Marks first report

Had a real quality ride on sunday with CTC which turned out to clock 98 miles in cloudy bright weather, over long rolling back roads around Alford, with a group of about 11 other cyclists. Thanks Sheila for an excellent day. Legs did well up to about 85 miles, and whilst the hills were modest and gentle, I feel good about that. I had really wanted to do the 300km Audax from Forfar, but training and knee were suspect, and I did not want to risk body or bike.

New wheels that I built 3 weeks ago are running beautifully, and had a final tune up on monday night - thanks Neil for your help.

Peter kindly gave me a lift to Stonehaven Station for the 0615 train, and successful journey to London. Quick cycle down Marylebone Road to experience the long forgotten delights of London traffic, so quick that we almost caught an earlier train.

After 6 months of preparation, it is good to be off, or nearly so. Sent fro the train in the Chilterns.

Mark.