RACKING UP THE MILES

Did a 40 mile ride yesterday, so feeling quite pleased. To Salcey Forest and back; it was a good mixture of tracks, off-road and hilly roads. Part of route 6 cycle network. It's a lovely to discover all these hidden areas you see from the bike. Having lived in Milton Keynes for 30 years it's really a joy to discover all these tucked away nooks and crannies.  Everyone was having fun round the rivers and lakes- great stuff!
I stopped for an ice lolly at Salcey Forest cafe before heading home and have to say I found the last 5 miles hard going in the heat.
In France I hope to get some miles in, though whether I'll be able to tot them up is another thing, as the cyclo computer thingy Bill bought for me in France doesn't work!
If I can get in a 60 mile ride by the end of August I'll be happy as that's the most we have to do in one day.  I just then need to find some hills (Milton Keynes is pretty flat!) and get some back-to-backs in.

89 MILES THIS WEEK

Now that my money is all raised, the training is taking centre stage!
Three trips to work and a Milton Keynes Park Trust Easy Ride from Bletchley up to Linford Lakes and back took my total miles last week to 89.  Thanks to Richard Forrest for leading the ride- great fun!  Here's his link if you're interested- he certainly puts my efforts to shame:(http://richforrest.co.uk/)
I still have a way to go before I tackle the distances we'll be doing on the ride but I can't see a problem.
The Milton Keynes Citizen put my press release in this week, which is good publicity for Anthony Nolan I hope.  They described me as "brave" which I thought was overdoing it a bit!

UNPLANNED EXPENSES

Last week my chain broke, this week someone crashed into me on the cycle path and bent my back gears and warped the rear wheel!!  Result was Bill getting a phone call at 7am to come and rescue me bless him.  He's obviously keen for me to train however, as (feeling a bit sorry for myself!) I expected a lift to work but no, repair done and he drove off leaving me to fend for myself.
Then Andrew at work discovered the wheel issue, so off to Roy Pink Cycles (thanks guys) who replaced the wheel and generally fettled the bike that day.
This fundraising lark is costing me a fortune!!