The Bike Factory

I rode over to Chester on Tuesday to visit the Bike Factory. I was having my rack and panniers fitted, which will be great. I need to get used to cycling with some weight on my bike. I know what you are thinking....I'm a fat git and that's all the weight I need, but you know what I mean. I had a a crew filming the occasion, thanks Matty and Lianne you were really good, as usual. The shop alterations are nearly finished and it looks impressive. I was like a little kid in a toffee shop. As you can see from one of the pictures I still find certain things rather funny, like the word lubricant. My brother is the same with the word sausage....will I ever grow up...I hope not.
I was really surprised as Dave, the shop owner gave me a shirt and cycling shorts, which were fantastic. The shorts were a bib type, which I'd never worn before and took a bit of getting used to. It was a little like wearing a 'mankini' not that I've ever wore a mankini before, but I've seen Borat. I was going to have a photo taken but I didn't want to lose bloggers in droves. It was not a pretty site, even I didn't fancy myself...what hope I got with anyone else. They felt really good though and made my cycling a lot more comfortable. I also received numerous energy bars. Although I will not be able to take food to the states they will help me with my training and I can see which are the most effective. I'm sure that they will have the same products, or similar, over there.
After the shoot I decided to take the team for something to eat. I was obviously on my bike and Matty and Lianne were in their cars. We arranged to meet at a certain location, apparently just around the corner. Could we find it....no.I ended up on a slip road that looked alarmingly like a motorway. I had to walk about half a mile back up the road pushing my bike. I could see the look on the motorists faces as they passed. I think some of them thought that they knew me as they mouthed my name through the window. However it was a case of mistaken identity because my name isn't Dick.
We abandoned the attempt to get something to eat and I cycled home. It was a really pleasant ride and the weather was fantastic. I suspect that it will be considerably hotter when I am away but I will just have to get used to it.
All in all it was a good day and I am gradually getting myself ready for the ride.