IS THIS SUMMER WEATHER GOING TO LAST?

Summer seems to have crept up on us and the warm weather is very much appreciated by me and the Coast to Coast riding team.

In just over five weeks’ time, I will be joined by last year’s team, Neil and Pads plus new for 2013, Ian, as we hope to achieve our goal of riding from Whitehaven to Tynemouth.

While the main focus is trying to increase our fitness levels, all of us are aware that the weather will play a crucial role again this year, particularly after the floods forced us to abandon the ride in June 2012.

This week my bike has had a pre-event service, which included a new chain, back brake and a new lower gear ratio fitted – this should help me a bit more with the uphill sections.

I’ve completed over 30 miles in the saddle this weekend and I hope to achieve a similar amount this week, although a family wedding next weekend will temporarily stop training.

I think we’re all hoping for little or no rain and westerly winds – to help push us along – for this year’s attempt, in fact the weather we have at the moment would be ideal!

So onwards with the training and let’s hope the UK actually has a summer this year and we can all benefit.

As mentioned previously we’re riding the Coast to Coast for Cancer Research UK, so if you would like to donate please go to http://www.justgiving.com/mydadgrahamknowles

Any donation is very much appreciated and will go to an excellent charity that has helped millions of people and will hopefully help many millions in the future.