My first bike ride with the new bike

The day I bought my new bike I went for a quick cycle up and down my street to try and ensure everything was in good working order. 

Everything seemed fine. But it wasn't until the first big ride attempt when things started to go wrong.

My intention was to ride 20 miles (ish) from my home in Warrington to Lymm, through Warburton, into Glazebrook, passing through Culcheth, through Croft and back round to home. Its essentially one big circular loop, and I wouldn't be coming back on myself at all.

However I got as far as Thelwall before my saddle started to slide off. The saddle clearly hadn't been checked before setting off, and the nut that was holding it onto the bike had come loose due to my weight (didn't think I was that heavy!)

Thankfully I have some very supportive parents, who brought a set of tools to help me whilst I sat next to the Manchester Ship Canal waiting patiently. I never knew there was beauty in seeing Latchford Locks on a sunny day!

Once the saddle was bolted on securely, it was nearly rush hour. So I decided not to risk my life riding up and down the Warburton Bridge at its busiest time of day, and set off for home the way I came. A round trip of eight miles overall.

A disappointment, but I have only got the bike and I'm still getting used to riding it, so maybe it wasn't a good idea putting in 20 miles to start off with.

However I have learnt some important things about road cycling.

• Always take a bag full of Allan keys and screw drivers.
• Pack a hand pump in case you get a puncture.
• On the topic of punctures, take some inner tubes and tyre leavers with you. 

This means you don't need to rely on Mummy to drive to your location and help you out.

@nickwoody89

I bought a new bike

I went and did it. I only went and spent £299.99 on a new road bike, and there is no way I can back out of this 100 miler now.

The bike I bought was a Carrera Zelos 2013 Limited Edition (a fancy name, a load of bollocks really) from Halfords.

(c) Halfords.com

I've heard good and bad points about this bike. The good being its a really smart, value for money road bike suitable for entry level cyclists. The bad being its not a good quality bike. And that's the only argument I heard against it, was that its not in the same league as other bikes.

These comments usually came from experienced cyclists who have been cycling for years, so I can understand why they would warn anyone off buying a 'cheap' £300 bike. They have no doubt ridden dozens of bikes, and understand the different and quality between any two products.

But for me and my needs, it suits me down to the ground. I fully intend to continue cycling after this big charity bike ride in Manchester, and maybe raise money for other charities riding similar distances. And because I have no intention to start racing, I'm not going to risk or push the bike to its limits. On top of that, I can use the bike to keep me fit during the Rugby League season and train for my match official's fitness test each year.

Therefore I'm quite happy with my purchase. Unlike my 12-year old mountain bike, this new bike's wheels are easily taken off when punctures occur. The brakes and handle bar is completely different to the style I'm used to, but I've not doubt I'll get the hang of it eventually.

I have 13 weeks to get training. And with the handy training guide Paul sent out a few weeks ago, getting a few weeks practice before the training plan kicks in would be an excellent way to start.

@nickwoody89

I've got a new cycling mate...

One of my best dickheads - sorry, friends, has decided to ride the 100 mile course with me on September 1.

Meet Jamie Turner...

(c) Des Thompson

I know what you are thinking, he's a bit of a knob. And you'd be right. But he is. But he also has a lot of good qualities which make him a very good mate. I sometimes forget what they are, especially when I look at this picture, but they're there somewhere.

Jamie is currently taking part in a boot camp in Leigh, with Warrington Wolves's Paul Wood and Garreth Carvell. He is a former amateur boxer, MMA fighter, a junior rugby league player (how we met) so his level of fitness is generally high anyway.

As a pair we are yet to train together for the big ride, but after his boot camp he should have a high level of fitness so that all he needs to do is get used to sitting in the saddle. I have warned him he'll need, at the very least, padded cycling shorts (passing on my own wisdom, there) or else expect a very raw arse halfway through.

I'll post a link to his Just Giving page as soon as he sets it up (he's such a technophobe, or a lazy bastard) but in the mean time if you fancy sponsoring me to complete the 100 miles around Cheshire's countryside, my Just Giving page can be found here.

@nickwoody89