Is anybody reading my blog?

One of the most disconcerting things about blogging, is the thought that there is nobody actually reading all this drivel. Well, not literally, because I definitely know of.... oooh , at least 8 people, or maybe 9, who are regular readers, mainly at work. At least they tell me they read it. Then there are a couple of fellow cyclists and bloggers, particularly Mark, who has been a source of support and advice in the last few weeks. And top Northern pro racer, and mentor, Jacko. But that's it. It's annoying that the blog software doesn't have one of those devices which could log all the visits to my blogpage. On the other hand, it could be embarrassing as the counter lamely ticked over the 23 mark after 10 weeks of effort. Have you ever listened to the radio at 4 in the morning? No, of course you haven't. There are all these radio jocks sitting on their lonesome in some dusty studio babbling away to themselves. Very Alan Partridge. At least they're getting paid. My saving grace is the money I've raised for the old Prostate Cancer Charity. That can't be bad. And of course, I'm going to put in the effort whether or not anyone out there actually cares.

But then again, do I care? YES! So, here's a plea. I want those of you who read this daft blog on a regular basis to leave a comment .... please. Anything. I need at least 10 responses. So, come on. This is a test. Go on, go on, go on, go on. I dare you. It's easy. Just click below on the bit that says... 'x comments' ...and do it. Thanks.

I got home from work at 4-ish and as usual I was starving. I had a bowl of cornflakes and some tea, then got my cycling kit on in order to set off an hour later when my stomach emptied. I told you I was going to go for a ride irrespective of the weather. I started in the dry, but within 30 minutes it was tipping it down. The wind was Force 6 and gusty. Climbing up Blackgang Chine was murder. Hats off to the gang of old fellas and lasses on their bikes coming up the hill from Niton. I think they were still trying to do the Randonnee. They all looked in a bad way. Guess what... the blokes were at the front and 30 yards behind were their ladies. Why do they do that?

The wind was horrific on the top by viewpoint car park. These lightweight road bikes are really flighty in strong side winds, and the wheels with their flat spokes make steering almost impossible at times. My ear-bud headphones wouldn't stay in my lugholes again, so I had no music. I actually enjoyed the sound of the tyres zipping along the wet tarmac with the whirr of the chain and gears.

The final score was 27 miles at 17.8 mph. Which even Lance could not have done today. Honest. Not a chance.