I tell you. this cycling malarkey ain’t have as simple as it seems. It is not a case of a bike and helmet and off you go – no no no. There are all kinds of gadgets and gizmos to seduce and tempt your wallet.

To date this is my inventory both in prep for - and actually for- the Amsterdame 08 bike ride;

• One bike – I was not going to get a new one but my hubby put his foot down and was firm in the fact that I could not train for hundreds of miles on a bike that was half the age of me and was pretty much reaching it’s end. However – I liked it. It was pink and I had fond memories of the old bike..it still sits in our shed next to the new (also pink) bike .
• Tripometer.
• High vis (visibility) jacket – this is my protective bubble. I could not go anywhere on the roads without it. It turns me into a beacon of illuminous loveliness and ensures that I am seen – even when I wish I could lurk in the shadows and sleep mid ride .
• Hemet – essential.
• Anti sweat type T-shirt, that actually smells more of sweat than anything I have ever owned.
• Padded shorts – 1 pair with another on the way. Vital – oh oh oh so vital on long trips.
• Neoprene knee support.
• Elasticised knee support.

Front and rear bike lights.
• Bottle rack – though I went with my 10 year old bottle for old times sake but have recently bought a bigger one.
• Camelbak. (1.5 litre)
• Lycra running leggings – these go over my cycling shorts and are great to warm you / keep the wind off you.
• Handlebar bag – for sweeties and camera.
• Running shoes – seems odd I know, but my training started with jogs at lunchtime in the local park to help build up my muscles and stamina. Fashion trainers just did not cut the mustard, plus the running shoes have good treds which ‘clip’ themselves on to my peddles.
• Pump – with gauge.
• 2 fabby panniers – courtesy of the very generous Edinburgh Bicycle Co-Operative.
• Cycling gloves – though I now wonder if they are cutting off my circulation??
• Seamless pants – the less said the better, but girls – seek out M&S!
• Numerous batteries for my MP3.
• New headphones for my MP3 player they actually stay in my ears and don’t pop out every time I go over a bump.
• A tank sized vat of bubble bath.
• A family sized tub of sudocrem.
• Painkillers – many.

Yet to come:
• Waterproofs – borrowing the mother in laws.
• Gel seat cover – I am contemplating three .
• Unique bike horn – our parents are on a mission to find great ones for us
• Sweeties – not being a lover of jelly beans or jelly babies I am contemplating my options. It may have to be Haribo gummy bears and love hearts all the way.
• Cereal bars for sustenance.
• Possible handle bar streamers – a necessary for all serious cycle trips 

I am sure I am forgetting something…. oh yes one sister and bags and bags of support, friendship and sponsorship.