Ready steady....bake!

A hundred miles on a bike, to some it seems lunacy, to others incredible but to most regular cyclists it’s just a big day out on the bike. I’ve done plenty of “centuries” and every one has been memorable for one reason or another a spectacular view, a gruelling hill or grovelling finish, bone jarring cobbles or adrenaline inducing descents always something to make the ride memorable. On the eve of the first of ninety-two century rides around the counties of  the UK, tomorrow’s ride feels a little different, there are no great hills to climb or cobbles to conquer but the fact that is the start of a wider journey has added just a little frisson of anticipation to a ride around many roads that are familiar to me and my willing companions Pat and Rock.

The bike has been cleaned and oiled, the tyres checked for flints and pumped up to a puncture resisting 110 psi, the saddle bag packed with essentials.

Tomorrows kit is set out ready and the alarm set for silly o’clock. Just enough time for my attempt at the great British Bake-off with rum laced Coventry Godcakes looking good for a post ride treat at the end of a long day in the saddle.