We Continue
Team meeting called last night, this one, by necessity, involving Mum. A decision needed to be made on the Grand Depart for the Aspley 500. A delay of a week had been mentioned, but not yet committed to. The original start is now just two days after Dad’s funeral, but a week’s delay would put it two days after the internment of his ashes. Mum assured us she would be ok with this second date, she will have friends to stay with her whilst we are away and she knows how important this ride is to us. Obviously this isn’t ideal circumstances, but we are having to be flexible with our plans and approach. Cancellation was never an option and to delay any further would narrow daylight hours to such an extent that night time cycling would be a dangerous necessity rather than a possible fall back. The decision was made. Right or wrong, time will tell, but for now all we can say is that it feels as right as it possibly can.
With departure now set for 2nd October, preparations have to kick into a higher gear. Paul rode with Simon at the week-end and was pleased to see how well he coped with a swift 35 mile ride. Both of our bikes are now in for service, to be returned at the end of the week, allowing us our last, long training ride on Saturday. The plan is for 60+ miles, importantly with packs on for the first time. We will also conduct a full equipment check, before loading the packs (mine graciously donated by Ben) to give us the full experience how the ride proper will feel.
Paul’s back has been declared fit by his osteopath, although we will be taking a generous supply of ibuprofen, just in case.
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We continue.
