Over the long weekend I ventured out with son#2 for a Monday morning ride to keep the legs turning ahead of Sweden. I was one my swanky new bike and he was on my old best bike. On the final climb home he complained that the back wheel had skipped out and sure enough when we got home the wheel was lodged in the back brakes thanks to a distinct bend. I had a bit of a tinker and trued it up a bit but concluded it was one for the bike shop.
The mechanic down at Pearsons confirmed that ( although I had done a good job of straightening it out) the wheel was going to be tricky to handle as the spoke nipples were seized. This meant when they were tightened they could ping back and slacken off again. Not something you would want happening on a 300km ride.
And the moral of today's story is: If there is anything you have concerns about on your bike perhaps it's best to start thinking about it now!!
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Friday, 27 May 2011
Damn you John Ketley
Having ignored the weathermen for so long (due to their inability to predict the weather) I made the decision to cycle to work yesterday. Coming in was great, the 'old' bike is now my Pearson Aluminium Audax which, until recently, had been my good bike, so I am flying.
The strong westerly helped but by yesterday afternoon it was like a monsoon and I got a right soaking. The funniest part was getting back into my home village where the road is being repaired. In preparation for the new surface the workmen had gaffer taped up all of the drains which had turned the road into a swimming pool. great fun, if a little wet
My shoes were still wet this morning so they are on the radiator drying.
I had a real shock this morning when I got the bike out of the shed and looked at the chain.
. It's a good reminder that not a lot of water can play havoc with your bike to get that machine oiled before Sweden.
The strong westerly helped but by yesterday afternoon it was like a monsoon and I got a right soaking. The funniest part was getting back into my home village where the road is being repaired. In preparation for the new surface the workmen had gaffer taped up all of the drains which had turned the road into a swimming pool. great fun, if a little wet
My shoes were still wet this morning so they are on the radiator drying.
I had a real shock this morning when I got the bike out of the shed and looked at the chain.
. It's a good reminder that not a lot of water can play havoc with your bike to get that machine oiled before Sweden.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
All fingers and thumbs
I'm back on the old bike today after Monday's epic ride on the swanky new Pearson Palace. Changing back to campag gears from the Palace's SRAM set up is really weird, there's nothing for my thumbs to do. I also moved my seat forward without moving it up so I feel like I'm riding a kid's bike. Ah well it's all good miles.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
The flat earth society
It seemed like such a good idea.
Find a bit of the UK that's nice and flat, like Sweden, and do a nice long training ride in readiness for the Vatternrundan in June. The prospect of riding on a nice flat route was appealing after the undulations of the London to Brighton --how wrong we were.
Sue, Paul, Luca, Matt were chatting to a Swedish photographer from the Vatt's PR office when I pulled into the car park of the Holiday Inn, Newport Pagnell. The journey up to Junct 14 of the M1 had been a roadwork nightmare, but with the sun shining and the ground dry a good day on the bike seemed preordained.
It wasn't until I got out of the car that I realised how the wind can whistle across the flat expanses of Beds and Herts. As I changed into my final bits of cycling kit I had to keep an eye on the bike which looked as though it could be dislodged from its position by the wind at any moment. I took comfort that this was because my new carbon fibre machine was so light -- a transparent dillusion.
Undetermined after a photocall and a chat we were off.
The 90 mile route took in the collection of beautiful little villages nestled between the fields in the area bounded by Bedford and Northampton. The route zigzagged its way through the countryside out towards East Anglia. Never spending too much time in any one direction saved us from the worse of the wind and despite a dead-end detour, up a shockingly poor road to what looked a disused RAF base, all went well. I had my suspicions that this was a ruse by Matt to seek out some old WWII aircraft stationed there.
The detour added 5 miles to the route but more significantly gave a us a taste of what riding into the teeth of the wind was like. Clearly we had been assisted by nature to this point in the route, a sitiuation that would shortly change as we headed back home.
By the lunchstop (it was 3 O'clock) next to the water at Harold a more serious tone on the remaining third of the mileage was being taken. (NB Let's get organised for Sweden.)
Food was devoured, water bottles were filled and potions mixed.
As the route went on we made some feeble attempts at riding as a group. This was both good practice but also a practical attempt to to shield Sue from the wind which was getting stronger by the minute. At times this group approach seemed to work well and gave us an idea of the discipline that will be needed if we adopt this strategy for Sweden. At lunch we chatted about possible plans for the Vatt and agreed in principle, if not detail, the need for a bit of organisation.
