Brooks B17 Standard - I love it

It's not often I feel the need to review a product, however, in the case of the Brooks B17 saddle I feel the need. I have often thought about buying one of these but when I have felt how hard they are I have always been put off. The guys over on the CTC forums rave about them.  Anyway, for my touring bike I decided to get one and I am so glad I did.  This has to be the most comfortable saddle ever. Even straight from the box, the breaking in period, it has been great. Best piece of bike equipment I have ever spent £50 on. Build quality is excellent and I hope me and it are going to be friends for many happy years.

Song for today: James - Sit Down

Gotta Get Out of this Place

Well, everything was going so well then I went and quit my job. Not the best preparation for my trip in the summer.  Anyhow, couldn't take it anymore, sometimes you just have to make a decision and stick with it.

Any road, back to the cycling.  Just got my Modolo Yuma Traveller Bars through the post. A lot lighter than I was expecting. I am going to stick bar-ends somewhere in the middle to give me another hand position option.

Training going well. I'm not doing too much cycling at the moment, back and forward to work and on a Satuday. That said, probably going to have a lot of time on my hands very shortly :-) On the rowing machine three times a week now, 30 minuntes each session.  Starting to feel good, lost a fair bit of weight and feeling quite strong.

Song for today: The Animals - We Gotta Get Out of This Place

The Plan

I have been dithering about this for a while now and it's time to commit. In the summer of 2010 the plan is to cycle from Land's End to John o' Groats, knees permitting. I have bought myself a new touring bike frame, a Surly Long Haul Trucker in Truckaccino Tan. I have acquired the various bits and bobs, mainly Shimano XT components (rapid-fire shifters etc), a Brooks B17 saddle, Modolo Yuma Traveller handlebars and my club mate Craig from Hardie Bikes is sorting me out a pair of touring wheels. Just got the build the thing! Photos to follow and possibly lots of swear words.
I have figured out most of the route, pretty much following the CTC bed and breakfast route until I get to Scotland, then I'll sort myself out when back on home soil.
My biggest worry at the moment is whether my knees will hold out for two weeks on the bike. Soon going to find out.

My song for today: The Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice