A dream that never fades

Mrs Mendip Rouleur has heard it all before. "This is the hardest thing I've ever done". It's a bit like the cycling version of The Boy who cried wolf.

But this time, I can categorically say it's true and not some type of Velominati-inspired excuses-in-early, throwaway phrase. I have prepared. I am not in the best shape ever, but I'm not in the worst either. I've been heavier  but I've been lighter.  But I know what is coming.

We had a nice family day today. To a place you'd not expect. In a bizarre way it was fun. And we talked about my apprehension. Because I know what is coming.

Friends, colleagues and casual acquaintances are probably bored rigid because when they ask, I tell them what is coming.

But also coming will be camaraderie. Fresh air. Mountains. Yes, lots of them. Noel, Bono, Edge, the other two, Natalie, Patty, MSP, Swill, Maria, Kirsty and all the rest of them.

I recently saw a picture of Cav and Bernie, back together again. I'll let you decide which is which. Maybe Charles and Sheridan is a better reflection.

Despite his protests about lack of training, he will be better than me. At cycling anyway. Neither of us, any of us, are getting any younger. Because we both know what is coming.

So will I complete this challenge? Is it even a challenge that matters? Will what is coming finish us?

I don't care. I just want to look at that deep blue sky, smell the mountain air, and come down those roads as fucking fast as I can. I know what's coming.