Back on the road; by 5.00ish it was all going a bit Pete Tong. The wind was up, we were on the biggest, businest roads of the day, during rush hour, and it had started to rain.
I was particularly distressed as this was the first time my nice new bike had got wet, something I had been trying to avoid. Having said that it was necessary experience and I was very happy with the bike. The daftest comment of the day came from Paul who remarked on the onset of rain. 'It won't make any difference':It did.
I was not happy with the weather. I very quickly got cold and my hands rapidly fell into a white-knuckled torpor that only the car heater could wake them from.
However, the worsening condition actually seemed to gee the group on and the speed appeared to rise as the desire to a: get out of the rain and wind, and b: get back to the warmth of our cars, set in.
Barely had the rain permeated every last inch of our freezing bodies than we were back in the car park of Newport Pagnell's finest low-cost corporate dormitory.
In all 95 miles covered in a moving time of six and half hours. Not the best stats but frankly, on a day like that, who cares.
What it did test was everyone's mettle to stay in the saddle for a full day in some pretty poor conditions.
(Thought for the day)
It also reminded us that as a group we can perform better than we can as a group of individuals, but we will have to get orgainsed if we want to see those benefits.
Friday, 20 May 2011
California dreamin'
I love cycling but even I have to admit that, at times, it's not the greatest spectator sport in the world. The recent tour of California has provided a little diversion and a bit of diversity. I was really looking forward to the mountain stages at the start but unfortunately the weather put paid to that. Too much snow.
Sadly much of the first stage was a pan-flat, dead straight run into Sacremento. The great thing about the Americans is their love of kit so I found myself looking at the bikes, bike mounted cameras and of course the eyewear.
As ever, especially in the US, Oakley was out in force. According to some cycling websites Oakley was at lake Tahoe showing off new colours and looking after the teams.There was certainly a Sky black and blue which, while not idential to the team's, it good enough for fans.
Bike Radar also reported that Oakley was launching a new 'Echelon' collection. On its website it said the "Echelon was aimed at road riders, with purpose-built lens tints, including a Ruby Iridium-coated VR50 photochromic option for heightened contrast of typical road features and better usability in varying conditions. "On the road, this is a good lens on days that may start early with zero light or rain that may have changing conditions throughout the day," Blick told BikeRadar.
"The riders are claiming to have better vision under the lower light conditions as if you're in a clear lens. For a guy like Swifty who won in them today, they worked in both sun and rain. It's a lens a rider can depend on to get the job done with the signature Oakley Iridium 'pop', and the rider can leave the eyewear on his face without taking it on and off under changing light conditions."
Transitions would be proud. It looks a bit like the up and coming FastJacket.
PS thanks Bike Radar.
Sadly much of the first stage was a pan-flat, dead straight run into Sacremento. The great thing about the Americans is their love of kit so I found myself looking at the bikes, bike mounted cameras and of course the eyewear.
As ever, especially in the US, Oakley was out in force. According to some cycling websites Oakley was at lake Tahoe showing off new colours and looking after the teams.There was certainly a Sky black and blue which, while not idential to the team's, it good enough for fans.
Bike Radar also reported that Oakley was launching a new 'Echelon' collection. On its website it said the "Echelon was aimed at road riders, with purpose-built lens tints, including a Ruby Iridium-coated VR50 photochromic option for heightened contrast of typical road features and better usability in varying conditions. "On the road, this is a good lens on days that may start early with zero light or rain that may have changing conditions throughout the day," Blick told BikeRadar.
"The riders are claiming to have better vision under the lower light conditions as if you're in a clear lens. For a guy like Swifty who won in them today, they worked in both sun and rain. It's a lens a rider can depend on to get the job done with the signature Oakley Iridium 'pop', and the rider can leave the eyewear on his face without taking it on and off under changing light conditions."
Transitions would be proud. It looks a bit like the up and coming FastJacket.
PS thanks Bike Radar.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Big hearted Optician magazine kicks off fundraising
Optician has thrown £100 into the Vision Aid Overseas fund to start off the Swedish Bike Ride team's fundraising efforts.
Monday, 16 May 2011
Down to the coast before breakfast
With the 300kms of the Vatternrundan looming I thought it would be a good idea to give the bike a run out first.
So I set the alarm for 6.00am on Sunday to be up an out at first light. It was already light at 6.00am so a bowl of porridge later,a banana and some flapjack packed into my pockets off I went.
