James Thinks : Cycling

My last two 200km audaxes were calendar events. Kings, Castles, Priests and Churches in December and Mr Pickwick's January Sale in January. Due to having been all kinds of busy, I'm writing them up now.

Shortly before 7:30, about 40 cyclists, including a couple on a tandem, gathered in the car park at Chepstow castle to collect their brevet cards.

With the anticipated arrival now imminent, I need to make some space in the Bradbury bicycle stable.

If I had to pick one word to describe my 2013 it would be "colds". This year I'd guess I've had more days feeling at least a bit ill - sore throat, runny nose - often nothing serious, but annoying. Eventually I realised that if I stopped doing things because of a cold I'd get nothing done at all.

Tomorrow I'm planning to ride 177.5km (109mi). Further than I've ever cycled before.

It will be the first bike I'll own with drop handlebars. It's designed to go well on the road and be comfortable over long distances.

Following my lessons from last time, I recently tried my first DIY by GPS audax

Having ridden the "new" bike for about 1000 kilometres now, I've made a few changes, mostly for comfort and convenience, whilst adding weight.

My last audax was some four weeks ago. Since then I've done very little cycling, only the 2.5km to the station and back every day.

My long awaited sportive/audax road bike arrived on Friday.