Two months, as it turns out, is a long time in bicycling.

A mere twinkle in a Rotarian’s eye in September, a blockbuster Wrynose or Bust is now becoming a reality. This time it won’t be just one aged lycra lout panting through south Cumbria but hundreds – if not thousands – of cycling enthusiasts thrashing round the hills like demented Toads. (I’m thinking Toad of Toad Hall; Wind in the Willows, and all that. See if this, slightly amended, account strikes a chord.)

The Rotary Club of Lancaster asked me to put together a team to run the event, so I did.

We are Bevis Mullholland, Mervyn Bonnet, Derek Hulse, and me. Bevis is our accountant; he’s a bit like a cross between Eeyore and a retired rugby prop forward, and keeps us all on track with our spending. Mervyn Bonnet, whose enthusiasm knows no bounds, has a key in the middle of his back which we wind up and off he goes. And Derek brings the key ingredients of an acerbic wit and a bit of gravitas; he keeps us in our place, keeps us on track, and does the liaison with the police and other local authorities.

As for me, I’m notional chair. I chip in with the odd idea, the other guys do the work, and I take the credit. I’m not sure how long I’ll get away with this but I’m doing all right so far.

But seriously, we are making great progress towards the big day, 25 April 2010. With three different rides, all starting and finishing at Halton army camp near Lancaster and all fully marshalled, we’re aiming to create a challenge for cyclists of all abilities:

Wrynose or Bust The big one: 112 miles through the hills of the Lake District, with Wrynose Pass in the middle.

The Bay Dash A moderate ride of just over 60 miles, heading out round Morecambe Bay and returning to Lancaster via the Cartmel valley.

Family Fun Ride A relaxed and relatively easy 12-mile ride, along dedicated cycleways to Morecambe and back along the Lancaster canal bike path.

We have a dedicated website, www.wrynose.org, and a publicity machine that is beginning to hum along nicely. Most of the proceeds will go to Cancercare, Rainbow House and Polio Plus, with smaller contributions being earmarked for a few other local Rotary charities.

All we need are cyclists – bums on saddles, as they say. If you’re up for a challenge, log onto the website, get yourself signed up, and get yourself a sponsor. Once you’ve got the first pledge there’s no turning back. You’ll thank yourself in the end. Trust me, I know.

I’ve kept the counsel of my teachers of late (‘empty vessels make the most noise, Simpson’), but with something to talk about at last I expect to be back blogging once again. Well, every fortnight or so for starters. Watch this space – and keep in touch, your comments are always welcome.