Alc 2009

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Eli

Have just been reading all through your website etc. I so enjoyed that, all about your family and travel and some lovely photos.

I think it's brilliant doing the ride again but as you said, all in a very good cause. I will definitely make a small donation but not until 25th, when I get paid.

BTW many thanks for your Christmas card and enclosure.

I am really in awe of anybody riding over 500 miles!

Clock

Hi Eli

I didn't forget and a couple of days early!

Not much but better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!

Keep the training up, especially around wet Wales.

Hugs

Clock

[uk elephant]

Thank you, Clock!!! And a donation is far better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!

Edited to add: I can now make it up the hill to work at least. Still a lot of training left to do, but I am slowly getting started....

[uk elephant]

Finally gotten out on a couple of decent training rides. Today, I did a ride in the morning on my way to work. 15 miles in beautiful wintery landscape. Had to take it a bit slow on the back roads which were not cleared or gritted yet. I am definitely getting my climbing training in around here. Just downloaded my garmin data from the two rides. Each was just under 20 miles, with over 1700ft of climbing! Puh!!. I must admit, I had to walk a few of those feet, but I am definitely getting stronger. Need to decide what to do about my bike, though. It needs a full overhaul after two winters of riding through salt, grit, mud and flowing rivers whenever the bike path flooded. It needs new wheels, new chain, new cassette, new cog and new rear deraileaur apparently. Not cheap. But I need the bike in good condition, not just for alc, so I suppose it's worth it.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Eli

Hey, you are doing so well, what part of Wales are you in?

When my partner completely overhauled my bike, wheels, 9 speed cassette etc, for the London Bikeathon I did last year...........yeah, an itsy witsy 25 miles, I bought most items on ebay from an outfit called Woolly Hat Shop. They were terrific, when I ordered my 9 speed cassette, I ordered the wrong size chain and it was no problem for them to change it for me.

It's always a bonus having a telephone number where you actually get to speak to somebody and not just a machine.

Also they sell via Amazon, so it is worth checking out prices.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sram-PG-980-.../dp/B000VSWCZ2

or direct on

http://www.woollyhatshop.com/

I am sure if you contacted them direct and asked for a good deal, they might come up with a good price.

Clock

[uk elephant]

Problem is, I would need the bike shop to install it all for me as I don't have the tools, skills or facilities for such things. And I don't think they are very happy about installing parts that I buy cheap somewhere else.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hey, a young girl like you, just try flattering your eyelids and ask nicely if they could do a deal with you, as you already have the parts, nothing to lose have you?

Or explain your budget and just be honest, if you got the parts, would they be prepared to fit them................and that you will bake them a special cake for St David's Day celebrated in Wales on 1 March!

Clock in helpful mode

[Duck on Wheels]

Yay!! I made my donations minimum! UKE has worked so hard selling knitting and baked goods. I was just plain working hard (as in overtime) and couldn't find the time for that kind of fundraising. So I decided to donate my moonlighting incomes (search committees, select committees, paid lectures). Today I added up my moonlighting money since Xmas, and it put me over the minimum goal. Even had a little left over that I put into UKE's kitty. Now UKE just needs $775 more and we can pre-book our tent assignment

And now off to the gym to train. My guts have been giving me trouble lately and I've missed several days of spin classes, not to mention the ones I missed, and will miss again next week, due to travelling. Better get to the gym today while my guts are behaving better. UKE, meanwhile, has bare roads -- with HILLS -- and is getting quite a workout just biking to work and back.