A holiday on the Isle of Skye means training once more took a back seat this week. I really should take more holidays – back at work all has been running very nicely in my absence. Delegation is a wonderful thing, especially when your delegates are so good. 

But back to the bikes… Our intention, weather permitting, is to go for the ride this coming Thursday, 28 May. If the weather continues to defy us we will fall back on the option of taking the first day we can next week.

Decision made, we did a standard circuit on Sunday of around 22 miles to get back in the groove. A respectable average speed of 14.2mph, achieved without trying too hard. Training in the gym on Tuesday should be my last chance to hone my fitness before the big day.

You’ll notice, incidentally, that I’m not talking about my weight any more. These days I am pure lean muscle and sinew, and that’s my last word on the subject. Topic closed, thank you very much.

The end is nigh and the ride is imminent. Watch this space and be prepared to make a donation to a worthy cause or two.