DELILAH & ME
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Welcome
to Delilah & Me. My cycling blog for the coming twelve months.
Since Mel passed away I have dedicated my time to raising awareness of lymphoma and using our experience to help others. I have also taken part in a series of charity cycle rides, biking from London to Paris twice, cycling London Nightrider and also a 25 mile ride around Birmingham which was organised by some of Mel's university friends.
If you go to my Cycling for Charity page, you will find details of rides I've completed and hints and tips on training etc.
To Port Vale & Back
During
the week, I managed a couple of short rides, one was a thirty two miler
and the other was less at 26 miles, but was a very hilly route.
Both of these set me up for the weekend trip to Port Vale.
Starting from my home in Branston, I cycled out to the Salt Box for a
hearty breakfast. After that I headed out into the Derbyshire
countryside and headed toward Sudbury and then on to Doveridge. I
almost came off at one point as I unclipped going through a ford and
slid on the cobbles. I managed to keep control and carried on.
From Doveridge I followed a road, that turned into a track and I ended
up at a shooting range. After getting directions I
ploughed on through the rain and eventually got back onto a decent road
that took me into Alton, home of the towers. The hill down into
Alton was a scary one, brakes fully applied and at the bottom I had to
unclip. The road from Alton took me through some beautiful
countryside and into the village of Oakmoor. The climb out of
Oakmoor was a steep one, so much so that at one point I lifted myself of
the saddle to pedal and my back wheel began to spin. I headed to
Cheadle, then on to Upper Tean and to Stoke. Port Vale is up a
hill so it was a good climb to the ground.My route back took me past Britannia Stadium, the home of Stoke City and then into Trentham and out past some amazing properties toward Stone. From Stone, it was pretty much main road all the way to Rugeley, then back through the minor roads to home. Total cycled was 94 miles, my longest training ride yet.
One of the beauties of cycling is that it gives you thinking time. I have decided that I'm not going to attempt the coast 2 coast and back in two days. Having watched David Walliams' mammoth swim down the Thames and the back up he had, I think attempt this ride with no back up, is not a wise thing to do. With that in mind, I am still cycling coast to coast on 17 June, but I'm going to race against the sun. Setting off as the sun rises in the east from Sunderland, I shall attempt to cycle across the country, over some of the hilliest terrain in the country, to Whitehaven in the west... before the sun sets in the west!! Also, if I am confirmed as a torch bearer, I want to be in good shape for that and cycling 280 miles in 2 days two weeks before the event isn't the best way to get myself into shape. So, I still need your sponsorship and support, and all donations are appreciated.
To Aston University and back via
Villa Park
Following
my 25 mile jaunt last Tuesday (28th February), I took to the roads on
Saturday for my first major training ride of the year. Setting off
at 6.45am I cycled toward Barton under Needwood and then on to
Lichfield, through Sutton Coldfield, under Spaghetti Junction and up the
final stretch of the A5127 to Aston University. I visited Mel's
memorial bench, stopping for a few minutes to reminisce and then set
back, cycling much of the route we'd undertaken last August for Mel's
Birthday Bike Ride.
I stopped off at Villa Park for a quick snapshot of Delilah and then headed toward Sutton Park, on the outskirts of Birmingham. I cycled through Sutton Park and out the other side toward Little Aston. I wanted to get in at least 65 miles and as I reached the outskirts of Lichfield I realised that to do this I was going to have to take a detour, so headed through Whittington, past St. Giles Hospice and out to the Tamworth Road. I then took a familiar country route taking in Haunton, Coton in the Elms, Lullington and Rosliston, before heading to Drakelow, Walton on Trent and home via Barton. The ride totalled 71 miles and my average speed was just short of 14mph.
The weather wasn't too bad, the forecast was for a breezy morning, but by the time this took hold I was on my way back with the wind predominantly behind me. What did come a little early however was the driving rain. Just as I approached Aston it started and didn't stop until I reached the outskirts of Burton on Trent. Basically if someone had chucked a bucket of water over me, I couldn't have been any wetter. No breakfast this week, cafes en route were scarce, but I did stop off for a banana and a sausage roll on the way back. I took two bottles of juice, both with Zero tablets in them for added energy. Delilah was filthy when I got home and will need a good clean before next weekend. I'm hoping to get out this week, possibly on Tuesday and Thursday for light training rides, before attempting another 65 miler next weekend. The serious training has begun.
