An Interesting Week

In preparation of Switzerland I've increased my training over the last week or so. I'm sure I'm going to regret this one...A mountain FFS- and what hill climbing practice is there in lincolnshire!?...well quite a lot really but nothing that is going to  prepare me for a Swiss mountain. Oh well, I'm sure it'll be a laugh if nothing else. The other thing that needs prepping are the cameras. I'm taking a GoPro HD which I've decided to use on the rear mount on the seat post as this gives quite a nice shot. My other camera is my trusty old Sony TG3. In previous attempts (such as the New York ride) I've handheld- not easy and to be honest, dangerous- especially riding in a group. So, let's make a camera mount for the front handlebars. A little bit of research on t'internet and a rummage in the garage and the Mk1 is built.

Quite a neat design- Now to road test it. Oh dear- it's crap :( the plastic is too soft and vibration is unbelievably bad! Recorded a small bit of footage to playback and the picture was totally unwatchable. Back to the drawing board. After taking a bike lamp apart and adapting its mount (which is a/ closer to the handlebar and b/ far sturdier plastic) we seem to have something more like it.

Out for road test number 2.... massive improvement. Not perfect, but not bad. If anyone has any ideas to dampen vibration from my bike, please get in touch :) I'm sure a few of my engineering friends are up for this challenge (Nigel...Claire?) So the cameras are all set. This ride, I think I've said before is more for the experience than gaining a time. I'm hoping to try and enjoy it, the scenery and soak up the atmosphere. It's going to be a great day I'm sure.

Anyway, later on in the week Swiss brand Cervo Rosso invited me to join their test team. Not as amazing as it sounds (as in, I'm not that good a rider! lol) but a fantastic privilege and free kit. Thanks guys!

This was closely followed by an email from Team Garmin Cervélo offering me a place on their annual team ride out in the New Forest next month. Only 500 places, so again- Brill! and thanks!!

I'm a bit concerned with the fundraising- Ideally I'd love to hit the £1000 mark before the Gruyère Tour next Sunday as this is when the draw will take place at Lincoln Drill Hall's Bangers and Mash Ball. I've put out more emails, badgered people on Facebook- what more can I do? I've a few GWC T shirts if people want them BUT you'll have to sponsor me to get one!

Finally on this blog I'd like to thank Gavin for sending me some You Tube clips on climbing technique. Surprisingly, they have made a difference and saved me a fair old bit of energy. Whilst I'm at it, I'd better thank Andy too. A great chap and has been an inspiring riding buddy. I'm no where near his standard but he's been patient and a mine of information. Dale as well- thanks mate. Way back in January you got me out and back on the saddle- hope you're coming out for the Wiggle Rut next month. Will be 101 miles of fun I'm sure. God bless the British weather in September!!!!