Enjoyed watching Bradley yesterday-what a ride again! He has always been a hero for me mainly for his honesty, ability and being himself. I got very excited in 2009 when he finished 4th in the Tour de France -a Brit 4th-I remember Robert Millar in the 80s when he won the King of the Mountains doing well! 2010 was a disappointment but my goodness didn’t he respond well-unlucky to break his collarbone last year when he looked in with a chance. Then all this year he has looked good in all the races. Hopefully we will now see more people getting their bikes out.

Training for the big ride is going well after my ride across Ireland. (thanks everyone for sponsoring us don’t forget the Just Giving site is www.justgiving.com/brian-dimmock ) I try to do at least around 100 miles a week with some real climbs. Last night I had chain trouble on the A38  sadly no support vehicle with a mechanic in it to help. Hands very mucky-no easy way!

Playing cricket this afternoon-only just recovered from my two games at the weekend.

I went to the W.W.T. on Tuesday to see the Long Billed Dowitcher-took nearly 2 hours to spot it in amongst a flock of Godwits!