There are plenty of easier roads that undulate gently through the valley as you pass dramatic and beautiful scenery. Sunday, 28 November Vuelta a Menorca. So Wills has popped the question and Kate said yes. They've done the interviews, shown off the rock and announced their hitching date.
And guess what, we get an extra public holiday next year. And since it's happening at the end of Easter week and right before May Day bank holiday that means for those who are employed you could have a day holiday and only need to get 3 days of authorized leave from your employer. Thanks chaps - jolly decent of you! All the best on your big day and all that, but it might be that I'll have other stuff on that day so won't be able to attend the wedding.
But then again I don't have to leave London. While everyone is getting stuck into watching the Royal wedding the roads will be so quiet. It'd be criminal to not make the most of this rare occasion and get out for long spin! I don't know where exactly I'll be riding, but whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be a great day, especially in London!
For the first time I ventured into the North East. We went through Baldersdale, Hamsterley Forest and Blanchland. The trails were great fun - a mixture of single track through heather, challenging stony descents, grass tracks and the odd bit of smooth paths and lanes for a rest.
Wednesday 18th August For those of you who have descended from the col du Galibier and turned right at the bottom to go down the col du Lautaret towards Le Bourg d'Oisans, I'd recommend trying something different. Try turning left! The ride was simply a mile grind along the same road, the D between Grenoble and Briancon. It was difficult to keep motivated, just looking at the road in front of me.
