The reason that I have dropped to these depths is two fold. The first is the logistical problems of getting Adi's Vespa sorted to follow me in the race and the second is the lack of definite structure concerning what is permitted in the race regarding accompanying helpers ,rules, guidelines etc. The race organiser was / is threatening to put me in a second class because Adi wanted to follow me on scooter. My initial response to this was to think about shelving the whole idea of the race and for Adi and I to just once again go overseas cycle touring together. This would save a lot of dosh because we wouldn't have to ship Vespa's all over the world. Not to mention all other bureaucracy associated with motorbikes. I also felt that I was being treated as a second class competitor before I had even started the event. So we started planning this option while I mulled over the whole thing. With any fitness I had gained dropping away.
I honestly felt that this had to be an adventure that Adi and I could share. So although I found it difficult to explain to friends why I was now having many second thoughts on the whole thing I also felt justified in my decision to concentrate on our cycle tour together.
My other concern was that the expense incurred by us to get to the event start in London was considerably more than most of the other contestants who are British. If the event was to fall over due to lack of interest from contestants, organisers or sponsors we would be very much out of pocket whereas the others could just pack up and catch the next bus home.
So these things have been waying on my mind. Last week was Adi's birthday and because I couldn't give a gnat's whisker about cycling we decided to go out on the Vespa's cafe-ing for the day. I was under strict instruction not to go anywhere off road or on gravel. But as can be seen from the photo I found a short cut that involved only two river crossings and managed to rejoin Adi further up the road. We had a good day and I presented my birthday girl with a miniature Vespa and an mp3 player. Adi shockingly refused to cook me dinner that night!!! So I zoomed of to get Fish&chips which we ate while watching a video. Engrossed by an adventurer and MTBer who had to cut his hand off because he was silly enough to get it stuck between a rock and a hard place, we ate our F&C's
That night I was violently ill with food poisoning which serves me right for not cooking Adi a birthday dinner. I cant use the illness as an excuse for not cycling much though.
Ive told half my friends that I'm not now doing the Global bike race and have warned Diane our friend and travel agent that Adi and I will now need two round the world tickets so we can go cycle touring in far away countries together, minus Vespa hassles. (That was then).
But I can report now that I am not writing this blog with a heavy heart but with renewed enthusiasm. Because after chatting with the' Vespa chick' today I found out that she is not only happy with me still doing the Global Bike Race without her, she wants me to do it! She says she will be my unpaid planner and will visit me at certain points in the trip to give my no doubt lagging spirits a boost. So I'm really happy because she is behind me and will be able to hold the home fort while I'm gone riding the world!
So now training can once again start in a focused way. I WILL START TOMORROW.
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