…at least I thought it had, until a fireman asked for a selfie with me yesterday. In front of his colleagues and mine.

Apart from that though, things have been getting back to normal after 5 or so weeks of doing very little exercise, relaxing and gaining some weight. The WEMBO 24 hour race in Fort William back in October took a lot out of everyone who took part and I’m no different so the rest was well-earned and welcomed.

24 hour race pits need to be equipped for everything

To bring my winter excesses to an abrupt halt I’ve entered the Strathpuffer as a one-geared soloist again – I’ve just checked the calendar and it’s only 8-and-a-bit weeks away so it’s a good job I’ve been back at the coal face for the past few days. I’m doing my usual “training that’s loosely based on a plan but it’s the middle of winter so I’m allowed to mess about a bit” prep for the Strathpuffer but it normally ends up ok. I’ve been running regularly for the past couple of weeks too – it’s not much use in 24 hour racing but it makes a change and hopefully keeps cycling boredom at bay, a big problem for me when the dark nights and mornings arrive.

In between now and the massive drive to the Highlands then is a hard few weeks of hard training, getting my legs (and back and abs) back into singlespeeding and big rides – I bet the Pennine Bridleway is quiet at this time of year, I really should try a long Audax, I might get chance to have another look for my helmet light that I lost at Penmachno 12 months ago and the North West Cyclocross scene has no doubt been missing me 😉

tough, good brakes, green bar tape. Ready for the hard (and wet) miles…

Other news? I picked up a lovely sponsorship deal with Craft clothing a couple of weeks ago after I wore their kit in The Tandem On The Telly. I’m chuffed and I’m very grateful for their support as it’s brilliant stuff and it’s all arrived in the nick of time to keep me warm and dry in crappy weather.

Gratuitous logo-muddy leg-doorstep shot