It'll all be over in a months time :( I think I'm in good enough shape although I'm trying to balance a few extra pounds and a bit of extra fat without going completely over the top. the second day is looking the worst: 255km with a terrible climb to Hawes. Would want to make that my first of two stops. I reckon if I can make it there for about mid day and take an hour. Next stop Northallertone or maybe Helmsley

OK, so the mini tour is taking shape. I'm booked in to the hotels now in Blackpool and Scarborough. Think that sort of commits me now.

Yay: proud owner of the TCR.

I am the proiud owner of two fabulous road bikes, both very different from each other. I use a Ribble Audax for commuting and training, and a Trek 1.7 for sportives and races. The Trek has a sit up and beg ride position that I am now finidng restricting - the Ribble takes an awful lot more power to move it forward but its a more agressive low profile and yes comfortable ride position. I'd been promising myself a new steed for my 50th but decided to go a coupkle of years earlier to take advantage of lower prices and if I may say, my age! So, a Giant TCR Advanced 0 it is. That'll carry me on this here ride.

So the deed is done. Its a cycle tour 11-14 July inclusive. Its been planned working backwards: finishing with Team T&G CCG on the Manchester/Blackpool ride it'll include a coast-to-coast ride between Blackpool and Scarborough. I'm not sure about the stage from Scarborough back toward Manchester though. I might drop from Helmsley to Ripon, Pately Bridge, Grassington and back via a Skipton-y route. Otherwise its back from Hawes (and some yummy Creamery ginger and lime cheescake) toward Clitheroe via Ingleton, Slaidburn and the Waddington Fell. More work requried. Premier Inns to provide accommodation, FEDEX to trasnport any kit ('cos I'm too lazy to carry it) and my legs to do the stingy bits. What more can a fella ask for, except the inevitable rain to keep me cheery en-route. Watch this space...