I ride quite often with Bill Nickson, the last englishman to win the Milk Race, he rode the TDF and was british road race champion. One of the nicest, funniest guys I have ever met, but .. at his advancing age still rides short 21's for a 10 mile TT, on his ancient fixie.

I was riding a time trial when I was passed by a pro team going off to the start of the Tour of Lancashire, the shame, I would have loved to have "jumped on" their wheels, I was flat out and they were chatting and passing stuff to each other, seemed totally effortless. When I got back to control a few other guys had been overtaken by them and a few other teams too.

In our club there have been quite a few who have gone on to ride for England and Scotland.

On tour in Spain I rode, ( downhill) with a Danish team, well they slowed down to have a chat with me, then I managed to leave them standing, but it was at road works and I had fat tyres, so I went straight over and they had to look to find a way through. then they went past me like I was standing still a few seconds later. One even took a photo of me as they went past, I would love to see that photo!!!!

george