward to about winter riding?"
[color=darkblue]Nothing, but it has to be done.[/color]

Question 2
"what are your tips for handling wet, cold and miserable riding conditions?"
[color=darkblue]Staying indoors mainly, but if pressed, my Gore Tex jacket, waterproof gloves, hat, roubaix tights and neoprene overshoes AND most important of all MUDGUARDS do the trick.[/color]

Question 3
"Do you ride all year round? If so how do you stay motivated?
[color=darkblue]I have a short break from competition and try to ride as little as possible during Oct/Nov/Dec, but have to continue commuting.
My motivation is that I know how important it is to be able to be competitive next season relies on the winter base.[/color]

Question 4
"Do you have a designated winter bike or do use the same bike all year round?
[color=darkblue]My commuting bike - it has mudguards and a nice heavy Smart lead acid battery[/color]

Question 5
"Do you pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike in winter or do you just let it get worse and worse until spring?"
[color=darkblue]You having a laugh.......ALL the time.[/color]

Question 6
"What are your favourite pre big-ride breakfasts?"
[color=darkblue]A cup of tea and a bowl of porridge.[/color]

Question 7
"Do you make a conscious effort to either buy british or eat seasonal foods? If so why and do you think it improves your diet and health? "
[color=darkblue]Buy British for the economy etc and seasonal vegetables where possible. Supplement with a mixture of nuts and raisins. Since losing 3 stone, by following GI diet, have been more conscious of "good" and "bad" foods. I don't know if this has made a difference, but I have not had a single cold/illness since then (Oct 2006)[/color]

Question 8
"In the winter do you do any other sports or go to the gym to make a change from cycling?"
[color=darkblue]A little swimming with the family, but I make a good impression of a brick.[/color]

Question 9
"Are you planning a spring training camp? Why do you go? Is it for the sun, the miles or just as a holiday?"
[color=darkblue]Never been, but would like to go to see how it would help, in which case it would be for winter miles in better conditions.[/color]

Question 10:
" Do you really struggle in the winter months with motivation, sleepiness or lethargy. Are you 'solar powered'? Does winter really get you down and if so what solutions work for you?"
[color=darkblue]I HATE January. I always get dropped on the clubrun and really struggle to get any sort of form whatsoever. I don't have a solution, but know that I will get through it.[/color]