After a few short cycle rides a round the Christmas period I decided that it was time for a step up in distance with a 20 mile trip to the out skirts of Chesterfield, to a rail museum which would keep the ballast happy and interested.
We had the added problem of wind (weather not me).
0830 we set off, legs not really recovered from cycle rides previous as I face the first hill only 19 and half mile to go. Wonder how far I will get before I turn back.
After getting out of the hills of Sheffield I link up with a path which was a former rail line, good steady riding with no hilly extremes.
Good progress made along the cycle route.
About a mile away from my destination I see a sign which says footpath to rail museum, so instead of sticking with the cycle track I think what difference can there be in a footpath to a cycle track,,,big mistake as I have to lift the cycle up and down flights of stairs with the ballast on the back, through boggy fields and under a flooded 50 yard tunnel which, if I fall off, there was only water to land in, worse still the water was muddy so I had no idea what I was riding in to - broken metal , world war 2 depth charges?. However the destination was in sight and after some two hours riding we are there.
However no welcoming café to rest and prepare for the return, the place is shut till the next week, the ballast is not happy as I have been promising trains for the last 8 miles!
The return leg is fairly straight forward as I miss the flooded booby trapped tunnel, till I hit the hills of Sheffield, which I find a real struggle.
But we made it, saddle sore, legs aching and loss of feeling in my hand which took two days to return.
With the Christmas holidays ending the cycle can rest till next week and give my muscles time to revive.

Quick picture

Here's a quick picture of the Ballast donning his cycling gear.

Her indoors decided to join me and the ballast biking on the understanding we cycled to Uncle M’s.

Calories burnt 300, calories consumed 1000 plus.

Derailleur still troublesome so I turn every screw I could see.

Father Christmas expected overnight. Dear Santa I need a derailleur, some lights, pannier, tool kit, new legs, a seismic shifting of the earths crust around Sheffield to remove the hills, well the ones going up at least.

Quick jog to work on leg strength.

Adjusted the brakes, on the bike not on me.

Frosty day in the city, me and the ballast off for a quick 8 mile cycle.

My leg strength is improving and I am now able to attack hills peddling in lower gears, sometimes I have to make a retreat though.

On return the ballast was a little bit cold at the fingers and toes.

Derailleur on cycle a bit trouble some at the moment, misses gears out leaving my legs spinning and no traction.

D Day (in a way), set my target on getting to my Dads and back some 4 miles away.

Some 3 hours later (including layover) mission accomplished, legs ache, left ankle needs a rest but other than that, all went well, sun even shone. Confidence high, but wonder how the achey bits will be in the morning.

OHH a bit saddle sore as well.

Friday, wet you through rain, off training on the cycle with the ballast on board. Got further than last attempt, felt a lot better.

Also encouraging sounds from a possible sponsor.

And finally two maps for part of the route came through the post, however the distance of 160 miles via main roads, looks to be doubled following traffic free cycle ways.

Off we go!

0800 sharp , bike ready, seat fixed, child in place , weather bit ruf.

Target distance 8 miles. Now if you don't know Sheffield, its a lot of hills built on a lot of hills.

Of we set, me and the ballast, up the hill into the wind.

Two miles later and i have lost the will to live, and return to base with my legs being replaced by two stiff lumps of wood.
The ballast enjoyed the event and offered encouragement by saying 'again' many times.

Next actions buy a bike seat for the pre-mentioned preemie baby now 3 years old to come on the training trips, plan being is to use him as ballast so on the day of the match i will be like a rocket!

Training is really stepped up to day lol, two maps are ordered. Miles done on bike up to date Nil.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship collecting begins, and i receive a call from another idiot(sorry supporter) who wants to come along for the ride so to speak, the care in the community policy is clearly not
working

Training

Training begins, the bike is removed from its resting place, given a wash , bit of air in the tyres, oh that's enough for one day and its returned to its resting place one again.

Few Facts

London to Sheffield is a long way, its about 160 odd mile via motorways(can you use your bike on there?) and i have a nagging feeling there may be the odd hill.

This story starts with my wife suggesting i join a BLISS(premature baby charity) cycle ride from London- Paris.
Now I haven't ridden a bicycle in anger for 4 years, and then only for about 4 miles a go. Prior to that I cant even remember.
So had she seen my life insurance policy?As i wasn't sure a 40 plus body would make it!

So why BLISS you may ask, or may not. My youngest son was born 3 months early and he is my inspiration and makes me proud, just as my other 2 kids do.

So after much umming and ahhing and a hint of red tape i decided not to cycle from London to the city of eternal romance with the Eiffel Tower and the river Seine, but to Sheffield!
Sheffield with the Park Hill flats and the River Don with its brown trout.

The beneficiary's of this madness will be the Neonatal Unit at Jessops Hospital, Sheffield, if all goes well. If it doesn't go well then the organ donor bank(heart excluded!)