Hello Zoidburg,

Just read your bike thread, some days you don't fancy it but still push on, it's making feel a little bit ashamed.

I bought a Giant Defy road bike 3 years back and was full of good intentions and actually did start to build up some fitness. I was riding out Widnes and then back to Liverpool in a 22 mile loop and doing it 3 times a week. Alas, work commitments took over, I was doing less and less and have now degenerated into something of biscuit eating slob.

When I see other lads putting the effort in and getting something from it, it gives a tingle of shame and optimism I should be out there. Like yourself I've had a few back problems lately and the riding position of my road bike meant I would be stretching my back more than I would on an upright hybrid/mountain bike, but still a lame excuse.

Getting back to your last ride, that's a decent time you've set there, your average speed is a 11mph approx over 48km on a heavy bike with big tyres that generate a lot of friction with the road, also your front forks aren't doing you any favours while on the road, they're dissapating some of your forward momentum into the road.

I find it's a nice feeling of accomplishment when you get some miles and scenery behind you, then get home to a meal youv'e earned.

I'm going to replace the cables on mine, they're sticking, wash it (something I haven't done for 18 months!) and start again on Monday 4th March. I'm too frightened to step onto the scales, I'll do that after a few rides.

Well done! Good motivational stuff for the rest of us.