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.