The final minute preparations...

The last weekend of training and luckily it's a Bank Holiday.  So it's a gentle warm up on Saturday: Ditchling Beacon times ten.  That's go up, come down, go up, repeat etc., then ride back to London.  What fun.  Sunday, the North Downs.  Cavendish did it in 3 hours 18 minutes, we will be lucky to make 6 hours.  Monday: Rowlands Castle.  That's the little village a stone's throw from Porstsmouth.  Ride there from Clapham. 80 miles. It really will be LeTourDeSaddleSore.  Most bikes are now serviced: Eric and I have had gear trouble; Nige and Tim have gone the whole hog and bought new bikes (check out this stunna: http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52870&scid=1001&scname=Road), Neil has checked the decibel level of his cranking bottom bracket; Andy has opted for a 34/32 granny gear to maintain his mountain goat status; James has a bike bag that costs more than most people's cars (top man).  Thursday will be van pick up (go Charlie) pasta frenzy and the last supper.  All week is bike drop-off at Eric's.  Friday morning and Charlie, Paul and Nigel start the long drive.  Friday evening and it's well met in Geneva for the van and Tim.  Saturday: the flight arrives and the boys are in town.  Bring it on...