A trip to Tamworth
Once my legs were working again, I headed down the A51 to Lichfield, turning off at Whittington Barracks and cycling along the side of the army barracks into Whittington village. I then headed through the village, following a rather impatient bus driver, to the lanes and the road back to the National Arboretum. It was then a cycle along the road to Walton on Trent, before going across the bridge and back along the A38 cycle path to Branston. A good 36.6 miles with an average speed of 13.5 mph.
The Yoxall Ring
From Yoxall I followed the road to Kings Bromley, then Alrewas before heading back home via Walton, Drakelow and Stapenhill. The bike performed well and although the legs ached a touch the real issue I had was a pain in the buttocks. I've never had many problems with saddle soreness and this wasn't saddle sore, but it was painful. It hurt to sit down and get up, so I'm not sure if it was muscular. Anyway, by the following morning it was gone and all was normal and I was looking forward to a ride out on Thursday.
The Tutbury Castle Ride
To Mickleover through the countryside and back
With
confidence restored in Delilah, my only problem this week was with the
wonderful British weather. I managed to get out twice during the
week for a 17.5 miles and 15.5 mile ride. It's great to be able to
get out in the evening, even if it is only for an hour. Saturday
arrived and I decided that I'd go for it, cycling to The Salt Box.
I had my usual breakfast, and seriously considered coming back home as
it was so cold. But, Delilah had other ideas and took me off into
the Derbyshire countryside towards Longford and Mickleover. My
feet were freezing, I can't ever remember being so cold on a cycle ride.
It was -5 degrees and by the time I got home, 33 miles later, I couldn't
feel my feet. The roads weren't too bad and only once did my back
wheel wobble as I turned a corner and hit some ice.
I got home, walked the dogs and then mid afternoon the snow came.... and came... and came..... Time will tell if I manage to get out during the week.
Cycling from Nottingham
Following
the problems with Delilah in previous weeks I decided to take her to
Nottingham and to Evans Cycles for them to have a look at the gear
problems. So, on the last Saturday I strapped the bike to the car
and went to Nottingham, calling on the way home at Trent Lock just
outside Long Eaton to take the dogs for a ten mile stroll. Today I
caught the train to Nottingham and after picking up not only the bike,
but also a new helmet, I cycled back to Burton from Nottingham.
I went through the streets of Nottingham, cycling along the quieter roads before coming to Long Eaton and through the villages of Beeston and Attenborough and past where we'd walked the previous week. The bike worked brilliantly, all the gear problems seem to have disappeared. The helmet fits perfectly and all in all it was a good ride. Following my trips through the villages, I came to Chellaston and then cycled toward Swarkstone and through Willington and back along the A38. It was just over 30 miles at a 13.5 average speed.
Delilah is back!
Back in the saddle
With the rides I have planned in the coming months I need to have confidence in my bike, something that up until now I've always had, but today was lacking totally. After my trip to Wolverhampton I returned to Halfords to explain that the problems were still there, their answer was to tell me it was probably bedding in and if not, then I'd need the front cassette replacing too. This would cost £250 but I could probably find a new front cassette on ebay for a lot cheaper. Not being an expert I haven't a clue what I would need to look for. Absolute rubbish advice. I contacted Evans Cycles in Nottingham and in a couple of weeks I will be going over there to get them to have a good look at it. It's a shame because I was looking forward to getting back on the bike and getting in some miles. I may be able to get out in the next couple of weeks, but only on the flat.
Walking the Border Terriers
It's
been a barren few weeks on Delilah, due to a combination of visiting
Becky and a change in the worse for the weather. I say a change in
the worse, the weather is probably now what it should be for the time of
year. The 26th November saw a strong winds and a distinctive chill
in the air. Two weeks later and the roads were icy. Those are the
two winter weathers that will keep me off the bike. Strong winds
and icy roads. Safety always has to come first. I spent
Saturday 26th November walking eighteen miles along the Manifold Valley
track and back, starting out at quarter to ten in the morning, I got
back to my car just after 3pm. The walk also included a good climb
to Thor's Cave.
