He may go further and faster, but I've still got it...

I thought it was about time I mention a wonderful charity bike ride Leigh is planning to undertake in September.  I’m so proud of him for taking this on but boy do I know about the training!!  And the blimin’ leader board on the Strava site...   It’s a very worthwhile cause and I try to listen intently  to phrases like "I'm on the leader board", "look who's cycled 150km", "I need to train more"...    

Cycling is a passion for both of us.  I rekindled my love for it way back in 2006 when I took part in a London to Brighton charity event with some work friends.  When I compare some of the hilly rides we do now it was an easy 60 miles.  Although at the time I moaned ALOT, not only did I manage to fall off during the first 2 miles, it rained most of the day, for goodness sake!  I regret now tearing up the picture in a fit of pique that the organisers sent afterwards of me riding up a hill soaking wet with a screwed up, make up free face.  Vanity is one of my less attractive traits!  

We've done lots more long rides over the years in the UK and here in Tuscany of course.  Leigh tends to cycle 80km+ horrendously hilly rides these days and I usually stick to 30km flat rides around the valley floors which suits me just fine.  The last time we cycled up a really big hill together some hikers actually passed me by, very embarrassing.  

Each year on our first ride out, I wonder whether I’m still capable of cycling up even some of the smaller climbs that simply cannot be avoided in this part of the world and you’ll be pleased to hear, in 2021 I've still got it!!!  

A couple of small rides for me this week (I met a dog on one!) just managing to hit 40km.  Leigh on the other hand cycled up a newly discovered mountain-side and covered over 70km. I've given up being competitive!  

He is even more focussed on cycling long distances this year because of the charity ride he is helping to organise.  I plan to meet him en-route in Siena or Rome with some friends to support him (with a few prosecco's and pizzas I think!).   I'm thinking of making a banner to wave at him and the 60 strong parade of his cycling buddies when they ride into Rome.  He's very excited about the banner of course!  I feel worn out just thinking about riding from Pisa to Rome - crazy idea.  I'll let you know how it goes.  

https://www.cyclingholidaysitaly.com/myeloma---cycling-for-a-cure.html

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Leigh-Wright5?utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_launched&utm_content=5b283e0d-eb08-4170-ace4-d3b217c11e33&utm_medium=email&utm_source=postoffice&utm_term=1597313649916

D I A N A   xxx