The Start

The Tour started today with perhaps the best result the British fans could have hoped for. Our Bradley in second place and taking ten seconds out of his biggest rival Cadel Evans. Ten seconds is not a lot in a bike race lasting three weeks and covering 3497 kilometres it is also worth knowing that in 1989 Laurent Fignon lost to Lemond by eight seconds, so history tells us it could be crucial.

Now moving onto something more accessible for most of us. Today I bought a pair of brand new jeans, a climbing helmet for my daughter, a burger in a bap, a hot dog and a bike for £20. Bargain!

This blog is about cycling so its the bike that I'm thinking about here. You have probably already guessed it is not the ultra light carbon fibre 22 geared machine the race boys are riding in Le Tour. Once I got it home I had to re adjust the Sturmey Archer gears, oil the chain and pump up the tyres. This makes her good to go and I think I can use it for an adventure of some sort. Shortly after the tour I think it would be an idea to ride (and push) this machine round the legendary Four Seasons Fred Whitton route.

Now I can assure you that this is a considerable undertaking on this particular machine. I have every intention that this ride will involve a couple of cafe stops and probably a pub lunch. To make it really fun I invite you to come and ride it with me on a comparably ridiculous machine. Or if that is to much like hard work and I can assure you it will be, sponsor the adventure and make it beneficial for somebody else.

More details to follow, including date and sponsorship information.

Can't wait

Every year it happens to thousands, a bit of Tour De France on the telly and the dusty old bike comes out the shed, lycra and trade jerseys are stretched to jelly baby proportions and the cycling world emulates its heroes with replica Mark Cavendish's sprinting for village signs and pub signs.

Le Blagger is no exception. Already excited he is preparing to not only get his old bike out but to ressurect his cycling blog activity. Those in the know fully understand that this is probably the least significant international cycling event of 2012. But for those of you unfamiliar with this work you can expect a steady flow of cycling tips and observations. If you enjoy all things bicycle you might even find the odd one interesting or useful.

Whilst your waiting, dust off that old bike, pump up the tyres, shave your legs and ride your bike.

It's been a while, Le Blagger has more work to do than pump up the tyres before he's ready for le tour.