I fell off the wagon today. I went cycling and called at by brother’s shop. He invited me to accompany him for a pint of beer in St Ben’s Social Club and I thought it was impolite to refuse, plus I was gagging for a beer. I feel a little disappointed, but the company was great, thanks John and Kevin. I’ll start again tomorrow. I suppose it’s a matter of swings and roundabouts but that’s life.
It was suggested to me that I have picked a pretty dismal time to be asking for sponsorship, with the credit crunch and all that. I understand the problem but I’m going to do it what ever, so I’m not that worried, its only money and you can’t take it with you. When enquiring about sponsorship why does everyone ask me to send them an email…whatever happened to chatting on the phone? It funny how it always seems to be someone else’s responsibility, give me an answer… a no is better than ‘I’ll have to ask head office’
It was even suggested that I postpone the event until things improve. Thanks for the advice but I disagree. It is a case of now or never. I have always thought that it was a difficult thing to do, which attracted me to the idea in the first place. I informed you from the beginning so that everyone on the website would know the up’s and down’s of the adventure, which makes it interesting. I don’t know what is going to happen onroute but I can guarantee one thing. In June 2009 I will be cycling across America. What happens after that it’s anyone’s business, that’s the fun.
I watched the Jane Tomlinson video about her ride across America, which was fantastic, what an inspiration. I am reading her book at the moment. I can’t wait until I am actually cycling on the road…. the organisation is the difficult bit. Once I’m cycling then it will be ‘actual’, what a relief.
I have quite a number of people ‘involved’ on the face book account, which is great, keep it coming, ask friends to join and help the cause. There will be another spoof video in two weeks, which I hope you will enjoy; after all it’s supposed to be fun. Take care and speak soon.

The last beer

I’ve been told quite a few times over the last couple of days that my adventure is ‘quite a challenge’ but not in so many words. That’s the attraction I suppose. I want to do something ‘outrageous’ before I get too old. The younger ones amongst the group probably think I passed that ‘ too old’ mark years ago…you will be 51 one day then it doesn’t seem that bad. I realise that I need to ‘up’ the training and this is something that I am going to do. As I have already pointed out I am more frightened of not completing the ride than I am of doing it. I think that the fear of failure will help me to prepare…I hope so.
Now that the web site is up and running I intend to seek corporate sponsorship, of all kinds. That’s why I want everyone to spread the word. The more people who use the site the more it will help my cause when I am talking to sponsors. You see there is a method to my madness, the desire for ‘friends’ is not an egotistical thing, purely business…. although it is always nice to be liked. However I must warn you I don’t send Christmas Cards.
Today I have been in touch with a couple of potential sponsors and there was interest certainly shown by one business. I know it’s going to be difficult to attract sponsors during the credit crunch, but I think that it will be worth it because of the potential exposure. I intend to approach a number of businesses over the next week or so and I will let you know what happens, the failures as well as the successes.
I’m sat in front of my computer drinking my final beer. I’m not drinking again until I start my cycle ride. (I need to take the training seriously). I won’t refuse a beer or two once I start the ride. It would be impolite to refuse. If anyone sees me drinking before the middle of June then you have my permission to ‘give me what for’ a good old Lancashire saying that entitles you to give me a rollicking.
I’ve had a few friends who are considering buying cycles. My best friend who I used to go jogging with has eventually turned to the bike after suffering from shin splints. It has caused him to reconsider his exercise choice. It gets to us all eventually.