I had decided I would head for Worthing straight down the A24 nice and early before the traffic got too busy and then come back across the downs. I was surprisingly chilly and I was pleased to have worn my overshoes, armwarmers and the nice yellow Transitions gilet. This approach might be worth thinking about for Sweden given the start is at 2.00am.
I took it fairly easy, although I have to admit draughting a TT comeptitor near Horsham and a couple of men in lycra towards littlehampton. They passed me as I was going up hill so decided to stay with them, they then immediately stopped for a rest.
I headed for Worthing town centre and sat on a bench overlooking the sea while I age a peanut butter sandwich. Very pleasant it was too just watching the world go by. This what you look like when you try and take your own picture while eating a peanut beutter sandwich.
As I sat down I had 2hr and 7mins on the Garmin which I had strapped to my handlebars, it works really well as a speedo cum heartrate monitor.
I had looked at the map and decided to head east along the coast and then head north across the downs toward Steyning. This road proved a real treat. It was steep to start with but came out on top of the downs with fabulous sea views to the south and beautiful countryside to the north. The descent was pretty hairy but a little wiggle across the A281 meant more quiet country roads until the A24 at the junction with the A272.
Back on the A24 life wasn't so nice. The traffic had got a bit heavier and FAST, very fast. By the time I got back to Surrey hills I could feel the miles in my legs but I felt good (apart from a slight pain in the neck) and the bike felt good too, the Palace has passed the test so I won't be going back for a refit.
Once back home I plugged in the Garmin to look at the stats to see what I had done.
I was pretty pleased with the speed of the return leg given the headwind and the slightly longer distance.
A lot more climbing than Sweden but still, at 80 miles, a lot shorter!
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Bennett increases carbon footprint
Here is the new mean machine, I managed to remember to take a quick picture before leaving for work. After weeks of hoping for rain ( for the garden) I am now hoping it doesn't rain as I wouldn't want my nice new bike to get all wet.
The next job is to start the fundraising effort so I have put a piece in Optician to gee my readers up.
I used the picture from the foot of Ditchling Beacon plus the words below.
Saddle up: Transitions is leading an 11-strong group of cyclists from optics on a 300km Swedish Bike Ride in a bid to raise £5,000 for Vision Aid Overseas. The Motala-based ride is claimed to be the biggest bicycle event in the world. Over the space of a week in June, 30,000 people take part in cycle events centred around Lake Vattern. In preparation for the event the team recently rode from London to Brighton and back. The team is made up of Sue Cockayne of Leightons, Andrew Spiers from David Clulow, optometrist Fiona Molloy, Mark Harris of Vision Express, Essilor’s Darren Newth, Paul Maxwell from Hoya and Optician editor Chris Bennett. Transitions has four riders in the squad: Luca Conte, Matt Dorling, Kristen Manor and Pavel Prokopec. The team is hoping to complete a good part of the 300km ride together, with some of the faster riders then breaking away to finish in under 12 hours. To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/vao300km
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Don't ya just love Babelfish
Any xenophobia is purely accidental.
I was perusing the internet for more information on the Vatt and came across the press release below. As well as including a bit from a Mr Luca Conte, 42 ( oh yeah), from London, the translation is absolutely hilarious. Apparently Mr Conte brought a group last year for the half distance and is attempting the 300km distance because they had all asked if we could not do the full distance.
From there down the press release gets a little crazy.
Personally I'm looking forward to the refreshments which include 160,000 Bunsens.The release goes on to say that these will help the Cyclists in the three events cannabis CompleteCare Their challenge Safely.
Monday 4 April 2011
The world's largest organized bicycle ride, Vätternrundan, starting and finishing in Motala, Sweden, will take place on June 17th-18th, for the 46th consecutive year. The World's Largest Organized bicycle ride, cycling, starting and finishing in Motala, Sweden, Will Take Place on June 17th-18th, for the 46th Consecutive Year.
The main event, which runs for 300 km around the scenic Lake Vättern, is fully booked with 22,000 cyclists for the full distance, although places are still available for the half-distance Halvvättern and the 100 km ladies' event Tjejvättern. The Main Event, Which runs for 300 km around the scenic Lake water, ice Fully booked with 22.000 Cyclists for the full distance, although places ARE still available for the half-distance Halvvättern & the 100 km ladies' event Tjejvättern. Over 30,000 cyclists will participate in the three events combined. Over 30.000 Cyclists Will Participate in The Three Events Combined.
