Diaries of a disorganised cycler: Fitter Further Faster

It's been a busy week over in Anna Land, and as usual i can't really remember what happened.

There was a mad- dash for a train wearing heels and pushing my bike. Everyone on the platform told me I wasn't allowed on, but i ignored them, kept running, twisted my ankle, got my jacket stuck in my back wheel and then was pushed onto the train by one staff guy, who was like "just get on here" into the disabled carriage. The train left, the conductor found me with my bike not in the bike carriage and made me sit with my bike, on the floor all the way to Crewe. As I had a first class ticket she brought me my special treats and tea to consume like a picnic on the floor. It didn't feel very first class.

I was going to Revolution in Manchester, it was a sell-out event, but I managed to blag some tickets in exchange for AnaNichoola goodies, because I had a very special reason for being there...JOANNA ROWSELL Olympic Gold Medallist and World Champion was wearing my gloves. I had a custom gold pair made for her and I was stoked that she wore them at Revolutions and then high-fived me when she rode past!!!
I had my photo taken with her and got all star-struck even though I knew her before a little bit. I honestly was so flustered and so honoured! Thank you Jo!

Joanna Rowsell and her Gold Bow-Peeps and her biggest fan!

Then I went partying with my teamies and got drunk, the usual story. The plan was to then spend a few days in the Lakes riding. On the first road ride we did (35miles taking us about 6 hours) my pedal fell of with 8 miles to go. I put my pedal in my pocket and with Rebecca cheering me on, relentlessly happy, I rode like a hero for 8 miles, and even though my leg was SCREAMING with pain it was actually very, very fun.

We sacked off our MTB ride in the sleety snow the next day and did some bike shop visits. had a really nice time meeting WheelBase and learning about their dedicated women's section.

My friend Steve threw a party last night, he's opened his own shop and it is lushhhh. beautifully designed, thought-out and with welcoming and knowledgable staff I reckon it's one of those shops that's about to revolutionise the future of bike shops. A sort-of drop in store where you could whittle time away with a cake and coffee and get absorbed in cycling and it's world.

My friend Rebecca has written a book, I'm super proud of her. It's available to order here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fitter-Further-Faster-Sportives-Riding/dp/1408832615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354885579&sr=8-1
and is a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for your first sportive and mass participation road events. Get fit, get a good time, be confident amongst other riders and go for it!