A troublesome training week. A broken chain during some decent intervals, and long hours at work have meant a cut short session and one session missed completely. The first of the campaign I think.

The intervals were actually becoming fun as I had found a stretch of road with a speed camera board on it. It flashed up speed and either showed a happy or smiling face. Mostly unhappy I'm glad say, posting around 37 mph.

I decided to miss the National 50m TT and have another go at a complete one way. This time I really concentrated on maintaining a steady effort, nothing to put me into the red just the top half of Zone 3. I got to Bath in 4hr,56mins. Far from great I admit but going the right direction. My cassette worked lose at Marlborough so I almost abandoned but I was able to use the bigger sprockets, which meant spinning a fair bit but I reached Bath none the less.

I'm pleased about knocking 10  minutes of the time without any real effort, I still felt fresh enough for a return trip, helped perhaps because the immediate run into Bath is easy, despite traffic. The average speed was 21.6 mph, close but no cigar. If I can find 2 mph I'll be a real threat.

So 26 minutes to find minimum. Sounds a lot better 36. With more of a push I'd be getting close. Maintaining that theoretical effort for 9 hours is the bigger question.

A small change in the schedule, I will be starting at the Seven Stars public house on the A4, my Dad has some memories of the place, so it seems appropriate. He has had to hold of the planned second bout of Chemo as his blood cells haven't recovered enough. Nothing to worry about, a minor set back.

Next Sunday I will be doing Bath - Hungerford - Bath. It vaguely fits in around a weekend visiting Dad. The aim is a 23 mph average and to have some thing left in the tank.