My 2015 cycling goals

Some notes on what I want to achieve on the bike this year

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Since I first started cycling nearly two years ago I’ve developed a real love for it. I don’t just cycle to get to work, I don’t just cycle for fitness – although these things are factors. I cycle because it makes me happy, because I enjoy it.

This year I want to capitalise on that enjoyment and go further and faster. I absolutely loved taking part in the London to Cambridge last year, so in 2015 I want to do more sportives. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to ride 60 miles in one go, but far from being destroyed by the end of it I felt energised and wanted to go even further. So I’ve registered for the London 100. I find out next month if I’ve been successful.

Me on completing the London to Cambridge.

There are loads of other sportives all over the country, with distances ranging from about 45 miles up to 100. Some are charity rides, others are organised by various cycling organisations. I really like the idea of choosing somewhere like the New Forest and making a weekend of it: heading down the day before, exploring the area and staying a couple of nights in a hotel. I could do a few throughout the year, heading off to different parts of the country.

The UK’s first Gran Fondo is taking place in Cambridge and I’d love to take part. The Tour of Cambridgeshire starts and ends in Peterborough and is a 82-mile ride through the Cambridgeshire countryside. Taking place on 7 June it would be excellent training for the London 100 on 2 August.

Obviously this means I’ll have to invest in a new bike

My final two goals are self-organised. First I want to do some longer solo rides (or rides with friends if anyone wants to come with me!). The idea is to choose somewhere at least 30 miles away, book a room in a B&B, pack an overnight bag and head off. I’ll cycle home the next day. Current favourite candidates are Southend, Ware and Wivenhoe.

I also want to cycle the whole of the Hadrian’s Cycleway. This 174-mile Sustrans route crosses England, from Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast to South Shields in Co Durham. It’s usually cycled west to east. It goes through some stunning countryside, passing Roman forts, museums, quaint villages and picturesque market towns. It sounds gorgeous, as well as being a real challenge.

According to the Sustrans website, most people can complete it in three days, but I think I’d like to give myself four or five; for one thing I want time to stop and enjoy the scenery as I go. Obviously this means I’ll have to invest in a new bike. Florence can’t have pannier racks fitted, and I’ll need these (probably both front and back) in order to carry everything I’ll need for four-day road trip.

 So there we have it. My goals for 2015 – I'll keep you updated on how I do throughout the year.