Spring is in the air

Getting back into training after the holiday was not too bad, aided by the extra time at my disposal due to the downturn in work activity. Started to build the base miles progressively with rides of 50, 60 and 70 miles in the last 2 weeks. Overall feeling good and ready for the first 100+ miler being the Cheshire Cat on the 29th Match 2009. See Garmin Connect route details of the 70 miler from this morning: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/2541018.

Had a road rage incident this morning with a chubby 30 year old gentleman who had a problem with us riding 2 abreast along a wide, straight country lane at 09:00 on a Sunday morning, rode past Thomo with about 6" clearance. He wasn't too impressed with the expletives from us so stopped and offered to take all 3 of us on... but after the face-off (complete with much verbal exchange) got back into his 'R' registered Ford Escort with large stereo and burned out his clutch setting off in such a hurry. Not content with making such a fool of himself, and probably something to do with him having flame red hair, he then came after us a couple of miles up the road so his registration was duly recorded, more verbal exchange. What is wrong with these people... in France cyclists receive so much courtesy, here the exact opposite, just abuse. The Highway Code should be re-written to give absolute, unequivocal priority to cyclists wherever they are riding. Can't wait to retire to France.....

Still plenty of core strength work at the gym working on the big muscles, not doing the core stability much good though ! Physio reckons I need the steroid injection and manipulation into the hip since the range of movement is still very restricted. Been back onto the Doctor for a referral back to the Consultant.

Whilst all this is happening, still can't run of course so David Lloyd Leisure are still extracting £70+ per month from me.

The new bike is fantastic, only been for a short 30 miler so far, don't want to get it dirty ! Need to do some work on the set-up, seat post and seat position adjustments mainly. Need to sort the insurance so I can remove it from the bedroom, my wife is not too impressed with the new arrival ! The gears are SRAM Red, the quality is without doubt but the double-click system takes some getting used to, 1 lever, 1 click to drop a gear and 2 clicks to rise a gear and successive single clicks keeps rising..... confused, you should try it. I've already near castrated myself of a roundabout ! See the pic left (note the new 3 piece in the background.... this bike did prove very expensive !!). It came with Bontrager Aeolus wheels which are of course not suitable for everyday use so http://www.buyabikedirect.co.uk/ (from whom I purchased the bike) did me a great deal on these mavic Ksyrium SL's. All-up it weighs 7 Kg so all I need to do now is lose about 4 Kg of my 86 Kg and I should fly up hills, well maybe not 'fly' ?

Matters on the work front are due for some change in these coming weeks, could end-up working overseas, possibly Far East, got an interview in the USA this coming week so away from Tuesday AM through Sat AM for 2 days in Oregon. I could swing for those bankers, life was OK for many people including us, then suddenly everything has to change. I realise I am very fortunate to have options, plenty of people are not nearly as lucky but it's going to be tough being away from the family. The family will eventually move with me but only at a suitable juncture in our children's education and the earliest of these is +2 years.

It's my eldest son's 16th birthday today and, taking a lead from Simon's blog (see side bar) bought him a Flip Mino video camera with a bike mount. I feel sure he will let me borrow it for the odd video clip for the blog, so watch this space.

Next update after the Cheshire Cat.....