The 23rd of October was the first official day of my training as a member of Team Wiggle Tandem. We have both. Rain and wind. The team coach had sent through the week’s programme last night and I duly entered it into my diary. (More of that another time). Today I was to do do four hours at Zone 2 having had a warm up and warm down to finish at Zone 1. (Again I will explain the zones another time – to simplify – ones training regime is split into zones which are a measure of intensity and heart rate too also know as pain and suffering.)

Four hours at zone 2. yes, I looked outside, got into my team kit and donned the 3/4 dhb Merston tights. It was raining a lot and windy even more. I got myself together and marched out to the workshop to get my bike. I was fully teamed up with great kit including overshoes and the brilliant red dhb Wickham eVent waterproof jacket – boy I was going to need that.

The kit and support and my well being have been looked after – all it needed now was to get out and ride. And so I did. It would be churlish to say it was not hard – but then that is what it is all about. Normally I would expect to see plenty of wildlife on my circuit here on the outer edge of Europe but on a wild day everything save Team Wiggle is hiding away! This is the commitment. The commitment that a rider gives when supported in this way. i thought of Tim Krabbe and his book The Rider, when he describes riding in the low countries:

"...indeed packed boundlessly in cold grey rain cloud... my feet squishing in my shoes."

Training and riding it is then. And up here, when the weather smiles I am accompanied by eagles and geese – I am so lucky. Today though, I get home tired, wet and happy.

Next week David and I will be spending time testing the Team Wiggle tandem – but first I have to get there ……. the journey awaits!

(And, by the way if you see Sandy’s missing bike – give him a shout – he needs it for school!)