[Other Sport] Cycling geeks

[Pogue Mahone]

My GP is being a pain in the arse about the medical certificate I need to pick up my bib number for l'etape in a couple of weeks. She has decided that the 'wording' on the certificate means I need a full physical medical (none of my mates have needed this) and that this will cost £120, plus another £50 for filling out a certificate that simply requires a signature and a stamp.

Anyone know how I can get round this? Everyone else seems to have just been waved through, as it were, and had their certificates signed with no problems. I have a jobs worth doctor, and am beginning to worry a bit.

 

[Motogull]

If only you had a doctor as a mate.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

If only you had a doctor as a mate.

Well, yes. I don't though. Or are you trying to tell me something.

You're not are you? Could be PM time...

 

[Hamilton]

My GP is being a pain in the arse about the medical certificate I need to pick up my bib number for l'etape in a couple of weeks. She has decided that the 'wording' on the certificate means I need a full physical medical (none of my mates have needed this) and that this will cost £120, plus another £50 for filling out a certificate that simply requires a signature and a stamp.

Anyone know how I can get round this? Everyone else seems to have just been waved through, as it were, and had their certificates signed with no problems. I have a jobs worth doctor, and am beginning to worry a bit.

She just wants to hold your gonads and make you cough!

You are a bit of a looker after all.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Well, yes. I don't though. Or are you trying to tell me something.

You're not are you? Could be PM time...

If I was local I'd help you out!

 

[Rugrat]

Novice update!

My first (maybe last!) solo run and without the Mrs and her electric beast.

Only 8 miles but blimey, I didn't realise how much these things had improved over 30 years ... scarily fast for an old boy and now wonder what I was doing riding my old crate this past 10.

I can't deny flying down the 281 between Cowfold and Horsham is friggin scary, not only the traffic but the overhanging trees (intermittment bright/dull) making it so difficult to see what's ahead.

I might even prefer w/Mrs and sandwiches half way rather than winding up dead

 

[Pogue Mahone]

If I was local I'd help you out!

Thanks IL.

Do you have to be local? The certificate doesn't really specify any location, and is very basic. I have had all the blood tests, blood pressure checks etc., and there is an online service for applying for a medical certificate that doesn't seem to require more than this, it's more of a tick-box activity! All the certificate is, is a statement saying you know of no contra-indicators for me taking part, space for a signature and a doctor's stamp.

I can't believe that they'll pay any more than lip service to the form, as thousands of people will be turning up at the same time and showing these rather flimsy pieces of paper in exchange for a bib number.

I am more likely to suffer a heart attack through the stress that this is causing me rather than the non-existant medical reasons! I have two weeks before I leave, and am worried that my doctor's surgery is going to let me down.

If I could send you the form, and you could help me out, I'd be eternally grateful!

 

[manintheblackpajamas]

Thanks IL.

Do you have to be local? The certificate doesn't really specify any location, and is very basic. I have had all the blood tests, blood pressure checks etc., and there is an online service for applying for a medical certificate that doesn't seem to require more than this, it's more of a tick-box activity! All the certificate is, is a statement saying you know of no contra-indicators for me taking part, space for a signature and a doctor's stamp.

I can't believe that they'll pay any more than lip service to the form, as thousands of people will be turning up at the same time and showing these rather flimsy pieces of paper in exchange for a bib number.

I am more likely to suffer a heart attack through the stress that this is causing me rather than the non-existant medical reasons! I have two weeks before I leave, and am worried that my doctor's surgery is going to let me down.

If I could send you the form, and you could help me out, I'd be eternally grateful!

You certainly don't have to be local...
Last year my medical certificate was provided by a doctor in Birmingham who I never met.
Seems there are a few companies that specialise in Etape specific medical certificates. Can't remember cost, but cheaper than what you've been quoted.

In fact, I need to get that sorted too ASAP!

 

[Stat Brother]

Novice update!

My first (maybe last!) solo run and without the Mrs and her electric beast.

Only 8 miles but blimey, I didn't realise how much these things had improved over 30 years ... scarily fast for an old boy and now wonder what I was doing riding my old crate this past 10.

I can't deny flying down the 281 between Cowfold and Horsham is friggin scary, not only the traffic but the overhanging trees (intermittment bright/dull) making it so difficult to see what's ahead.

