Having sold my car on Friday night the first challenge was to find transport to get me and my bike to Staveley for the Guide Dogs training run, on Saturday. Luckily my good friend Mark offered me his Saab for the day which was excellent. In my usual style I was rushing around at 730 trying to pump tyres up, find tools and clean cycle clothing in time to get going. Eventually I got the bike and everything else into the car and went- a bit late. We were due to meet at Wheelbase cycles at 930. When I saw signs for Kendal 8 miles and it was about 925 I did panic a bit, but managed to get there before everyone set off.
Then came a slight problem- I had attached my bike lock to the frame, but couldnt find the key for it!! I searched in the car, in bags, in my shoes, in the glove box, but could not find anything! I then realized in my hurry that I left the keys in the kitchen- oh dear. There was no way I could cycle with the lock on the bike- so we kindly asked the bike shop if they could help- they reckoned it might take them an hour with an angle grinder or maybe longer! In the end they tried a car jack to prise it off- wearing safety goggles and a scared look on the faces the workshop boys gave it their best shot- but it appears 2 tons is not not enough force- maybe 5 would do it?
Anyway the other option was for them to lend me a demo bike- so 10 minutes later a guy turned up with a £2500 Trek Madone and put my pedals on it! All the staff then seemed to have a scared look on their faces! I was told- just make sure you don't break it! And they promptly took my credit card details in case I did break it. (they didnt realize that I only have £600 limit on it!)
To cut a long story short I took the bike and went- I needed a lift in a land rover to catch up the other guys who were about 6 miles up the road- but from then on the day went well. I was comforted by the fact the other riders were of a similar attitude and level as me- and the ride was really relaxed with lots of breaks.
Even though I didnt do the full ride I still got something out of it and feel pretty excited about going to France now. I did feel guilty about taking a muddy trek bike back to the shop and not being charged anything! I am going to make a donation for the amount that I should have paid for the hire and the labour of the guys at Wheelbase.
A succesful day in the end and I even got well fed (cheese scones, chocolate, nectarines, raspberries,) and taken to the pub for a real ale afterwards. Not sure if that will happen in France?
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