Happy birthday to meeeeeeee!

Apologies for the borrowed image from bikeradar.com.....least I can do is point you to their very nice website http://www.bikeradar.com/

The reason for the borrowed image is that I don't have one yet!

But I will do :)

Oh yes, it shall be mine :)

Thanks to the boys at Ribble I got some really good advice on bike fit and I measured my Specialized, counted teeth on chainrings and cassettes and took it all to see them today.

Yes they can. They can build it with the same gear ratios for me, the same frame geometry, the same width bars, the same steering, the same crank length.....and yes I can have a decent ladies saddle and the pedals and wheels of my choice too :)

So in two to three weeks I will have a new arrival in the house. According to Zoe, I need to let it sleep in my bedroom the first night so it feels at home before introducing it to the other bikes ;)

And, it's not pink :) I was very tempted by what I can only describe as their "stealth bike"
The Ribble R782.....in the flesh is just the most awesome bike to look at http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/road-track-bike/ribble-r872-shimano-equipped?part=SE13RIBR872SHIM&sub=conf_SERC With the Di2 shifters on the demo bike it just looks mean, menacing and I want one for the wall :)

That is my idea of art :)

So, a new addition to the family in a few weeks. I was very reluctant to buy such an expensive and quite frankly smart machine when I started out. I would have been embarrased to be seen wheezing around my neighbourhood on such a capable steed. But now I have that first 60 under my belt and felt so good I am not too concerned about looking like an idiot on it. I shall train hard over the next six weeks and I shall ride my Ribble with pride.......I'm still not wearing pink though! Not unless I have to ;)

It's my birthday....

so I am allowed to be indulgent and ask for money :)

Today I am spreading the word that I am raising money for Macmillan Nurses.

Did you know..For many people affected by cancer, Macmillan nurses are a valued and trusted source of expert information, advice and support - free of charge. As of December 2011, there were 3,707 Macmillan nurse posts across the UK, both in hospitals and in the community.

Macmillan nurses are usually employed by the NHS and their posts are funded by Macmillan for a set time, often for the first three years.

All Macmillan nurses are registered nurses with at least five years' experience, including two or more years in cancer or palliative care. They complete specialist courses in managing pain and other symptoms, and in psychological support.

Macmillan nurses are funded almost entirely through the generous voluntary donations of our supporters..........so it is really important to keep raising money so the number of available nurses is maintained and hopefully increased.

The reason I am raising money for Macmillan is that I benefited hugely from their support when my hubby was diagnosed as terminally ill with pancreatic cancer. Life changed that day. We went from a blissfully happy couple living our dream of moving to Devon to not knowing what the hell we were facing. Macmillan were there. And they were there for me in Noel's final few days, watching over him through the night so I could get some sleep. I honestly don't know what I would have done without their support in those final few days. They were honest with me and kept me informed of how he was during those nights and together we made sure that Noel got his wish and he passed away peacefully at home with me by his side. I could not have done that for him without the support from the Macmillan nurses.

That is why I understand how much they bring to our community. You don't need them there all the time (thankfully) but trust me, when you do they are absolutely vital. I sincerely hope that nobody reading this ever requires their services but someone, somewhere out there will today receive the most devastating news and will need the services that Macmillan provide.

I asked the question...."why us?" Noel replied..."why not, it happens to people and that is all we are"

Text BALI50 to 70070 to give £5 on my justgiving page. (That is bali50 not bal150 grrr)