10 mile marathon!

Well we did it. Three people, one penguin, two bikes, and ten miles.

Yesterday morning saw Caz and I saddle up, load the cargo (Jack) and head off on our first joint cycle ride. Vez, an old school friend and Caz's flatmate, was supposed to be joining us, but her bike happened to be at the police station. Not what you think - she works there. Anyway she SAID she was going to pop into work on the bus to collect her bike and meet us at the toll bridge. Then she called and SAID she had missed the bus. Then she called again and SAID she had a flat tyre and would see us at home. I have to say - I rather think she was just hiding round the corner until we had left, and then came home and ate cake. But I won't tell her that. She is a police officer and has access to trunchons and handcuffs and things, so we are going to be nice to her.

So, there we were, waiting at the toll bridge and I asked Caz if I could have a go on her lovely brand shiney new bike (without children or extra seats) while we were waiting. Well. Honestly. Compared to me that girl has it easy! Not only can she get on and off without contorting into a miriad of positions and getting cramp in her left hip to negotiate all the child seats, but her bike weighs nothing. Literally. Is probably filled with helium its that light. SO then I get back onto my bike - doing the gymnastics and getting cramp in the process - and immediately regret having ever gone anywhere near hers! My bike is HEAVY.

So having discovered Vez was copping out (get it?!!) we went onwards up the river path, and crossed the bridge at this point apparently we had two choices - either to go back down the river on the other side (a bit narrow and very muddy) or to carry on along some country roads. I opted for the roads......10 minutes later I am faced with a mountain. Well a hill. OK ok more of a small incline. But don't forget I am heaving about 4 tons of bike and a small child all the way: and the weight want to go DOWN the hill much faster than I can go up it! Caz had very conveniently ommited to metnion the presence of said hill. Hmph. Still, we made it.

All in all, we stopped to wait for Vez, to put gloves on the very chilly Jack, and to retrieve the penguin. (Yes honestly) and still made the 10 mile loop in under an hour.

50 miles in 8 hours? BRING IT ON!!!!!