The following week we were visiting Becky, whilst the weekend of the 10th December I did a couple of 6 mile walks with the dogs. I've also taken to walking the dogs for about six miles in a morning, a couple of times a week. It's no substitute for cycling, but it does keep me relatively fit. I've also made a few visits to London in the last few weeks and when there, I take the opportunity to walk wherever I can. Last Monday I covered about 8 miles during the day and since then have done another 18 mile walk and a few six or seven mile ones. Like I say, it's not ideal but the weather is an occupational hazard and cycling has to take a back seat for a few weeks until things improve.
To Molineux
(70 miles)
Following
last week's ride to Nottingham, I headed south this week, hoping that I
felt better and managed to complete the ride without cramps in my thighs
and feeling lightheaded. I set off early in the morning, just
after 6.30am, and headed toward Barton under Needwood and then onto
Alrewas. Again, I was lucky with the weather, it was very cold,
but dry and with little wind in the air.
After Alrewas I continued to to
head west to Rugeley. The Little Chef, where I'd planned to stop
for breakfast was closed, but I found a nice little snack
bar tucked away at the bus station and grabbed a sausage sandwich for a
£1! Fuelled by the sandwich, which was very good value, I pedalled
my way over Cannock Chase. The beauty of Cannock Chase was
incredible at that time in the morning. The roads were still
relatively quiet and as I cycled to Penkridge the sun rose behind me and
cast a glorious gold and red glow over the woodland. Absolutely
beautiful. I wanted to take a photograph, but couldn't quite get
the shot I wanted off my phone.
I circled Penkridge and then headed for Wolverhampton. It was dual carriageway most of the way, but a cycle path covered 99% of the distance. Like my trip the week before, Wolverhampton was far more hillier than I imagined, but it wasn't in the same league as Nottingham. I reached Molineux and after taking a few photographs set off back home.
I had to check the sat nav on my phone to make sure I was heading in the right direction and it guided me through Bilston and then to Lichfield. I stopped at Lichfield for a banana and then cycled the ten miles back home.
The bike did well, gears slipping a little, but I was assured by Halfords that was due to the new chain and rear cassette. Everything else was good, legs tired, but as I said at the start, no cramps or dizziness, such as I suffered the week before.
To the City Ground, Meadow Lane and Trent Bridge
(70 miles)
I
then took the A6096 toward Ilkeston, this was quite a nice road that
divided Spondon and Borrowash and headed toward Dale Abbey and then
Ilkeston. Memories of football trips to Ilkeston came flooding
back and many a time I glanced down to the photograph of Mel that I
carry with me on all my bike journeys. Once on the outskirts of
Nottingham another memory surfaced, though this time it wasn't a
pleasant one as I came to the roundabout that showed a sign for the City
Hospital. The number of times we'd drove past that roundabout
taking Mel to hospital for a scan, blood test or because something
hadn't gone to plan with her treatment. Again, it was another
stark reminder of why I was on
my bike on the outskirts of Nottingham, forty miles from home at 9am.
As I cycled toward the city centre, it struck me how hilly the city of Nottingham is. I don't think I've noticed before as I have only ever really driven there, but the A609 into the city was a bit of a climb. I eventually reached the top and cruised downhill, passing Evans Cycles the main shopping centres, and then BBC Nottingham before finding myself outside Notts County's ground, Meadow Lane. A quick stop for a photo and then I made my way across Trent Bridge to the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest. After visiting the City Ground, I couldn't resist the opportunity to visit another first class stadium, Trent Bridge, the home of Nottinghamshire Cricket Club and where many a test match has been fought out. With the gates open, I sneaked inside and took a photograph, before getting back on Delilah and heading home.
I
was undecided on my route back, but as I cycled back over Trent Bridge
toward the city centre, the flow of traffic took me onto the A453 and
the long stretch of road that eventually ends up at the junction with
the M1. As I started back on the A453 I came to a garage where I
refuelled my body. A banana, a chunky kit kat and an energy drink.
Within a mile of starting off again, I'd got through the half litre
bottle of water that I'd bought. I was beginning to feel a bit
light headed. I crossed the junction with the M1 and cycled past
East Midlands airport, then into Melbourne, before getting on the Swarkestone Road and back through Willington, along the cycle path that
runs alongside the A38 to Burton and then back into Branston.
