Rock 'n' Roll takes its toll.

It's tipped down with rain today, non-stop. I've been resting.

Last night we gigged at The Anchor in Cowes. It was a great night.
The pub was steaming after the Round The Island Race (which was won by Ellen Macarthur). When we rolled up at 8 o'clock we could hardly get through the door and it took forever to lug the gear from the car through the throng trying not to get tetchy when people continually got in our way. Then we had to set up in very cramped conditions with people eating their evening meals on tables right up to the foot of the stage. It can be pretty stressful setting up the PA with limited time and no real chance to test the sound levels and optimise the settings. There were probably 30 people who had come specifically to see us,joining the yachty set and the local Cowes mafia. Once the diners had finished, the tables and chairs were whisked away and we could get going.First song, a very ropey Are You Going To Go My Way.
The first set was somewhat iffy, but after the break we really played well and got into a groove. The trick is to play a varied set which appeals to everyone, and yet try and build the tempo and excitement towards the end. We had a good old singsong with 500 miles and Chelsea Dagger, and got them all dancing (and laughing ) with I Don't Feel Like Dancing. Then we unleashed the beast... Breaking The Law, Ace of Spades, Enter Sandman, I love Rock'n'Roll to end. It was almost midnight but the place was still heaving and after 5 minutes of chanting for a second encore we left them with I Believe In A Thing Called Love.
Thanks to everyone who came, danced, cheered and yelled.
Thanks to the bloke who ripped his shirt off during Ace of Spades and threw it at the bass player!
Thanks to Clare and Laura for asking us to play 500 miles.

The downside to gigs like these comes when everyone is making their way home. We have to strip all the gear down and load the car up. Then home, 30 mins away, before unloading again the amps, cabinets, guitars, stands and other cases of mics, leads etc. It's all heavy and unwieldy, and needs to be stowed away inside the porch. The babysitter needs to be taken home too. Then we wind down with a pot of tea and toast before getting off the bed at 2am. Sleep comes easily.
Needless to say, we're knackered the day after. Is it worth it? Yes, for sure, especially after a gig like last night. But not if we've had a lacklustre night.

So, I've done very little riding this past week. I'm not worried. I needed a good rest. I'll be packing in some intense speed and hill sessions and a couple of fast long rides in the next 3 weeks. I'm feeling reasonably confident. I just need to keep it going, keep healthy and raise a bit more money.