Training in Manhatten has been the highlight of the past three weeks. Well training might be a bit strong Lesley and I rode up Broadway, through Time Square to the Staton Island ferry and then down the cyclepath on the Hudson river side. Oh and we crossed over the Brooklyn Bridge. A brilliant short holiday added to by our guide being a movie star, or at least he has a short talking spot in a new film All The King's Men which has loads of famous bods in it. Anyway Charlie was a very good guide and good luck to him in his career.

My mileage went up considerably last week with the Bank Holiday. I completed two very hilly rides on Saturday and Sunday, around 110 miles and 11,000 feet of climbing. Broadly I was following Route 47 from Llanelli to Fishguard, a very pretty, but hilly route. The downside is I was dead on Monday. I went through terrible pain to complete 19 miles. I thought I would never ride again.

My training guru has however given me a telling off for not taking enough rest days. I do not understand but after a rest of 36 hours I seemed ok again if just a little stiff. So there we are I have to take 2 days off per week. How your body knows on the actual trip that you need to keep going for 14 days heaven knows.

Talking of my Svengali he took part in a horrendous race/ride at the weekend. The Forest of Dean suicide race: 80 miles, 8,000 feet. I feel ill just thinking about it. Richard averaged 14 miles per hour over the course although he was dead by the end. Apparently if he had worn Assos he may have had an even better time judging by the other competitors in the event.

Regards
Ed