As I approached Willington, about five miles from home, my thigh muscles
began to cramp up, both of them at the same time. It wasn't
something I'd experienced in a while and the remainder of my journey
consisted of me stopping every few hundred yards to stretch my legs and
eek out the cramp in my thighs. It was an uncomfortable end to the
journey, but I
checked the trip computer when I got home and it had recorded 70 miles,
with an average speed of 13.5 mph. A good morning's work out
It had been a great training ride, but I didn't feel right, I had a headache, felt light headed and was really more tired than I think I should have been. I then realised what the problem may be. Earlier that week, I'd donated blood and they'd taken too much. In fact they'd taken far too much and I think I was still recovering from that. My body was telling me it needed more time to recover.
Delilah too is in need of some TLC, the brakes definitely need looking at and the gears are beginning to slip slightly. Nearly three thousand miles since January, things are going to wear out, so she will be booked in for a seeing too during the week. Hopefully, fully repaired and fit and ready for next Saturday.
To Pride Park Stadium, Derby County
(40 miles)
Another
reasonable day for cycling, I set the alarm for 6am and by 6.45am I
was heading out of Branston and heading towards town. Through
town and I picked up the A511 toward Ashby and Leicester.
Within two miles from home I was making my way up Ashby Road.
I thought I might struggle with this 1.5 mile 7% ascent but it was
ok. I cycled on to Woodville and turned left at the clock
garage and onto quieter roads. For the first time in weeks I
was cycling away from the Salt Box, so as well as admiring the
countryside, I was also on the hunt for somewhere to have breakfast.
After following the A514 into Derby, having cycled through
Hartshorne, Ticknall, over Swarkestone Bridge and through Chellaston,
I came to the shops at Allenton on the outskirts of Derby.
It was here I found breakfast. The Hot Bread Shop is thoroughly recommended. Next door but one to it was a fruit shop and a couple of doors from that a Greggs. Food heaven all within the space of fifty yards! I opted for a sausage and bacon roll from the Bread Shop and a banana from the fruit shop. They worked a treat and other than a sneaky Double Decker on the way home, they kept me fuelled for the rest of the ride.
The only other issue I had today concerned my saddle. I wasn't sure it was in the right position, so I gave it a bit of adjustment mid trip. I think it helped, but I'll have a better idea next time I go out.
Skirting the Edges of Burton on Trent
(32 miles)
No
football ground to visit this week, with Becky visiting time was short,
so it was a quick 32 mile trip around the edge of Burton on Trent.
It's a route I've done before and really enjoy. It's my comfort
ride really. If I can't think where to cycle, I will always revert
to this one. Starting from home in Branston, I cycled through the
town out to Stretton, Rolleston and Maston on Dove, calling as usual at
the Salt Box for a breakfast. The cycling took some getting into
today, I think the week break between rides means it takes longer to get
into my stride.
Anyway, after being fuelled at the Salt Box, I headed into Hatton, turning down Scropton Lane and out towards Sudbury. A left a the junction saw me head through Draycott and up a nice climb to six lane ends. Turning off here towards Newborough I then had the pleasurable ride that took me all the way into Yoxall. From Yoxall to Barton under Needwood and back to Branston. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the sunrise that appeared behind me as I cycled to Sudbury. You can see in the photograph, it was a beautiful red glow. A cold morning, but it didn't rain and I averaged about 14mph.
To the Pirelli Stadium
(with a 30 mile detour)
With limited time available today,
I cycled a shorter than usual thirty-two miles, going through Stretton,
Rolleston and to the Salt Box cafe. After breakfast at the cafe I
rode to Longford and across to Mickleover, to Etwall and back through
Eggington and Stretton.
I stopped off at The Pirelli Stadium to add Burton Albion to my list of league grounds cycled to. I have to try and make the most of weekends now with the evenings getting darker a lot quicker. Cycling in the evening is pretty much out. Mainly due to the potholes that leap out and attack you when you least expect them.
I changed my attire again today after last week's experiment with cutting up the old leggings. This week I used my leggings with a pair of old cheap padded shorts on top. It seemed to work well. Certainly better and more comfortable than the cut up leggings. I've also gone from using Vaseline to Sudocrem. Not sure if makes a great deal of difference, but I thought I'd give it a go.
To the Britannia Stadium
Today I cycled to the first of the
Midlands football grounds I plan to visit during my training for next
year's Coast to Coast & Back ride. I chose Stoke's Britannia
Stadium, a 62 mile round trip which I undertook in driving wind and
rain. I set out in the dark, three lights on and a high viz jacket
to get me seen. I went up Henhurst Hill, out to Six Lane Ends,
then to Uttoxeter and along the old A50 through Checkley and into Stoke.
