Away with work again this week, and really suffered after eating a Chinese meal in Birmingham - it laid me low for a couple of days, prompting the hospital to prescribe me some morphine based solution as a pain killer should this happen again. I also had some new blood tests to see what is going on with my digestive system which as time goes on is having an effect on my traning preparations.

The Saturday cycling was fun, as we raised some funds by having a ‘Ride around the World’ event in Harrow with players, coaches and parents of people associated with Headstone Manor YFC (where I am a coach / manager and parent) and Harrow St Mary’s YFC (where I am a parent).  We had 27 people racking up the miles by cycling around the recreation ground - a number of people completing as many as 15 circuits (12 miles). Meanwhile, 9 intrepid souls embarked on a 15 mile circuit of Harrow, including 11 year old Matthew, and chairman of Headstone Manor, Kevin with his sit up and beg, basket on the front, bike. It took a while, and despite some of the initial apprehension from some of the riders, everyone managed the 15 mile circuit comfortably, with not too many sore backsides.

On the Sunday, I felt tired and lazy, and didn’t feel like getting on the bike outside, so I propped my indoor bike in front of the TV, and watched a bit of Wimbledon, and a bit of Dr Who with Immi, racking up 70.5 km (43.8 miles) to give me a weekly total of just under 60 miles.

A bit of a mixed bag this week.

Friday was the Bike to Work day that had been organised at work as one of the supporting events for the Bike to the Future ride, and throughout the country around 30 people took to their bikes. I did as well, and just before 7am decked out in the new kit that had arrived the day before, I set off on the 26 miles to work in Chertsey, and completed the distance in just on 1hr 30mins. All the people at the office that cycled in appeared to have really enjoyed the experience, even the ‘gang of four’ who got lost and ended up in the middle of a golf course! The atmosphere all day was much more relaxed, and the day was helped along by the supply of cakes and savories lovingly made (and bought) by an army of non-cyclists.

On the way back home, I flew, and was back in 1hr 25mins, which meant that  I had completed 84 km (52 miles) in less than 3 hrs, urban cycling at 17 mph - had I turned the corner?

On Saturday I had intentions of a ’short’ 30 miles just to keep the wheels turning, however, the effects of the 17mph overcame me, and I just fell asleep in the afternoon, promising myself that I would make up for it on Sunday with a really long ride. But when Sunday came, I really had to force myself out of bed, and off I trudged to meet up with Simon. We chose to cycle to Chesham, which unfortunately is mostly uphill, and with a very strong headwind all the way, it was tough. I eventually parted company with Simon with the intention of building up the ‘lost Saturday’ miles, but in the end with just 61km (38 miles) on the computer, I gave up the ghost. I arrived back at home after more than 3 hous out, with aching legs and a need to be horizontal which resulted in another afternoon nap. Looks like all I will be doing on the road to Poland is cycling and sleeping!

Despite the pain, I finised the week with another 90 miles, which is ok, and a trip to see Massive Attack at the Royal Festival Hall. Trip hopping good.

Like smit, this week was a poor effort from me, although I had an excuse.  I have had a pain in my groin (area) for a couple of weeks and it suddenly came unbearable after a netball match on Tuesday.  I thought it was best to not do any execise for at least a week.  This seems to have done the trick and after a trip to the gym with no niggles I feel ready to get on my bike again.  Will keep you posted!

I am dissapointed with myself. 3 weeks have passed and I have accumulated 50 miles.  30 miles was done with Jordanna and her 2 friends through the delights of Oldham and its surrounding area.  Well done to Jenny and Emma though! The other 20 miles was a ride after work which I wasn’t looking forward too as I just didn’t feel in the mood and psychologically I was defeated as soon as I set out.  After 10 miles I’d had enough and turned back home and since then I’ve not been out on my bike for 9 days. Bad times.

Had a couple of good runs out last weekend and this Sunday woke early and took advantage of the warm weather to do a few before teaming up with Les to check out the route to Harwich. Got some ‘business cards’ made up from a design by Eric the ace designer and originator of ‘bike man’. He’s also going to hand out info from his pottery sale stall in the next few weeks and has sent out info to various bike clubs in Yorkshire.

The fabby Evon at work ran off some vinyls of the event for me which we can stick on, well, anything really. The ’support team’ at the office - Kelly, Mark, Ian, Ratan, Steve and Betty - have said they’ll get the sponsor forms going. Good stuff and thanks !! Couple of people showing interest in the Harrow->Harwich leg so I’ll be trying to fix a lift back for those people. Will try and keep the legs ticking over this week . Oh, by the way - just as an aside, happy birthday, Jane !