Off and Away!

Jake got his first opportunity for a real spin on Saturday, a very blustery, threatening rain day.

We have just 3 seconds of first ever pedalling because, as ever, we forgot to check how much battery life we had!  Anyway if you look at Jake's face there is a big smile.

The Philip and Jake went for a straight-forward 20 miler, leaving the poorly Nic at home doing boring stuff.  Check out their route here.

Jake managed brilliantly with the gears, found the set-up made his legs ache a little and the narrow tyres quite tricky but really enjoyed it.

It's red, shiny and brand new!

It's here!

Jake's new bike, his early birthday present, is here.  It's fantastic, bright red, 16 gears, standard size wheels, narrow road tyres - beautiful.

Ah ha!  A box......

Grandpa helps reveal the prize! 

Just look at this..

It really must go in the house, can't have it out in the cold - just yet!

So, as you can see it arrived with things still needing to be done.  It was not a 'ready-to-wear' bike.

Patience was required until the following evening, after school, when the team took Jake and Jake's new, gleaming machine to make sure everything was properly set up for a comfortable riding experience.

On the turbo trainer for bike fitting.

After lots of measurements, pedals fitted, saddle fitted and a little saddle height adjustment Jake was onto the turbo trainer to get a feel of the bike and flick through those extra gears.  A final post-exercise stretching session and all that's left is to get out on the road.

Bikeless and carefree

The bikes were getting an overhaul so the team headed off to the south coast to visit Philip's mum.  She is quite remarkable for her age and would not thank anyone for putting down the actual years, suffice to say she's the other side of 80.

So we went for a day out to Chichester to seek out garden furniture to lounge around during the summer months.  Actually, come to think of it we'll be out on a lengthy, fund-raising bike ride and then glued to the Olympics on TV.  Remind us again, why do we need garden furniture?  Anyway, undeterred by our scheduled absence from the garden this year, table and chairs were duly selected.  We then managed to find a great eating place The Belle Isle before heading off to visit the cathedral.

Brilliant John Piper Altar Tapestry, flanked by picture
of St. Richard, namesake of Nic & Philip's workplace:
St. Richard's C.E First School

Marc Chagall stained-glass window

Jake alongside cathedral

We returned via a windswept Selsey Bill and the the Witterings, retracing some of our previous cycling exploits along the south coast.  Oh yes, and Pagham Nature Reserve - home of some navigating errors that led to an unexpected cross-country biking experience.

Can you spot the odd one out?

Added Easter Bonus

Of course, we mustn't forget the brilliant World Track Cycling Championships from Melbourne.  So exciting, watching Laura Trott, Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Ben Swift, Jason Kenny and the sprint and pursuit teams

Quite cool and composed

Getting nervous

Very excited