I didn’t cycle this morning as the roads were pretty iced up and it can be a little dodgy, especially on the country roads. I’ve been very busy these last few days so I’ve not done as much cycling as I should have…. slacking already. Thomas, my youngest son has joined the college gym so that we can help each other and it is much appreciated. He is considering joining the army. He has seen how much fun his brother is having and wants some adventure. I need to start running regularly again. I know that it is hard on the joints but it is a great way to get fit. It’s amazing, you only have to stop doing a particular exercise for a short while then it’s back to square one. I used to do a lot of running but at the moment I’m finding it hard. I’ve bought some new running shoes so I’ll see how it goes.
I went for a ride tonight once it had stopped raining. I don’t really mind the rain it’s the wind I hate. Once it gets trapped in your Lycra you never know where it ends up, only kidding. It always seems to be going in the opposite direction to which I am cycling, no matter which way I go.
My colleague phoned me as I was cycling. I stopped and answered the phone slightly out of breath, he immediately said he would phone me back later…I don’t know what he thought I was doing…. I should be so lucky. He said I was a hero, or did he say Aero, I can’t be sure as it was windy. Perhaps he thinks that I am a minty chocolate bar full of air bubbles…what do you think?
My Face book group is building up nicely and hopefully will continue to grow. The more people who get to know about the ride gives me more incentive to complete it…I don’t want to lose face. I can only try my best (I’m making excuses already). I’ve worked out a scientific strategy…’peddle like mad’.
I’ve been give some really good advice already by experienced cyclists, which is much appreciated. I was advised not to wear underwear beneath my cycle shorts, which seemed a little strange, if not kinky but it works…you see I would never have thought of that, you can’t buy experience. Plus I don’t have to worry about what my mum used to say ‘always wear clean underwear in case you get knocked down’ which seems strange because I should imagine if you see a great big car/bus/lorry heading towards you the last thing you will have is clean underwear. I digress; any advice is very much appreciated, even if I don’t follow it.
It’s a little warmer tonight so I should be able to cycle in the morning. As the weather gets warmer I will ‘up’ the training. I am confident that I will be ready for June and the fact that so many people are interested drives me on, which was the reason I did this.

It was the inaugural ride of the ‘lycra Lads’, Andy Nixon and myself. We did a nine-mile ride in just over half an hour, which isn’t bad considering that I’m a plodder rather than a speedster and it was fun. Russell couldn’t come as he was teaching but he assures me that he will be there the next time we ‘surf ‘ the roadways of Warrington. We are having another ride on Wednesday and I’m expecting more people, it’s a sleeping giant. I would just like to congratulate the large white van that passed us (very closely) in croft…. You obviously make love alone. (Think about it). I have been slightly worried about the ‘dog ‘ situation in the desolate areas of the US. Mike, my friend from Yorkshire…yes I have Yorkshire friends, has cycled across America and has first hand experience of doggy attacks. I was going to carry Pepper Spray, but apparently it doesn’t work on dogs…they don’t have tear ducts. Am I being spun a yarn or is it true. Any advice would be appreciated.
I went to town today to see about a bank account for ‘The Charity Ride’. I cycled behind the bus and it crossed my mind that I had saved £1.50…. then I thought, why not cycle behind a taxi and save a fiver…. Education it’s a wonderful thing.
I’m editing a video for the NHS over the weekend, but I do intend too get some cycling in. I’m going to have to put the miles in. As they say ‘ train hard, fight easy, not that I intend to fight, unless the doggies get naughty.
Daniel, my son who is in the army has told his mates. They have seen the spoof video and keep quoting lines from the video to him. I think that is brilliant, typical of the humour that I love about the armed forces. Keep it up guys.

Photos

Hi
I know I wasn't going to write for a few days but I'm just posting a few pictures from this mornings ride into work. (Well once I'd finished). I do about 20 miles. It was hard as you can tell from the last photos....and it was enjoyable as you can tell from the first.

