First test: 20.9 miles, average speed 16.5, weight 15 stone 6lb.

John wanted to see if we could do an average speed of 17–18 miles an hour. Sorry John, I’m OK on the flat and going down hills, it’s the uphill that screws up the averages. He of course could easily have done a 20mph-plus, and as usual he made adjustments for me by allowing me to slipstream when I got puffed.

We started from Carnforth, through Millhead to Warton, left to Leighton Moss, up past the Silverdale Golf Club, past Waterslack, up past Gate Barrows then left down to Hale Moss and the A6. Crossing the road and heading towards Carnforth, taking the first left to the Station Hotel, past Holme Mills and turn right, up and across the motorway bridge and drop down to Clawthorpe. Up the hill to Burton and go as fast as we can downhill to the Priest Hutton–Borwick turn off. We meander round to Capernwray, past the diving school and up to Over Kellet. Go like the clappers dropping down to Carnforth, turn left onto North Road and back onto A6 and home to Crag Bank.

My bike computer gave the distance as 20.9 miles; it could be wrong, but it’s what I use. This was my quickest time in 12 months – and don’t I know it – but I think John wanted to see if I was serious.

Next week, I’m on my own while John’s away, I’ve told him not to over-train.