I haven,t blogged for some time now, I wasn,t sure if anyone read them, then I remembered a number of people telling me to blog for yourself first and others like them thats a bonus. So here goes again. On the 18th June I rode the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride its 72 miles and finishes in the the Country Park at Filey. Jill and her sister Barbara (who was visiting from the USA) came out to meet me at the end. When Jill dropped me off at Wetherby for the start, it looked like I was going to get wet, but thankfully the rain stopped son and it was an improving day. The roads had plenty of standing water on them, but it didn,t rain again. Jill asked what time I expected to be finished, and would want collecting. I had worked on it taking about five and a half hours to ride plus half an our for lunch and drink stops. Right on time six hours after my 8 am start I rolled into Filey, they were lucky to get a photo of me at the finish as they had only just got there themselves. Although I have done this ride a little faster some years back, I can,t remember enjoying it more. As part of my training for Septembers London to Paris, I had decided to ride the next day on my usual Sunday ride with Steve. I needed to know how I would feel riding the next day after a long ride. I have done it before on the Coast to Coast, but its a few year ago! It was great, after a few miles to stretch the legs, and get rid of a bit of stiffness in the muscles, I was riding well and actually got out of the saddle for the up hill bits. I am happy now that I can make Paris and get there in a reasonable state. I always thought I could but I just needed to prove it to myself.
Fundraising for the ride is going well, and I passed £1200 against my £1500 target this weeled with a coffee morning at church. I also have a further £175 pledged, so I am confident of reaching my goal. The hotel for the night before is booked, and I need to work on the train down now, I will see if I can get any cheap tickets. We,ve managed York to London for £10 single befor.
I don,t have any more organised rides planned before September, but will keep up the riding until then to keep fit.