Sherwood Forest

The GT got its first proper ride as a mountain bike today when I met up with Chris and his scout group for a ride around the red route at Sherwood Forest. I also got to try out my new Thule roofbars on my little Hyundai i10.

There were some fairly technical sections and the old GT was brilliant, with me managing to keep up with Chris on his titanium mountain bike!

Chris's son, Harry. A born risk taker like his dad!

What a pleasant way to finish a bike ride!

Manchester to Blackpool Ride

Tandem safely loaded on Mart's car for a ridiculously early start to Manchester to start our 64 mile ride to Blackpool. Sunday morning as well. Good grief. Two pork pies and a pack of sausages hidden in the pannier where Mart can't find them.

The start was at some sort of football pitch that I'd never heard of before and people were talking with strange and worrying accents.

It looked like we wouldn't be cycling alone.

On the road.

We went for an early breakaway to claim the yellow jersey!

My Astana top is the closest I'll get to Le Tour!

Finish line in sight on Blackpool sea front.

Blue sea, blue sky and a completely brilliant bike ride. 64 miles in 3 hours 45.

Beer tent, food and live music.