Well, with the TdF in mind I managed to cycle 1,100km during January, the most I've done in January since 2002. (Yes, I have a nerdy spreadsheet with my mileage, or kilometre-age (sic) recorded).
The Over the Hill Gang
I upped the distances on my regular rides and was lucky enough to find a group called the "Over the Hill Gang". This is a group of retired mainly ex-amateur racers of 60+ and even 70+ year olds who go out for rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Since I work from home I am in the fortunate position of being able to rearrange my personal schedules to go on these rides.
However, it has been a rather chastening experience having 70+ year olds rip my legs off on rides where I can barely hold their wheel! Obviously a long way to go yet to find my fitness.
With the relatively good weather in January, cold but dry, I was satisfied that I did enough miles to start to build some sort of foundation.
The came February... and then came the snow (and ice). To get to the point, I haven't been out for nearly two weeks now so I am busy convincing myself that this rest is much needed recovery time from my January efforts. Any coach will tell you that recovery is as important as the riding and that's the advice I'm listening to right now!
Looking forward to next weeks thaw and getting out on the bike again fully rested and recovered!