I started my training today both for my June visit to the Alps and for my MB Swindon ride that I will be leading in June. I have to know this route well and be able to ride it well, so what better way to get fit and learn a route than to incorporate it into a training schedule.

The route is a 20K (almost exactly) loop from my door. It features the Rock Garden from the weekend and my first proper timed effort was 1 hour and 34 mins.

Would have been quicker but for a walker or two and the claggy clay on the climb to the Cherhill Monument was a killer… Oh and some minor faffing with my GoPro Hero. I could probably take 10 mins off easily without any of the above getting in the way.

I also created a Strava Segment for the climb. A target to beat!