A couple of photos later and I was on my way back. The rain worse
than before and I had to stop a few times to wipe the rain from the
glasses. All in all it was a good ride. At the moment I'm
managing 60 odd miles reasonably easily and I need to up that over the
next few weeks. Training in the winter is very difficult, whilst I
want to clock up the miles, I won't go out in conditions that are unsafe
and as I can't cycle midweek due to the early dark nights, I do have to
tend to rely on weekends.
Earlier in the week, I'd cut up a pair of old leggings that I didn't use and tried them out as leg warmers. I've never worn leg warmers whilst cycling before, but I have to say they worked well. The 'make do and mend' ones weren't brilliant, but they did the job and I shall be buying a proper pair in the next few weeks. Next weekend I am away on the Saturday, so I shall be going out on the Sunday instead. All things being equal I shall head to Pride Park with a stop at the Pirelli Stadium on the way back.
Branston to Kings Bromley and back
It was still unseasonably warm, but there was a strong 18 -20mph wind to cope with, mainly on the stretch from Six Lane Ends to Yoxall. You know it's windy when you have to pedal downhill, but it's all good practice. I used to pick and choose my cycling weather, but now I can no longer class myself as a fair weather cyclist. I go out in all weathers. The only thing that would really put me off is icy roads and if the wind is too strong. It's alright being an all weather cyclist, but not at the risk of putting yourself in danger.
The other thing I noticed yesterday evening was how quickly it got dark. I had to use my lights for the first time in ages. I'm also now looking to purchase a fluorescent rain jacket. I have a blue cycling jacket, but on winter mornings, it is important to be seen. I also have a couple of 'headlights' that attach to my helmet, they're really good, they're also so small that they can be kept in my saddle bag.
I have been thinking about my training throughout the winter and have decided to cycle to some Midlands football grounds. Training for these rides can be difficult when you're training alone, so using the training rides to either visit people or having a target place to cycle to, will help.
Introducing Delilah
Delilah is a Trek 7.6. She is blue and is classed as a hybrid, though she is more suited to road cycling than off road. The original set of tyres have been replaced with Marathon Plus tyres. I always use 'slime tubes'. I lose a bit on speed, but most of the cycling I do is endurance rather than speed based, therefore, losing a mile or two mph in speed doesn't really matter. The reason I use the MP tyres and the slimes are simple... I'm crap at mending punctures and the tyres are 95% puncture proof and the slime tubes self seal if a thorn penetrates the tyre and although there is a slight loss of pressure, unless it's a pinched hole, it should see you home.
I have two bags, one on the rear of the seat that I carry a spare inner tube, plasters, ibuprofen, and spare lights that fit on my helmet. In my other bag, which is of pannier design, but sits on my cross bar, I have my tool kit, muscle rub and mini cycle pump. Anything else that I need I carry on my person. I used to have a front fitting bag, but found it too weighty and also I was carrying stuff that I didn't need. As the winter months arrive, I shall carry a fluorescent jacket too, which folds up very small. I have also bought a small rucksack that folds into itself and is half an A5 size from Poundland (it's in the camping section). It's ideal for carrying smaller stuff. I sometimes carry stuff for saddle soreness. I use Vaseline, but Sudocrem is also good, as is Assos Cream. It's a case of trying them and seeing which is suited to you better. I also have a drink carrier, if I do have a problem with cycling it is that I do not drink enough. It's something I need to address before next year's ride.
In terms of other equipment, lights and a basic cycle computer, which records my speed, time spent cycling, average speed, distance and overall distance cycled. It also has a clock on it. Other than that, nothing, like I said, I like to travel light when I'm cycling.
Branston to Milldale
Following a five minute stop I made my way back from Milldale and within half a mile began the long climb similar to the descent I'd just flown down. My legs were aching at this point, but my thoughts turned to Mel and all she had to endure, and suddenly hills don't seem so bad. I reached the main road and then cycled along the Buxton road toward Ashbourne, turning off at Tissington and stopping for a drink at Tissington Hall. I then retraced my earlier steps, leaving the Tissington Eastate and crossing the main road and heading back to Mappleton, then through Okeover Eastate onto the main Leek to Ashbourne Road.
