Sadly there are no big trips this year but I am doing a fabulous trip in Scotland and have some great day rides and Century challenges lined up.

Winter cycling is not much fun. I did get out once a week or so but have focussed on the gym, running, and a bit of swimming. My main cycling based achievement has been mechanical maintenance utilising skills gained on my Cytech home bike mechanic course (thanks Sue!). I rebuilt my beloved titanium Enigma after the frame repair – see last year’s Mississippi ride – changing all the cables, rear cassette, chain, fork and bottom bracket. Those who have worked with me over the years – and my brother – will know what a leap that was.

I also bought a new bike – but that is a whole entry on its own.

This year’s plan includes:

May – first trip of the year to Club La Santa in Lanzarote. Good general training, hot hilly cycling, swimming, and hopefully a sprint triathlon.

May – Suffolk Sunrise – a 100 mile ride based in Framlingham, Suffolk which is Ed Sheeran’s home town. Should be Perfect.

June 2nd to 8th – Highland 500 – 470 miles around northern Scotland starting and finishing in Inverness.

July – Dunwich Dynamo – 120 mile overnight ride from Hackney to Dunwich in Suffolk.

August – Ride 100 – Starting at the Olympic Park and finishing outside Buckingham Palace  the roads of the 2012 Olympic road cycling course are closed to traffic and open to Lycra!

September – Suffolk Coast Ride – another 100 mile ride out of Little Glemham in Suffolk.

September – second trip to Club La Santa.

There will be lots of other rides for training (and pleasure) – more on those as and when.