Well you, son of T de F Rider...

The story of how I found cycling... In the beginning... I never knew my dad had been a semi professional racing cyclist. He rode for Viking in the late 50's, early 60's as an "Independant" (a paid amateur who kept a "real" job as well).  I think my parents kept it hidden so my brothers and I wouldn't feel pressured into doing it and following in our father's footsteps. They needn't have worried. My brothers and I discovered the joys of cycling by chance one summer whilst staying at our grandad's. Our parents had selfishly won a holiday to Ibiza and jetted off for 2 weeks in the sun leaving me, and my two older brothers, Dave and Mark, up to our own devices in the warm August of 1978. I was seven years old. Pre computers, games consoles and Channel 4 it was to the outdoors that most excitement was to be had and after a route in grandad's loft and discovery of an old bike, Dave had the cunning plan of fixing it up for me so we could ...

Today, I got asked to be a "guest blogger" for a cycling event happening in September. As yet, I'm undecided as to whether I will ride it, never mind blog about it...or blog about anything! In light of the invitation, I decided to see if I could run and maintain a blog of my own, as it's something I have thought about but never done (those who know me will know that's what I'm expert in (thinking, not doing)). Well now, I rode this event last year with 7 weeks notice and no miles in my legs before then.  In those 7 weeks I got up to riding 100 hilly miles at a time, lost just over 1 stone in weight and even organised some sponsored jerseys from my employer.  This time I have 7 months(ish) to prepare, still haven't regained said lost stone and am reasonably fit from running and my annual ski trip(s) preparation exercises.  All in all, I have a more of a chance than last year to get round without the excruciating pain I suffered last time (anyway that ...