I headed through Mayfield to Rocester, then on to Uttoxeter and out to Marchington, with one last big climb to complete, I pedalled my way up Marchington Cliff and back home.
I'd cycled 67.1 miles with an average speed of 13mph. When I arrived home and realised my distance, it suddenly dawned on me that for next year's Coast to Coast challenge, I'd have to do that many miles again in one day... and then do the same the following day!!
Branston through Winshill,
to Hilton and back
I have noticed now that inclines that I used to call hills are now taken on and completed with a lot more ease than I used to. Getting into the right gear, keeping a steady pace and settling myself into a rhythm all help to make the hills easier. I feel I need to step up a bit now and I'm in search of some beasts to challenge me.
The more I think about my coast to coast and back ride next summer, the more I wonder if it is possible. 140 per day over two days is way more than I've ever done before and what is more worrying is that I can't find anyone on the internet who has written about doing this. Still, that's what will make it a challenge! My next ride planned is on Saturday, another hot day forecast, so I'll be setting out at 6.30am and heading firstly to The Salt Box, then on to Ashbourne. Tonight's ride was done at a 14mph average, the hilly start and searing heat accounting for my slower average.
Branston to Repton & Back (via Bretby)
Branston to Tutbury
The bike itself ran smoothly, I'm really beginning to realise the benefit of keeping her clean. It makes such a difference to the ride, particularly keeping the chain and cogs clean. Not sure when I'll be out again on her, maybe this weekend if I get the chance.
London to Brighton
The first ride of my new personal
fundraising year and it starts with a 52 mile jaunt from London to
Brighton. I did this ride with daughter Becky, and two great
friends, Katie and Andy from my last London to Paris ride. Over
800 riders took part in the trek to Brighton.We set off from Tooting Bec at around half nine in the morning, cycling out of the city and soon we were in the leafy lanes of the London suburbs. Some amazing properties were passed as hills were climbed. As usual with Skyline, the route was varied and interesting. Lots of hilly bits, but as I always say, fifty per cent of the hills go down :)
Delilah performed well and I am
now beginning to see the benefits of keeping my bike well cleaned.
It ran beautifully. Despite the weather forecast predicting doom
and gloom in the form of strong winds and driving rain, we cycled the
morning part of the ride in sunshine and what I'd class as a strong
breeze. We did miss one of the yellow direction arrows and went a
mile down the road, further than we should have done, but we weren't the
only ones! The lunch stop was a welcome break and we were greeted
by the usual fantastic array of food that Skyline caterers provide.
Believe me, if you ever do a trip with Skyline, you won't go hungry.
Becky's plate was piled high and that was followed by chocolate cake.
Remembering their fresh cream sponge from L2P, I helped myself to a
couple of cheeky slices. Carb loading at its best!!
As we left the lunch stop, we noticed the wind had picked up quite a bit, and the cycling became harder. Katie got a puncture and Andy mended it in the style of a formula one pit crew. He is a puncture genius! Signs for Ditchling began to appear and we cycled through the village and reached the turning that pointed the way to the famous Ditchling Beacon. Both Becky and I gritted our teeth and went for it. I'm not sure how long it took us, but we both cycled all the way to the summit. A brilliant achievement, especially for Becky who continues to astound me with her tenacity when climbing hills.
After stopping for photographs at the summit we cycled down towards Brighton. The wind in our faces gathering strength as we neared the coast. After one decline in Brighton, we were hit by a fairly steep hill, that took us both buy surprise. We both climbed it though, making it a 100% record on the climbs, although Becky did comment, "We're in Brighton, there's no need for hills like that".
With that climb out of the way, we cycled to the coast and the finish line, where we were met by Katie and Andy. Photographs were taken and there was time for a quick hello with Skyline's Andy before we said our goodbyes and headed for the train.
A great day's cycling, some beastly climbs and some fantastic views. My favourite part was definitely the Ditchling Beacon climb, but I also enjoyed the country lanes as cycled out of London. Skyline were again brilliant and if you're planning a sponsored ride, I can't recommend them highly enough.
Thanks again to Katie and Andy and again a huge well done to Becky for completing the ride and the Beacon!
I've been looking at the weather forecast for Sunday's London to Brighton... it doesn't look good! Gale force headwinds and driving rain... It won't be pretty!!