One Wheel Short of a Bike Ride
June 16th, 2008 by Little Jason
This was the day when three were to become four and the Dream Team was finally together for the first time. I had run out of excuses to avoid the early start and had promised to meet the rest of the Galacticos at Winchelsea train station at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning (yes, 8 a.m.). Being a twenty five mile + drive from Hythe, I was up at half-past-six to prepare.
Helmet, check. ipod, check. Bike computer, check. Water bottle, check. Heart rate monitor, check…etc.
If there’s one thing about all this training stuff, it has allowed us to buy loads of gadgets. Anyway, All prepared and ready to go. Quick release wheel off the bike, bike into boot of car. Sorted.
Must admit to actually feeling pretty good as I sped off towards Rye. First to arrive at Winchelsea train station. 7.45 a.m. Time to sort out stuff ready for the team to arrive.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Front wheel sitting in the hall at home -could picture it nestling there as clear as day. A night off the beer and a 25 mile drive for nothing, I thought. It was a mistake anyone could make and the team were obviously understanding and supportive of my predicament, as you can imagine.
Go back and get your f**king wheel was about the long and short of it. The guys started off on a ten mile ‘warm up’ (!) and I drove back to Hythe, tail betwixt legs.
An hour and a half later and off we rode - four fine physical specimens in perfect harmony. Our strengths and weaknesses dove-tailing into a lean mean Race-The-Sun machine. Well not quite yet. However, the signs are good and we still have three months to go.
A few random thoughts and recollections:
How can I be knackered and pedalling for all I’m worth and still not be able to keep up? They’ve already done 10 miles before I started (allegedly). Maybe I’ve got the wrong tyres or something. Must look for some with super-slick go-faster tread.
How can Lewis pedal so fast up a hill and move so slowly? His bike definitely looks the coolest though…must remove the shopping basket thing from mine.
Jason’s map - why all the pieces and cellotape?
David’s not as dumb as he looks. Those Smart cars are actually quite smart. Would have saved a fortune on petrol if I’d had one today.
Pubs don’t open until lunchtime.
So. In total, 20 miles cycled (rest of the chaps managed 30 odd), 115 miles driven. Not an eco-friendly start to the team training for me. On the positive side, It’s pretty clear that this is going to get us all really quite fit and will be a right laugh too. AND…loads of cash to charity as well. All donations / sponsorship gratefully received - please click the button!
