A surreal experience

It might sound like one of those exaggerated stories someone tells you and then you retell it adding a few more twists to it but this is truly how we spent our Saturday. Having donned a skin suit that made us look 'near naked' we joined a group of similarly attired fellow riders for a photo call on The Mall. Having rode out of London following last years Men's Olympic Road Race route in our naked persona much to the delight of busy shoppers and tourists alike, we were greeted with lots of wolf whistles, hoots, cheering and smiles! The weather was kind to us. The sun shone on Box Hill, but we did have hail in Richmond Park on the way back. Thoughts of Cancellera's 'off' at the roundabout slowed us all down and got us back safely.

The serious side of the 72-mile ride was to raise awareness of male cancer. If you fancy getting involved in a ride out details can be found at www.ballsoutchallenge.org.

Balls Out Challenge ride 2013

We believe that cancer awareness, especially male awareness is really important. Our 'Hope' feature in the current issue about bowel cancer bears witness to this. When we received an invitation from Patrick Cox to ride on the Balls Out Challenge - part of Male Cancer Awareness Campaign on a similar route to last years Olympic Men's Road Race with Rob Hayles, we jumped at the opportunity. The 72 mile ride takes place this Saturday 25 April beginning near The Mall, taking in the legendary Box Hill and finishes at the Grind Coffee Bar, Putney.

We are honoured to be asked to ride and have Patrick Cox, the charities CEO amongst our readership. A full report will follow.

Get out there!

Sure, it's not mid-Summer but it's still shorts weather. Lift your soul with a ride out in the sun. Preparation is still everything though, you still need to plan what you need to wear to be comfortable. Get your best dry weather bike out and hit the road. Don't forget (like we did) to pack those sunglasses.

It was a bit fresh as we headed out but we kept the faith and it paid dividends.

Bespoked Bristol 2013

This show had a vibe like no other we've been to so far! Set in Brunel's Old Station in Bristol, it felt strangely like a real ale festival not the UK Handmade Bicycle Show. Warm, friendly and inviting, it was a gathering of a like minded collective. Every stand was proud to be there and it showed. Great chatting with you all!

Good to see a range of alternative frame materials like hickory and bamboo being exhibited.

Should I stay or should I go!

With our commitment to 30 Days of Biking firmly in place we owed it to many to get out and ride. The decision wasn't an easy one with Paris Roubaix set to be an absolute classic but with our pending trip to the Alps getting closer day by day we had to ride.

Glad we did as it turned out to be one of those days that you just don't want to end.