The dry run had to be postponed as Patrick has hurt his back and cannot be in a car for 9 hours (or longer!)

Instead I did a one way trip, London-Bath,a little risky as I have no way of mending a tubular.

The day was okay, a little breezy perhaps. It felt momentous leaving from under the arch at Hyde Park. The ride wasn't too bad I suppose. I didn't feel knackered in anyway, plenty left for the return run. Indeed I did turn at St.Michaels church in Bath, as I thought it may be better psychologically.

The only problem being that it took 5hrs 6mins. It is not a fast 100m course that is for sure, but that is a disappointing time. Now I'm pretty sure I have more to put in, how much is an issue. Is it enough. I averaged 20.5mph not 23.5mph.

The more I think about it, it wasn't a 'float' day, and I will need it to be. I did hold back a little. I was comfortable on the bike, and 1ltr was enough fluid, the fig rolls went down well.

Bottom line, it could have thrown up some serious issues. It just showed I need to find 30 minutes per 100 miles. Okay, that is a serious issue.

I stretched as best I could on the train on the way home, a little aware that I looked like an alien in my skinsuit. No buffet car, so I scrapped as much of the soggy fig roll residue I could from the bottom of my pocket. The glamour of a record attempt.

I grew more and more dispondent on the train. 5 hours!