I don't look down on the idea of e-bikes. I do think it is a bit of a change in the essential nature of the activity and it's a change I'm not ready for at this point. There certainly may come a time when I am and I have no problem with that.

But the other day I was in the supermarket and there was a tall, thin young guy in front of me wearing full kit that featured '3 feet ... it's the law' in bright yellow letters on the back of the jersey. He looked like sort of guy who goes whizzing past me leaving only the whirring sound of carbon wheels in his wake. I have to admit I was just a little disappointed when I walked outside and saw him getting on his e-bike.