I might even prefer w/Mrs and sandwiches half way rather than winding up dead

I don't know it for riding, but I'm not so sure the A281 is an ideal starting point.
'A' roads are a necessary evil, to get you from 'B' road to 'B' road.
I'm sure there's some great circular routes around you.
Assuming you're a Cowfoldian, a quick look at the map (I've no idea how they'd ride) Kent St, Wineham Lane and Spronkett's Lane, looks like a reasonable starter.

As for intermittent bright/dull yes it is blinding, and difficult to cope with.
It's certainly an extra distraction you don't need, as a newbie.
But it is also, obviously, the very very worst time of year for that.
If you can hang on, literally and figuratively, for just a few more weeks that'll start improving.

 

[Rugrat]

I don't know it for riding, but I'm not so sure the A281 is an ideal starting point.
'A' roads are a necessary evil, to get you from 'B' road to 'B' road.
I'm sure there's some great circular routes around you.
Assuming you're a Cowfoldian, a quick look at the map (I've no idea how they'd ride) Kent St, Wineham Lane and Spronkett's Lane, looks like a reasonable starter.

As for intermittent bright/dull yes it is blinding, and difficult to cope with.
It's certainly an extra distraction you don't need, as a newbie.
But it is also, obviously, the very very worst time of year for that.
If you can hang on, literally and figuratively, for just a few more weeks that'll start improving.

Totally agree on that ... came to the same conclusion myself!

Actually a "Horshamite" but there's plenty of decent back roads I can use ... Sunday I'm off to Warninglid pretty well all back roads. I guess the downside of these roads is the occasional nutter in a Fiesta XR something. But it's obviously preferable to a fairly windy and busy A road when alone.

Got that about the light too, but a good initiation!

I really am blown away by the improvements since I was last "serious" (schoolkid!!) ... this bike is described as entry level and for the ignorant (moi!) I can't really get my head round how anything could be much better

 

[RandyWanger]

I can't sit at home and watch the start of Le Tour so instead I'll be jumping on the Willier and cycling the Col de la Forclaz in Switzerland tomorrow (it's about an hour cycle from here to the Col) Somehow managed to blag a days work in Nimes when the tour goes through LOL

 

[Stat Brother]

Totally agree on that ... came to the same conclusion myself!

Actually a "Horshamite" but there's plenty of decent back roads I can use ... Sunday I'm off to Warninglid pretty well all back roads. I guess the downside of these roads is the occasional nutter in a Fiesta XR something. But it's obviously preferable to a fairly windy and busy A road when alone.

Got that about the light too, but a good initiation!

I really am blown away by the improvements since I was last "serious" (schoolkid!!) ... this bike is described as entry level and for the ignorant (moi!) I can't really get my head round how anything could be much better

I'm going to be brave here, the XR generation is nowhere near as bad as in say my generation.
They've been priced off the roads, by the cost of driving lessons and massive insurance premiums.
T'is the BMW rep and 4x4 school mom you've got to be careful of.


As for bikes, you've got a good entry level bike, ideal for a beginner.
Traditionally an entry level bike gets ridden until the next spring.
By then the owners head is turned by something shinier & pricier.
The entry level bike becomes 'the winter hack', and is resurrected from the shed in November.
The big question is how long can the shiny pricey bike last as bestest, before it's relegated to 'winter hack'.
Chances are though, the hardest bike for a proper roadie to part with is first one (or one they built).

They can get an awful lot better, I was amazed by the head on shots of Team Sky's latest bike.
It's as if there's nothing there.

You need to keep your tyres pumped up, if you let them deflate they'll be prone to p********, and the bike won't be so smooth to ride.

 

[Rugrat]

I'm going to be brave here, the XR generation is nowhere near as bad as in say my generation.
They've been priced off the roads, by the cost of driving lessons and massive insurance premiums.
T'is the BMW rep and 4x4 school mom you've got to be careful of.


As for bikes, you've got a good entry level bike, ideal for a beginner.
Traditionally an entry level bike gets ridden until the next spring.
By then the owners head is turned by something shinier & pricier.
The entry level bike becomes 'the winter hack', and is resurrected from the shed in November.
The big question is how long can the shiny pricey bike last as bestest, before it's relegated to 'winter hack'.
Chances are though, the hardest bike for a proper roadie to part with is first one (or one they built).

