Blimey ; This is going to be fun!

First things first. I ride a bike a lot. So this looks daunting, and it will be. But I'll train, and actually it isn't even training. For my mental health, and general fitness I ride pretty much most Sundays, and often a couple of times in the week - and I don't think of it as anything beyond being out with some mates, seeing farm animals in various fields, working hard every now and then, having a lovely stop with some coffee and cake, and just enjoying life. The feeling of riding a bike, the whirring of a well maintained (sometimes ;-) chain, rubber on tarmac, sun of your face, I don't think can be beaten by very much at all.

There are ways to train for anything that we want to do in life. I always say that ANYONE can do ANYTHING. That comes with a downside that I don't credit myself for very much that I ever do, but the huge upside that I believe an infinite amount in the capability of everyone around me IF they want something bad enough. That goes for anything. Anyone can start a business, anyone can run a business, anyone can do a marathon, and anyone can ride as far as they want to - and do so with me on this. If you think you can't but want to, then I might be able to help you. Reach out.

I'm also a qualified triathlon coach. So not only do I believe in people but I think I might be able to help those who want to join in and try something like this. So through this blog, that is what I shall do.

Sure I'll post inane stuff about my training rides (or just rides), but I'll also talk about useful hints and tips to think about when preparing for any distance of ride on a bike - which is challenging for you. There is so much to think about. The bike. Kit. Technical riding skills. Bike maintenance stuff (I'm not amazing at that tbh). Your own athletic conditioning. Then in the same way an event comes together, so does the preparation for your own big day or days in the saddle. Get the head right, get the body right, and off you go to have lots of fun.

I'm fresh out of hospital today, the wonderful St Thomas's, where I've had a heart monitor changed, one out, one in, and connected to an app on my phone. Very Twenty First Century. Then I walked across the bridge and went to work at the QE11 in London, for a brand who make inhaler products. A day that connected my health, with my work and another of our fabulous venues right in the heart of Westminster.

That's all I want this challenge to be. Connecting me with my hobby, and my work, and our venues, whilst promoting good health and with half an eye on remembering good times, with a friend lost.

Hope you enjoy reading throughout the next few months.