It has been a real struggle over the past few weeks with strong wind and rain making any ride cold and unpleasant.   Nevertheless I have persevered and tonight I reached another milestone since my return to cycling in June 2014 – 4,000 miles.   If anyone had told me that in just 18 months I could achieve this sort of mileage I would not have believed them.   I still vividly recall that first 3 mile ride in and around Stubbington and how unhealthy I felt when I returned home gasping and wheezing.   I still have a long way to go but I genuinely fell healthy again and my jeans fit better – always a good sign.

Now receiving regular updates from CrossRoads Cycling about preparation and I am working through the recommended training programme they have sent.   It can be difficult at times to get out after a hard day at the office but without the training I will suffer during on the ride, that I am sure and I want to enjoy the experience so train I must.   A few days left before Christmas and I shall reward myself with a short Christmas break although if the weather suddenly turns for the better you’ll know where I will be.

On a positive note, Ben is having a new bike for Christmas so I am ever hopeful that he will join me on a few training rides during the months ahead and we can share the pain and suffering of intensive training together – Happy Christmas Ben.