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Right, I’ve gone and done it and signed up for Pedal For Scotland 100 mile sportive ride. Furthest I’ve ever cycled before was 60 miles in a charity cycle to Berwick.

Several of us from the office are doing it – some do more cycling the others – my weekly commute without extras is only 25 miles so I’ve upped that to 60ish with trips round Arthur’s Seat. Also adding weekend long cycles – 33+ last week followed by 25 leisurely miles with Lorraine on the Sunday

Will see how it goes between now and the 12th September.

Asked my chum Mark Beaumont for a tow since he will be there anyway

Hopefully new bike will arrive next week since I don’t think I could cope on my commuter and although I kindly had the offer of a decent roadie it’s maybe not the best doing 100 miles on a bike without getting used to it.

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Mark‘s next documentary is starting on BBC 1 Scotland in a weeks time (Tuesday 23rd at 10:35pm)

Radio Times Link

Having been lucky enough to see the first of the three parter already and it is definitely a must watch if you like Mark’s style and stories from on the road. A lot more focus on stopping to see what is happening rather than on the world record this time. Fascinating insight into the struggles of the mountaineering and time on the road though.

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In case you haven’t been following Mark’s BBC site and the one I developed for him there is some news regarding when he is next on the TV

The BBC One documentaries of this expedition are due to be shown at 10.35pm on Monday the 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th March, which I will confirm closer to the time. The feedback from my production team has been excellent and everyone involved is looking forwards to a great series.

Yes I cycled this morning in probably the deepest snow I have seen since living in the toon.

Was kinda fun if a bit slidey, even on the main roads the snow/slush was creating some nasty ruts.

Will attempt to upload an even snowier video than the previous one.

Short clip of my morning commute.

link

… award winning repair team.

Got to be having a laugh!

Woohoo, extra hour in bed tonight here in UK. Not official lazy Sunday day, but end of british summer time.
Lighter in the mornings, but darker earlier in the evenings. For exact timings you can check here on my Sunset/Sunrise calculator

Like a wee boy I’m sporting a skinned knee after falling off my bike yesterday

The roads were greasy but I think it was diesel that brought me down – the front wheel just went straight on as I tried to turn into Magdala Crescent.

Went nervously over the same bit of road today and it was okay. Nothing like right back on the horse when you fall off eh!

Here are some pics from last night.

[Show as slideshow]

After many other attempts to get to Glentress (work/social life been too busy) I finally got to take my new Specialized FSR XC down Glentress. Thought it was going to be a non-runner after hearing the torrential rain on the window at 4am but turned out to be sunny and dusty at Glentress. Cheers for providing transport and chat Angus!

Bike performed great (better than me…). Climbing on the rough stuff I had to lock out the rear shock as I couldn’t get the hang of it. On the fireroad climbs it was great though. Descending was much more enjoyable than my Giant Boulder with rim brakes. With only one fingered braking required on the FSR it meant I could hold on better. The more plush suspension (at both ends) also meant braking and simply riding over obstacles was much more achievable.

Mine nearest camera (taken while sitting having a bacon + egg roll)

Raring to go again.