CTC Champions Sportive - Swindon

Another busy weekend but managed to squeeze in a 48 mile sportive near Swindon with Spence and Nobby. It was billed as hilly but wasn't really that hilly. There was one very steep hill but it was short, the rest of the ride was flattish and very enjoyable; pork pie and cake stop was awesome! The only casualty of the day was Nobby's bike, the bottom bracket seized leaving metal shavings visible - it looked an expensive repair but then the bike was still under warranty.

On Saturday morning, I posed for pictures on King Alfred's statue in Wantage Market place to promote a friends fund raiser for the town in July. Several people made a point of chatting to me about my ride in May so it seems that word has got around. I am due to appear in the local gym's newsletter in March, this should reach a good number of people who probably see me in the gym but haven't made the connection yet.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/109520829167552/

I have managed to set up a meeting with another mate who cycled LEJOG last year to talk about the hilly bits. Once I know where these areas are I can tweak the daily mileages and then scope out camps sites/Youth Hostels accordingly.

Another milestone passed today, I have finally booked the 11 days of leave that will be required to do the ride and spend a couple of days at the end with my family - suppose I had better do it now instead of just talking about it!