Bringing you up to speed

Step 1 - buy a bike.......wrong

Step 1 - photo shoot (publicity is everything)

A photo shoot without a bike simply wasn't going to have the same impact, so props were required.  Thanks to Gillian's husband for the loan of his bike, and to Sam for venturing into the cold, wet Manchester weather with us to take the pics.

Now the plastic needed to take part as we ventured out to buy bikes.  I say 'we' as my other half has had to accept that he is also doing this challenge in every way, apart from actually cycling in Cuba.  Happily, I didn't meet much resistance as I think there is a bike geek just under his skin dying to get out!  Thank goodness, as I am no expert when it comes to anything mechanical - I just want it to work.

Internet research done, we set out with a budget in mind and promptly blow it, with the help of the excellent sales staff at Royles in Wilmslow.  We are now the proud owners of Trek Dual Sport Bikes, which take pride of place in the hall for the time being.  They are far too beautiful to leave in the garage, and besides, our garage consists of little more than a few pieces of asbestos sheeting and rotten wood held together by ivy. Chris begins to devise a clever way of racking them upright in the porch.  This involves some fancy hooks on the wall and a larger than expected amount of oomph to lift the bikes, given that they are 'lightweight'.  The first attempt was not very successful as most of the wall came away with the weight of the bikes.  A second drilling expedition resulted in greater success and, to date, the bikes are still holding fast.

Excellent space saving!

Our first cycle lasts 20 minutes before my bum can take no more and we return.  I am now doubting Matt's advice when he sold me the bike that a harder seat will be more comfortable in the long run, and begin to wonder how long a long run is.  Still, it's a start.