A week of anticipation

First ride after 2 weeks sidelined. Knee feels better but won't really know until the morning. The bike was a dream to ride, although I could tell that the last two weeks coughing and splattering had an effect on leg strength. Happy with the 55 miles completed which included a nice long climb up past Stanway. Forgot about the clock change and happy that there are two little girls who still wake up around 7.30! How did they know! Was good to start wearing the shorts and dispose of the winter gear! This week brings some exciting times, I hope! Firstly I should break the £1000 mark in sponsorship. Really chuffed with what's been raised so far but conscious that still 5 weeks to go and more still to be raised. Hard to compete with the legend that is John Bishop & Sport Relief! Secondly a photo shoot with Lawrence Dallaglio on Wednesday. Think I'll be looking up! Finally a training ride on Saturday with Freddie Flintoff. Wonder what he's like & how comfortable he's feeling on the bike! Certainly a week to look forward to.....can't wait! Http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/robertnewrick

Motivation

Motivation for this ride comes in many forms. Firstly just being part of a great adventure, even if I'm only playing a small part. This captures my imagination. Secondly, the chance to get to back to some proper cycling. I know I've missed going on longer rides. Spending time with girls growing up brings so many joys but it's very different from previous adventures cycling in Southern France to the Spanish border or around Northern Ireland (more about that another time)! The opportunity to raise some money.....icing on the cake! And just when I think that's all I need to focus on. I find out that if I raise the most money of the 8 competition winners who are currently riding the last day, I get to ride the whole of Stage 5!!!! This includes a 150kms day riding over the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. Oh yes please! Motivation :)

Lessons in blogging!

1) When raising money for charity and using a blog.....always good to show the link to the sponsorship page!  Also the homepage for the event in question
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RobertNewrick

http://www.dallaglioflintoff2012.com/

St.Patricks Day

Well it may be a happy day if you're Irish (except for those visiting Twickenham!) but I've a dose of man flu. Means no cycling this weekend which I'm gutted about, particularly having had a couple of really good weekends previous. Consolation being some rugby on TV & Milan-San Remo being recorded.
Got bike back yesterday having been repaired after last Sunday's impact. Knee needs a couple more days recovery too.
Have photo shoot with Lawrence scheduled for 27th March. Excited already! Followed by training ride on Sat 31st.