This year sees the highest number of participants ever, as the number of starting slots for the 300 km run has been increased. This Year Sees The Highest Number of Participants ever, as the number of starting slots for the 300 km run Has Been Increased. Beginning at 19.30 hrs on Friday the 17th of June, groups of 60-70 cyclists are dispatched every other minute throughout the night, until 06.00 hrs on Saturday morning. Beginning at 19:30 hrs on Friday the 17th of June, groups of 60-70 Cyclists ARE dispatched everythin Other minute throughout the night, Until 06:00 hrs on Thursday morning. Most cyclists finish in less than 12 hours, although anything between 8 and 20 hours is considered normal. Most Cyclists finish in Less Than 12 Hours, although anything Between 8 and 20 hours ice Considered normal.
“The three events attract recreational cyclists from all over the world and of widely varying ability, from the novice to the seasoned pro. "The three events Attract Recreational Cyclists from all over the world and of widely Varying portability, from the novice to the seasoned pro. But whatever the level of cycling experience, a healthy stamina is required to complete Vätternrundan and we recommend that participants complete at least 1,000 km in pre-season training for the full distance. But whatever the level of cycling experience, a Healthy stamina is required to complete in cycling and we recommend That Participants complete at least, 1.000 km in pre-season training for the full distance. The 300 km route can be very demanding, so for less experienced cyclists we recommend the shorter Halvvättern and Tjejvättern events,” says Eva-Lena Frick, general manager of Vätternrundan. The 300 km route Can Be very demanding, so for Less Experienced Cyclists we recommend The Short Halvvättern and Tjejvättern events, "says Eva-Lena Frick, general manager of Comfort Bike.
This year sees a record number of participants from overseas, 4,548. This Year Sees a Record Number of Participants from overseas, 4.548. One of the fastest growing groups is the one from the United Kingdom, which has increased by 16% to 228 participants this year. One of the fastest growing groups is the one from the United Kingdom, Which Increased speed by 16% to 228 Participants this year. However the largest single increase is noted by Italy with 28 cyclists this year, compared to just one in the previous year. However the the Largest Single Increase ice noted by Italy with 28 Cyclists this year, compared to just one in the previous year.
One of the 2010 participants who has signed up again for this year is Luca Conte, 42, from London. One of the 2010 Participants WHO HAS Signed up again for this year is Luca Conte, 42, from London. Last year, he took part in Halvvättern. Last year, he Took part in Halvvättern. This year he is going for the full 300 km. This year he is going for the full 300.
“We took out a group of customers from the UK as a corporate event and they all enjoyed it so much that they asked if we couldn't do the full distance this year. "We Took out a group of customers from the UK as a corporate events and Do They all enjoyed it so much That Do They Asked If We Could not do the full distance this year. The event was just so well organized and we were having a wonderful time with great spirit and camaraderie as we cycled through lovely countryside,” says Conte. The event was just so well Organized and We Were Having a wonderful time with great spirit and camaraderie as we cycled through lovely countryside, "says Conte.
Vätternrundan starts and finishes in Motala at the north-eastern end of Lake Vätttern. Comfort Bike starts and finishes in Motala at the north-eastern end of Lake lake. Nine combined food stops and support stations assist cyclists along the route, with support vehicles picking up riders stranded between stations. Nine Combined food stops and support station assistant Cyclists along the route, with support vehicles picking up riders stranded Between station. The main food stop is in Jönköping after 105 km, where 29,000 portions of sausage and mash will be served. The main food stop is the University after 105 km, där 29.000 portion of sausage and mash Will Be Served. Another stop to look forward to is at 174 km in Hjo, where 13,000 portions of lasagne are available. Another stop to look forward to ice at 174 km in Hjo, där 13.000 portion of lasagna ARE available. Other en-route refreshments include 160,000 buns, 1,200 kilos of coffee and 25,000 litres of energy drink. Other en-route refreshments include 160 000 Bunsen, 1.200 kilo of coffee and 25.000 liters of energy drink. 4,000 volunteers help ensure that all 30,000 cyclists in the three events can complete their challenge safely. 4.000 volunteers help Ensure are thats all 30.000 Cyclists in the three events cannabis CompleteCare Their challenge Safely.
Cyclists wishing to participate in any of the 2011 events should contact the organisers at info@vatternrundan.se . Cyclists Wishing to Participate in Any of the 2011 Events Should contact the Organisers at info@vatternrundan.se .
