Post holiday blues pick-me-up

Razor sharp tan lines and thoughts of whether you can retire and live back at your holiday destination - the tell-tale signs of a good holiday.

I have been back at work for a week with some pangs of holiday blues, however I was very privileged to be invited to a medicinal event.  I drove up to Derbyshire at the weekend to join the Rapha Condor JLT cycle team for a pedal and the chance to hear their plans for the forthcoming Tour of Britain.

 

The day started with breakfast with the team followed by a pedal around a sign posted 28 mile (lumpy) route on the lanes near Flagg and Buxton.  I was tempted to join the fast groups with either Kristian House or Ed Clancy leading but I joined a small group riding with Ed Laverack, one of the team who had raced in the Pearl Izumi tour series this year.  We cycled at a comfortable pace which made it ideal to chat and ask Ed questions.

 

 

After the 2 hour cycle we had the chance to ride on one of the many bikes that Condor had brought to the event and to purchase some Rapha products at a reduced price, followed by lunch.

 

At lunch I was fortunate to be joined at my table by Ed Clancy and he talked openly about all things cycling including Victoria Pendleton's wedding which was the day before.

 

After lunch, John Herety chaired a Q&A session with the team and announced the names of the riders for the Tour of Britain. 

 

Bonne chance to Kristian House, Richard Handley, Mike Cuming, Felix English, Luke Mellor &, Hugh Carthy!