I was 17 when I bought “New Boots and Panties!!“, the first album by Ian Dury. “Sweet Gene Vincent” and “Clevor Trever” (Yes, I have written that correctly) are my favourite tracks. If you have some time, look up the lyrics on this album. Brilliant.

“New tyres and tubes” is the cycling equivalent of this 1977 album. I fitted new tyres (Continental Gran Prix 5000) and tubes (Continental Race 28) in readiness for Paris-Brest-Paris. I’m off to France for the day on Saturday with Islington Cycling Club to test them out.

2019 YEAR TO DATE

Rides: 56

Distance: 7,907 km

Average distance per ride: 141 km

Elevation gain: 66,822m (7.55 Everests)