Tension is Rising

Well, time is marching on.  Planning is progressing, but the pace may quicken as panic sets in.  We now have the first 4 nights accommodation booked (Fowey, Exeter, just north of Cheddar, and just north of Ross-on-Wye).  Family commitments have prevented joint training, but a spell of mother-in-law-sitting has allowed me to get a few long rides in: east of Hull; up on the Yorkshire Wolds; and south of the Humber Bridge. And the last week or so has seen Anne and I out on rides in preparation for our cycle tour at the end of May.  The fantastic weather has revealed Aberdeenshire at its best as this shot in Glen Buchat shows. Between trips to Norway, Joe has been sneaking off on epic tours and has admitted to a 90-miler out to Corgarf and back via Glen Buchat, all in 7 hrs (plus stops).  What else has he not admitted to?  I'm going to have to up my game. 

Phil, the Hewitt Cheviot SE, and Glen Buchat

The real test will come this weekend, however, as we are embarking on our first Etape Caledonia, the 81 mile closed-road sportive based in Pitlochry. http://www.etapecaledonia.co.uk/  We are joined by another ex-BP friend of mine (Liam Cousins) and around 5000 others and will be setting off at 07:33 approximately on Sunday (14th May).  Fingers crossed for the weather!    The challenge will be to keep ahead of the broom wagon which sets off just after us and drives at 13mph.  If it catches you it takes away your timing chip, and you are presumably classified as DNF!  No pressure there, then.

I'll report back on our performance!