I was perusing the internet for more information on the Vatt and came across the press release below. As well as including a bit from a Mr Luca Conte, 42 ( oh yeah), from London, the translation is absolutely hilarious. Apparently Mr Conte brought a group last year for the half distance and is attempting the 300km distance because they had all asked if we could not do the full distance.
From there down the press release gets a little crazy.
Personally I'm looking forward to the refreshments which include 160,000 Bunsens.The release goes on to say that these will help the Cyclists in the three events cannabis CompleteCare Their challenge Safely.
Monday 4 April 2011
The world's largest organized bicycle ride, Vätternrundan, starting and finishing in Motala, Sweden, will take place on June 17th-18th, for the 46th consecutive year. The World's Largest Organized bicycle ride, cycling, starting and finishing in Motala, Sweden, Will Take Place on June 17th-18th, for the 46th Consecutive Year.
The main event, which runs for 300 km around the scenic Lake Vättern, is fully booked with 22,000 cyclists for the full distance, although places are still available for the half-distance Halvvättern and the 100 km ladies' event Tjejvättern. The Main Event, Which runs for 300 km around the scenic Lake water, ice Fully booked with 22.000 Cyclists for the full distance, although places ARE still available for the half-distance Halvvättern & the 100 km ladies' event Tjejvättern. Over 30,000 cyclists will participate in the three events combined. Over 30.000 Cyclists Will Participate in The Three Events Combined.
This year sees the highest number of participants ever, as the number of starting slots for the 300 km run has been increased. This Year Sees The Highest Number of Participants ever, as the number of starting slots for the 300 km run Has Been Increased. Beginning at 19.30 hrs on Friday the 17th of June, groups of 60-70 cyclists are dispatched every other minute throughout the night, until 06.00 hrs on Saturday morning. Beginning at 19:30 hrs on Friday the 17th of June, groups of 60-70 Cyclists ARE dispatched everythin Other minute throughout the night, Until 06:00 hrs on Thursday morning. Most cyclists finish in less than 12 hours, although anything between 8 and 20 hours is considered normal. Most Cyclists finish in Less Than 12 Hours, although anything Between 8 and 20 hours ice Considered normal.
“The three events attract recreational cyclists from all over the world and of widely varying ability, from the novice to the seasoned pro. "The three events Attract Recreational Cyclists from all over the world and of widely Varying portability, from the novice to the seasoned pro. But whatever the level of cycling experience, a healthy stamina is required to complete Vätternrundan and we recommend that participants complete at least 1,000 km in pre-season training for the full distance. But whatever the level of cycling experience, a Healthy stamina is required to complete in cycling and we recommend That Participants complete at least, 1.000 km in pre-season training for the full distance. The 300 km route can be very demanding, so for less experienced cyclists we recommend the shorter Halvvättern and Tjejvättern events,” says Eva-Lena Frick, general manager of Vätternrundan. The 300 km route Can Be very demanding, so for Less Experienced Cyclists we recommend The Short Halvvättern and Tjejvättern events, "says Eva-Lena Frick, general manager of Comfort Bike.
This year sees a record number of participants from overseas, 4,548. This Year Sees a Record Number of Participants from overseas, 4.548. One of the fastest growing groups is the one from the United Kingdom, which has increased by 16% to 228 participants this year. One of the fastest growing groups is the one from the United Kingdom, Which Increased speed by 16% to 228 Participants this year. However the largest single increase is noted by Italy with 28 cyclists this year, compared to just one in the previous year. However the the Largest Single Increase ice noted by Italy with 28 Cyclists this year, compared to just one in the previous year.
One of the 2010 participants who has signed up again for this year is Luca Conte, 42, from London. One of the 2010 Participants WHO HAS Signed up again for this year is Luca Conte, 42, from London. Last year, he took part in Halvvättern. Last year, he Took part in Halvvättern. This year he is going for the full 300 km. This year he is going for the full 300.
“We took out a group of customers from the UK as a corporate event and they all enjoyed it so much that they asked if we couldn't do the full distance this year. "We Took out a group of customers from the UK as a corporate events and Do They all enjoyed it so much That Do They Asked If We Could not do the full distance this year. The event was just so well organized and we were having a wonderful time with great spirit and camaraderie as we cycled through lovely countryside,” says Conte. The event was just so well Organized and We Were Having a wonderful time with great spirit and camaraderie as we cycled through lovely countryside, "says Conte.
