An innocent conversation about completing the Coast-to-Coast with Alex Wright of Manheim Auctions at the 2007 CV Show has brought me to this, training hard to ensure the 110 mile charity cycle ride of the second stage of the Tour de France doesn't end in tears.
![_40043224_cycling_300[1].jpg](http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/_40043224_cycling_300%5B1%5D.jpg)
Some cyclists recently...
Despite my best efforts [I haven't got a bike, the time or the body, I left it on the bus, my dog ate it...] he has countered me at every corner. He lent me a bike, put me in touch with fellow Manheim stalwart Dave Anthony, and sent constantly reminders of 'how is training going?' or 'do you like the bike?' and 'should I send the lads round to help with motivation?'
The threat of mishap looming large over my head got me out on the bike and pedalling for medals. Trouble is like the impossible stairs everywhere in the
Since Christmas the weather has been cold, wet, or windy, cold and wet, cold and wet and windy, wintry, cold and wet and wintry, cold and wet and wintry and windy...well you get the picture. Only now has the sun appeared from behind the clouds to offer support.
So with just three weeks to go the anticipation of completing a section of the Tour de France is starting to exceed the pain created by the heavily over-used lungs, legs and heart.
There are some plus sides though; top cyclists consumed anything up to 10,000 calories to ensure they had enough energy out on the road. At least I have one thing in common.
And any money raised over the weekend of 7th June 2008 will go to two charities; BEN the Motor Industry Benevolent Fund and Nottingham Queens Hospital Intensive Care unit.
So please be generous and many thanks in advance for any donations made. Or I'll come round and make a personal appearance in Lycra...for free, plus £25 to leave.