Tom Hill

Likewise here. Tom

I will post mine tomorrow. Having an argument with my IT equipment at the moment!!

The most painful, fantastic, awful and exhilarating experience I have ever had on a bike. The cobbles hmmmmn ..........think of quarry floors between parallel lines. Bone jarring, tendon tearing on the flats. Brake levers vibrating like a humbing bird's wings on the descent; both mind numbingly terrifying and turbo charged, adrenaline fuelled ecstasy at the same time, especially with a sharp left hander at the bottom. The highlight for me was leaving the third feed stop about 100 miles or so into the ride; thirteen strong, the Yellow and Blue train, flying down the road, whizzing past everyone. It was truly a sight to behold. I am proud to call myself a Johnstone Wheeler! The bummer. Wrong turning at Zegelsem on the second visit to that junction, following several other riders, I could see others on the main road coming back! must be a loop. I followed the guy in front who got further ahead through Luepegen, Melden and halfway to Kluisberg. Eventually in the dark recesses, it occurred to my exhausted brain that something wasn't quite right. So I headed back along the main drag and at Melden asked a kindly, grass cutting native if this was the route for the Tour of Flanders. "Oh .... take the second turning on the right" said he. Off I went with renewed vigour. Only at the top of the Koppenberg, for the second time, when I saw some plain trees in a field on the left, did I think "I have been here before!" In preference for death by exhaustion to killing myself quickly, by descending the Koppenberg, I continued on the long descent down to the main drag. With the time now approaching 5:30pm my options at this point were 1. Repeat the loop climbing hills 10 to 14 all over again. 2. With fading light search out the sat nav and ride back to Ninove. Option 2, seemed like the sane option, out came the trusty iphone. 36km (20miles) to Ninove. Having cycled something close to an extra 18 miles I found that I was only 1 mile closer to Ninove and the end of the Tour than I was had I followed the correct route! Notwithstanding an altercation with two of Belgium's finest who eventually relented and agreed that I could cycle on, providing I put my rear light on and did not deviate from the cycle lanes, I reached the N8 and headed to Ninove. Eventually, at something like 8:15pm I arrived back at the car park where I was met by Mr MacLean. Not wanting to miss out on my "freeby" tee shirt I cycled the extra 400 yards there and back to hand in my number. So 280+ km, the Koppenberg twice and technically I did not finish!! Thanks to everyone for organising such a fantastic, memorable weekend. In the words of Mul - C'moan the Joansin!! Tom

Charlie The secret is keeping it at 16 on the hills. Do that and you'll be fine!! Tom

Ronde Van Vlaanderen 1. Cancellara 2. Wiggins 3. Boonen Wiggins is a wild card who knows? Tom

I'll take along a tool kit. But I think we will struggle to fit Wiillie Cosh in unnoticed. Tom

1. Glibert 2. Hushovd 3. Farrar Cav about 50th doesn't like hills either! Tom

Bridge for me at 9:30 sounds good. Tom

D Regarding stress on the forks, it is only marginally different to riding the bike. To look at it another way, which method do the pros use; their bikes being considerably more expensive than mine. Tom

Great day out guys and thanks for not letting me bog out! Billy wins the expense competition! a Bit of superglue and all is when with my computer!! (Thankfully) Tom

Guys I have another one which can be used, if necessary. (my bike +1) Tom

Hi Paul I forgot I have to take Inness to the optician on Saturday afternoon. I could drop off my carrier parts earlier if it suits? Tom

A lift back please Willie. Thanks. Tom

Should be ok for me too Paul Tom

Kenny, Richard I can't make thenSaturday ride anymore so it will be Sunday instead for me. Tom

Willie If still available can I book a place? I can't do the Saturday ride anymore. Tom

Kenny What is your route and timetable? Coast road past Langbank? If so at what time will you reach Langbank? Tom

Enjoyed the ride today, especially after yesterday's weather. 74 miles so less than last week but more hill climbing, which I am told will come in handy in Belgium!

I wish you a speedy recovery. I wouldn't recommend the Tyler Hamilton approach of finishing the Tour and grinding down six teeth while riding through the pain! Tom

Watch out for tsunamis! Was that sushi that just flew past my window? Tasteless I know (not the sushi)

Ok Paul. Next Saturday ok if I can still move after the Arran assault. Tom

Sunday is good for me. I guess there is the off-chance of snow and sleet in Flanders

Saturday should be ok for me too.

I fancy the longer run but would be dropped before the end of Miller Street! Anybody up for normal club run speed for the full distance? Tom

A fascinating insight Billy, matched only by my own ignorance on the subject. But yes the Look kit does look great! Tom