Vätternrundan starts and finishes in Motala at the north-eastern end of Lake Vätttern. Comfort Bike starts and finishes in Motala at the north-eastern end of Lake lake. Nine combined food stops and support stations assist cyclists along the route, with support vehicles picking up riders stranded between stations. Nine Combined food stops and support station assistant Cyclists along the route, with support vehicles picking up riders stranded Between station. The main food stop is in Jönköping after 105 km, where 29,000 portions of sausage and mash will be served. The main food stop is the University after 105 km, där 29.000 portion of sausage and mash Will Be Served. Another stop to look forward to is at 174 km in Hjo, where 13,000 portions of lasagne are available. Another stop to look forward to ice at 174 km in Hjo, där 13.000 portion of lasagna ARE available. Other en-route refreshments include 160,000 buns, 1,200 kilos of coffee and 25,000 litres of energy drink. Other en-route refreshments include 160 000 Bunsen, 1.200 kilo of coffee and 25.000 liters of energy drink. 4,000 volunteers help ensure that all 30,000 cyclists in the three events can complete their challenge safely. 4.000 volunteers help Ensure are thats all 30.000 Cyclists in the three events cannabis CompleteCare Their challenge Safely.
Cyclists wishing to participate in any of the 2011 events should contact the organisers at info@vatternrundan.se . Cyclists Wishing to Participate in Any of the 2011 Events Should contact the Organisers at info@vatternrundan.se .
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Fit for a king?
There are so many things wrong with that title. After a long period of over indulgence I'm not feeling too fit and I'm definitely not a king.
What I do have is a Palace!
After my run in with a pothole in Epsom ( see earlier post) I decided enough was enough and the Editor of Optician deserved a decent bike.
So I went to my local bike shop and splashed out on a Pearson Palace. It is even better than the picture shows as I had my Mavic Ksyrium wheels put on it. With 300km in Sweden looming with the rest of the Transitions' team I think I need all the help I can get.
Early indications are good although on my major ride of the weekend my middle son snaffled the Palalce and I had to make do with my blue Pearson Audax.
The youngster still couldn't beat the old man though. He even wanted to switch bikes towards the end of the ride as we had a massive hill approaching and I 'had more gears'.
I also managed a quick cycle up Box Hill while Kate Middleton was becoming the Duchess of Cambridge. The roads were clear, the sky blue and the bike carbon. It doesn't get any better than that.
One amusing recreation of history was on the royal wedding day. Back when Charles and Di got married I decided I couldn't face hours of royal telly so I got on my bike and cycled around the lanes that crisscross the Tiverton canal.
I obviously wasn't a boy scout ( perhaps youthful optimism) but I didn't have a puncture kit with me and yes,..... I got a puncture.
Pushing the bike home wasn't too bad, the roads were quiet and I could listen to the birds and still avoid the wedding. But then, as I crossed the canal at Halberton I could hear the roar of the crowd. Just on the other side was a guy in a deckchair, sat in a layby outside his caravan watching the royal wedding. Obviously an early adopter of mobile technology.
What I do have is a Palace!
After my run in with a pothole in Epsom ( see earlier post) I decided enough was enough and the Editor of Optician deserved a decent bike.
So I went to my local bike shop and splashed out on a Pearson Palace. It is even better than the picture shows as I had my Mavic Ksyrium wheels put on it. With 300km in Sweden looming with the rest of the Transitions' team I think I need all the help I can get.
Early indications are good although on my major ride of the weekend my middle son snaffled the Palalce and I had to make do with my blue Pearson Audax.
The youngster still couldn't beat the old man though. He even wanted to switch bikes towards the end of the ride as we had a massive hill approaching and I 'had more gears'.
I also managed a quick cycle up Box Hill while Kate Middleton was becoming the Duchess of Cambridge. The roads were clear, the sky blue and the bike carbon. It doesn't get any better than that.
One amusing recreation of history was on the royal wedding day. Back when Charles and Di got married I decided I couldn't face hours of royal telly so I got on my bike and cycled around the lanes that crisscross the Tiverton canal.
I obviously wasn't a boy scout ( perhaps youthful optimism) but I didn't have a puncture kit with me and yes,..... I got a puncture.
Pushing the bike home wasn't too bad, the roads were quiet and I could listen to the birds and still avoid the wedding. But then, as I crossed the canal at Halberton I could hear the roar of the crowd. Just on the other side was a guy in a deckchair, sat in a layby outside his caravan watching the royal wedding. Obviously an early adopter of mobile technology.
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