So here we are, the month before the ride. After some technical issues suffered by Tim's Bianchi, both bikes are today back to full health and ready to go, an occasion we celebrated by taking the second part of the afternoon off from university project work to go out for a little leg-stretcher.

Today's ride was the first ride since we stocked up on equipment from Tom at Green Park Bike Station, where we received help for the cause in the form of access to links with the local newsletter and a generous discount on the items we bought for the ride.

The most important piece of equipment we got is the rear luggage rack from Blackburn. It saves our backs and shoulders by meaning we don't have to carry all our kit on our backs. The rack installs with just four bolts and feels very solid, leaving no doubt in either of our minds that the claimed 10 kg capacity is well backed-up. 

One point to note when riding with luggage cantilevered over the rear wheel for the first time is the difference it makes to the handling: in most situations the change is minimal, but be careful when attempting medium-to-high speed weaving manoeuvres, as the raised centre of gravity will have a noticeable effect.

Also in this photo are the Lezyne water bottle cage and high pressure pump and the Elite water bottle. The bottle and cage are both great: the cage keeps a good snug grip on the bottle and the bottle doesn't leak a drop! The pump hasn't had to be used yet but we'll keep you posted. 

That's all for now, come back for more updates before too long!