London to Paris - CREW

Today saw the first ride of any real distance. To work and back - round trip just shy of 35 miles. Although the computer on this bike thinks it was only 13... I need to get that calibrated properly!

Of course, as anticipated, it wasn't all straight forward. Everything was going fine as I shot down Pildacre Brow at close to 40mph but as I went to go up the other side, the three speed shifter popped and threw me back into a big gear. Nearly ripped my quads off hauling it up the hill in a massive gear. So I had to stop at the top and disconnect the three speed hub, which meant the range was a bit limited. Still, it is all flat from there until the final short bump (Salter Hebble Hill) into Halifax.

Going downhill fast is an interesting experience. There's quite a lot of front wheel oscillation at high speed that takes a bit of getting used to. Going up is nearly the same as on a road bike, except I can't lean over the bars quite the same as I would so the technique is slightly different.

I passed one ordinary Joe on his bike in Mirfield, doing (I'm guessing) about 18 mph. He caught me up at the lights and said "F**k me! You can't half shift on that thing lad!" I declined his offer and muttered something about heart, legs and lungs being more important than type of bike. Then the lights changed and I thought I'd better give him a quick start demonstration and didn't see him again.

Lunchtime, I went down to Northbridge Leisure Centre to meet the people at CREW (see previous post) for the picture taking session. They are a really cheerful bunch to say what some of them have been through. John took some pictures - I'll post them on here when I get them (If I can figure out how!)

I've nicked John's CREW t-shirt. Those of you that know me will not be surprised. And you won't be surprised when I'm still wearing it in 10 years time - probably at the spinning classes - either! To be fair, this time I did ask and I didn't realise it was John's until he told me when he said I could have it.

Then rode home. Got a puncture; rear wheel too. As I've already indicated, that tyre is a real b******d to get off and on. Add to that a hot day, and the sweat was dripping off me as I sat in a car park in Dewsbury wrestling with it. This time I managed not to swear at all though, and I think it worked because it only took me ten minutes start to finish to get it fixed. It was an office staple digging in the tyre. I think I won't be riding the bike round the office again.

Finally, if anyone is reading this drivel, perhaps you could help. I'm looking for a sponsor for my cycle clothes. I thought if I offered to wear a jersey with a company name on during training and on the ride, someone might be willing to pay for it. I've looked on a web site and whilst there are companies that make them, the minimum order is about 10 to be cost effective (one-offs cost about 90 quid each!)

I've suggested to BHF and the organisers that we all wear the same and asked if they could help with a corporate sponsor... we'll see. But in the meantime, if you know anyone who may be able to help, let me know.

As you'll see, I've only £667 to go to reach my self-imposed target as I write this. Plenty of time to exceed it though.