Last one for a few days

Yes I did go for a bike ride this morning and then to the gym for a run on the treadmill. I don’t really run as much outdoors as I used to outside because of the hard surface. I have arthritis in my big toe, I know I laughed too when they told me. I initially thought it was gout, but then I realised that rich living caused gout, something I could never be accused of. After the doctor explained this to me I told him that I had a bit of an inferiority complex about my social status ...he assured me that it wasn’t a complex and in fact I was inferior so I came out of his surgery feeling a lot better. (Back to the bike ride) After lying awake most of the night worrying if my alarm would go off I finally jumped out of bed and put my shoes on…… down stairs; I did not want to fall asleep on the bed again. I was conscious of the fact that I would have to write this blog so indirectly you are helping me to get fit, well done and thanks. It was really cold getting out of bed this morning. My central heating is not working at the moment; it’s being fixed tomorrow. It’s like a fridge in my house, I opened the front door last night and all the lights in the house came on…what does that tell you? Once I’d got on the road it was fine and I really enjoyed the cycling. My legs never get tired but my bottom and hands get really uncomfortable. I have padded cycle shorts and padded gloves but they still hurt…any suggestions? One of my training routes is through Croft, Winwick and Leigh. It’s amazing what you see as you ride along the country lanes, something that you often miss when driving a car. I love it when I cycle past really expensive cars as they try to negotiate the morning traffic jams…makes me sound smug I know, but it’s still great.
I’m going to try and attract some sponsors over the next few days. Now we’ve got the web site up it will be a little easier, or am I being a little naïve? I know that there are loads of things to do but I am confident that it will be done eventually, although I have already had a few sleepless nights thinking ‘what Have I done?’ I’m going to do the ride if I have sponsors or not, however it would make it easier if people, especially companies where on board. We have a small team of student volunteers and staff on the support team and over the next couple of week we will be supplying some photos and videos for you to watch…. visuals always makes it more interesting, I hope. I have a number of spoof videos in mind and I’m hoping that they will be fun to watch. I won’t do a blog over the next couple of days, as I don’t want to bore you, if I haven’t already done so. Once I start the journey across America I will get footage and text to the site as often as I can.
As I’ve already pointed out the two charities I am supporting are really worthwhile causes, as they probably all are. Please log on to the site and get involved….tell your friends and we’ll have a laugh for a worthy cause….cheers, write again soon.

Early to rise

I’m really pleased with myself at the moment. I’ve just been to the gym despite feeling knackered because I’ve been filming a video all day in Bury, how’s that for dedication. However, I feel a little guilty because I was going to go out early this morning for a ride before the shoot started. I got up at 5.54am feeling really enthusiastic and ‘up for it’ put my cycle gear on (including the lycra) then fell asleep on the bed. The guy I was filming with woke me up knocking on my door at 7.45. I came running down stairs all bleary eyed and couldn’t find my keys. He watched me through the glass in the door running from room to room searching for my keys swearing that I don’t normally do this. He now thinks I go to bed with my Lycra pants on. I assured him that was not the case…. it was strictly wincette or chiffon.
I feel really sore after yesterday’s gym session but I an confident that it will be ok after a couple of times. It’s amazing how it all comes back to you really quickly. How to pose after lifting a weight (slightly bigger that a tea plate) and how to pass a mirror without anyone noticing that you glance at yourself to see if the one session has made any difference to your body shape….oh the joys of vanity. The university has kindly sponsored me with a free gym membership so that I can get fit for the ride. I did consider ‘joining’ one of the bigger gyms but I just like to get on the equipment and exercise. I’ve been to some places where you have to have a degree to get the equipment working…or is it just me, and I couldn’t afford the designer clothes that some of them wear in these places…just to train.
I’m going to try and get up early again tomorrow but I will not sit on the bed to put my trainers on, there might be a chance that I will actually go for a ride, I’ll let you know.

The Charity Ride. Day one

It's the first day in the gym after a long absence, it was really tiring. Bench pressing that bar was really hard....tomorrow I might put some weights on it. It's amazing, I thought I was quite fit but I'm not. I'm going to have to work really hard over the next couple of months so that I do not embarrass myself on my bike....too late, I wore the Lycra.
The guys at work have been really supportive. We are starting a 'cycle club' called the Lycra Lads (You have to be a certain age to get that one) If you see a load of men peddling away along the streets of Warrington, looking like potatoes in stretched vinyl give us a cheery wave.
The web site is now up and running , thanks to Matty and I think it looks really good. Now the hard work begins, morning exercise, miles of cycling, new jokes (That's the hard bit).
I'll leave you now and get on with my preparation, I'm ironing my cycle shorts.