Todays biggest decision was ...

On Tuesday morning I woke up to beautiful sunshine, what a lovely day to go for a cycle ride around Rutland Water.  I jumped out of bed and set about the task of finding the roof bars, cycle rack and cycle pump in the garage.  For those of you who have seen the clutter on my desk at work, you will understand why this was a challenge.  As my wife left for work, her departing shot was "don't over do it, running Monday, cycling Tuesday, you don't have to do it all in your first week", to which I replied " yes, yes, I'll be fine, I am only 51 you know"

I arrived at Rutland Water to what must have been a force 9 gale , I'm not exaggerating here, well maybe a little, but it was windy.  The decision of the day was, in which direction should I set off?  Anti clockwise felt a bit rebellious, so off I went, with vigour, to tackle the 17 miles in record time.

The Fox & Hounds nr Manton

I hadn't been going long when the bike came to a shuddering halt, as several people cycled past offering help, I replied, with a courteous "no I'm fine thank you", I realised that the rear wheel quick release mechanism had quickly released and the rear wheel had unseated itself.  Just at this point I received a text from Russell, who after explaining my situation offered the best advice I've ever received "well are you anywhere near a pub".  It was only 11:30 but not wanting to ignore such sage advice, I limped into the Fox and Hounds.  After a couple of beers and the bike fully repaired I set off again to complete my cycle challenge.

My cycle seat is described as gel comfort, now if ever there was cause for a legal challenge under the trade descriptions act this is it.  As the cycle ride progressed, my backside got so uncomfortable that I just had to keep stopping and resting.  The hills got more challenging and the wind seemed to notice my difficulties and decided to gust just that bit stronger to try and break my spirit.  Time went on and my daughters were texting and phoning to make sure I was still alive.  This wasn't going to be beat me, its only pain, you can do it.  As I cycled over the dam wall, the wind was so strong that I thought I was cycling backwards, especially as two pensioners and then a 5 year old overtook me. I've never been so pleased to see my car.

Back home and straight in the bath, my wife arrived home " what are you doing in the bath in the middle of the afternoon?" was probably not an unreasonable question.  "I ache so much, and I cant sit down, I just needed a bath to sooth my aching muscles", " but you've only been round Rutland Water, what are you going to be like when you cycle coast to coast".  It can't be as windy or as hilly as that in the North Yorkshire moors can it? Well, for certain, before then I'm buying some padded shorts and a new saddle ........... gel comfort my arse!

Simon, a friend in the village has recently been on a trip to Ypres, where he was able to lay a cross for the guys that fell from Baston, and lay a wreath at the Menin Gate.  We are visiting Ypres as part of our European tour, so it will be good to hear about his experience when we catch up over a few beers and a meal with our good lady wives on Thursday.

Finally today's words of advice on how not to make cheese on toast

I'm off to tidy the garage