They can get an awful lot better, I was amazed by the head on shots of Team Sky's latest bike.
It's as if there's nothing there.

You need to keep your tyres pumped up, if you let them deflate they'll be prone to p********, and the bike won't be so smooth to ride.

Agree I used XR as a euphemism .. but more likely to be the ones you highlight.

I'll never be good enough to justify anything better and I'm not going to be getting any younger ... just enjoy it while I can. From next year it will get 3 months a year in France and that's very appealing.

Got it about tyres ... I have wondered about p********. I was kind of hoping they'd invented run flats by now but I suspect not. Also suspect it's a bit daft heading out for 10 miles with nothing but a water bottle and mobile phone

 

[Stat Brother]

Agree I used XR as a euphemism .. but more likely to be the ones you highlight.

I'll never be good enough to justify anything better and I'm not going to be getting any younger ... just enjoy it while I can. From next year it will get 3 months a year in France and that's very appealing.

Got it about tyres ... I have wondered about p********. I was kind of hoping they'd invented run flats by now but I suspect not. Also suspect it's a bit daft heading out for 10 miles with nothing but a water bottle and mobile phone

If there's going to be someone at the end of the phone, probably not.

I wouldn't discount the prospect of a cycling bug getting under your skin, esp riding in France.
If I were riding on their quality of roads and drivers, I'd be very keen on an upgrade, it doesn't have to be £1000's.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Totally agree on that ... came to the same conclusion myself!

Actually a "Horshamite" but there's plenty of decent back roads I can use ... Sunday I'm off to Warninglid pretty well all back roads. I guess the downside of these roads is the occasional nutter in a Fiesta XR something. But it's obviously preferable to a fairly windy and busy A road when alone.

Got that about the light too, but a good initiation!

I really am blown away by the improvements since I was last "serious" (schoolkid!!) ... this bike is described as entry level and for the ignorant (moi!) I can't really get my head round how anything could be much better

You can easily get from Horsham down to Sandygate Lane (Lower Beeding) via some quiet roads, then go along the road towards Plummers Plain I think it is, and down Warninglid Lane. On my first effort, I was going north on Warninglid Lane & found a couple of surprisingly steep, if short, little climbs. Going south towards Warninglid, you can get a nice little lick on.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Totally agree on that ... came to the same conclusion myself!

Actually a "Horshamite" but there's plenty of decent back roads I can use ... Sunday I'm off to Warninglid pretty well all back roads. I guess the downside of these roads is the occasional nutter in a Fiesta XR something. But it's obviously preferable to a fairly windy and busy A road when alone.

Got that about the light too, but a good initiation!

I really am blown away by the improvements since I was last "serious" (schoolkid!!) ... this bike is described as entry level and for the ignorant (moi!) I can't really get my head round how anything could be much better

I'm so pleased you got a road bike. You're gonna love it. I predict an upgrade to carbon within 18 months.

 

[Rugrat]

You can easily get from Horsham down to Sandygate Lane (Lower Beeding) via some quiet roads, then go along the road towards Plummers Plain I think it is, and down Warninglid Lane. On my first effort, I was going north on Warninglid Lane & found a couple of surprisingly steep, if short, little climbs. Going south towards Warninglid, you can get a nice little lick on.

Hammerpond Road, and through the forest, will be perfect, and into Plummers Plain and on to Warninglid. I drive along Warninglid Lane every time to the Amex but can't for the life of me think which way is best, but it's pretty hilly (for a 50 something). Lunch at pub which is when Mrs's "Woosh" might come in handy to go back and get car

 

[Motogull]

You're not are you?

No, but I knew there was one around.

Mucked up my fantasy teams. Got them in early but forgot to check, so my pubist team is only 7. Ordinary team is 2 down too.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

No, but I knew there was one around.

Mucked up my fantasy teams. Got them in early but forgot to check, so my pubist team is only 7. Ordinary team is 2 down too.

You pubist team!?

 

[Hamilton]

Geek thread: Wind or Hills

Took a pre-TDF ride along to Worthing this morning in a stiff breeze. It got me to wondering, what do you enjoy more? Riding into the wind or up hills?

Obviously, you can say you enjoy riding up hills into the wind, but if you do I'll think you mad and not enter into correspondence with you.