Thats Better

Just done 3 laps of a gruelling circuit. Figures show a total distance of 97 miles, climbing 5994 feet all at an average riding speed of 14.3mph with an overall speed including stops of 12.8mph.

To complete the ride within the 8 day target I've set myself I need to ride a minimum of 106 miles each day. As I understand it, I won't have the hill climbing figures that I had today so I may be on track!

I started early this morning to acclimatise myself to the early morning starts. It's getting harder to get up at 4.45 as you get older but I was out of the house just after 5am. I have to say that the Magicshine lights make it so easy to ride in the dark. Being brighter than a car headlamp means you have to take  care to  adjust it properly but thats such an easy task anyway. But the way it turns light into day means that darkness has ended when you use Magicshine. Try one @ www.magicshineuk.co.uk - they're really good value!

I'd also like to thank Alan and Ceri at Twenty3C cycle shop in Stony Stratford. Alan serviced the bike last week, put a new rear cassette on with new chain with a general overhaul and the bike is running faultlessly. You can contact them at www.twenty3c.co.uk

The great news is that Pat, Frank's wife (in whose memory I'm raising funds) would like to ride the last 40 miles with me. Now for someone who doesn't ride a bike, 40 miles may be a bit ambitious, especially in Cornwall, but she started training yesterday and managed 5 miles. Whatever she manages it will be great to have her cycling over the finish line with me - well done Pat!

Going to Pat's son's wedding next weekend so there'll be no training then. Nick and Sarah are getting married in Cornwall. Nick is a Navy Harrier Jump Jet Pilot and Sarah is a Navy helicopter pilot so they are a real action couple. But you couldn't wish to meet a nicer pair. Nick showed us round RAF Cottesmore a while back, showed us the software programme used to calculate the Harrier flight paths, let us ALL  go in a Harrier and spent hours and hours answering endless questions. Sarah has kindly volunteered her Mum & Dad's house in Bodmin for accomodation on my ride. I don't know if they know yet but I'm sure if they're half as nice as Sarah it won't be a problem.

Finally, I just want to say a special 'thank you' to all my family who have given me support in so many ways. I do realise that it's no fun for Abby Stan &  Bonita when each weekend I  disappear for hours on end. Then I return, sweaty and smelly, just too tired to do anything; even the ironing! When it's all over I won't even be looking at my bike, well not for a while, and I'll give you all my undivided attention. Love you all!