RAAM training in Dijon, France.

Today I'm off on my travels again, this time to Dijon, France with the Sharp4Prostate RAAM team. This trip will be the final overseas training exercise before departing for the USA in June.

The weather looks good and as we're going out two and a half days before the team riders myself and the team director should get a couple of days to get some eagerly awaited miles in ourselves!
Once the team riders arrive it will be into full team support mode.
Not sure what to expect down in La Suze, but I'm pretty certain the roads will be fantastic with a minimal amount of traffic. Plenty of vineyards and I daresay some climbing will be included.

The bikes are looking good, so does the weather, the volcanic ash appears to have ceased interfering with international travel, so lets go ride and enjoy!
I'll be trying to keep the blog updated using my new smart phone, so fingers crossed.
Bye for now...

Richie's Cycling Services!

I'm now happy to announce that 'Richies Cycling Services Ltd' is officially launched. I am able to offer any aspect of mobile bicycle servicing, repairs and even bike build. This service can be carried out at the customer's location or at my secure workshops, collection and delivery can be arranged in most cases. I also supply replacement & spare parts, tools, sports nutrition supplements and cycling apparel.

Event support is a service which I intend building upon. I'm currently providing freelance services to organisations that arrange corporate and charity challenges. These activities are nearly always in need of mechanical support, and I've been involved in this area for several months now. As a keen cyclist I'm often used as a cycling mechanic, where I'm able to ride the whole trip with the group. This enables me to actively engage with them, and naturally gain their confidence when dealing with or advising on their mechanical problems & technical questions.

I will be teaming up with other mobile cycle mechanics in the near future, where with our joint resources we will be able to provide our professional services at much larger events.

              Watch this space for the new website which is currently under construction!

Not much riding but important maintenance!

Okay the weather is still dry and the conditions are perfect for riding, although quite cold if you go out early in the morning. However its' not a problem for me this week, as there is much needed maintenance for the http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ team bikes that are my responsibility, as head team mechanic. So I get my cycling drug from fixing rather than riding this week!

Details of our team can be found here; http://www.sharp4prostate.org/ where you can catch up with all the relevant details of our charity challenge. I am part of a team of 13 which includes four riders and a 9 person support crew.

Go on, take a look at the 2 links and let me know what you think?
Take care now.

A dry & productive week

At last the rain has subsided, the roads are finally dry.... although littered with pot holes and we can get out on the bikes. Not been out as much as I would have like to, but that's because there has been much maintenance to do. Looking after the 6 RAAM bikes and a few others from the club keeps me very busy.

Also it's very short notice but I maybe off to India once again, with less than 48hrs notice. However it is all down to whether my employers will let me take even more cycling related time off!!

Keep you posted.