Having decided to embark on the July challenge of cycling from London to Paris last week I decided to purchase a road bike. I booked a fitting with AW Cycles in Caversham. They do a very thorough fitting service with lots of measuring to ensure that you get the right bike for your body shape. I have a long body and short legs!! Not great for cycling. The chosen bike brand is Bianchi from Italy and my bike should be ready for me in the middle of April. I also purchased some cycle shoes that fix in to the pedals. Learning how to use these should be interesting as I've never cycled with cleats before. Some falling off no doubt.
Over the Easter weekend I managed to get in three short rides given that the weather wasn't great. However we are off to Cornwall soon for a week's holiday and I will be taking my hybrid bike with me. There is a great cycle ride from Sennen to St. Ives of about 18 miles. This route takes in some fantastic scenery along the north coast of Cornwall. It also passes a couple of decent pubs as well. I might try and do the return journey as the weather looks set fair at the moment.
I might also cycle back along the National Cycle Route from Lands End and see how far I get. Not to John O'Groats though.
Also when we get back from our hols I must lose some weight and with my new road bike begin to build up some longer journeys. Hopefully Spring has now arrived properly so that training can be done in good weather with shorts on!
Phil Chappell