Gently bumbling with ma bros

The hitherto non-cyclist transformed.  Note fat git back right (not my mum...)

Very, very cold ride into work yesterday, and a still chilly ride home for an early finish.  We had family round in the shape of my mum, Rick (cycling bro), Kath (cycling bro's cycling wife), Keith (hitherto non-cycling bro) and Annie ((hitherto non-cycling bro's wife) - clear?

A splendid repast (though I say so myself) of pasta and stuff, no beer (get me!) and a bit of pudding (sorry, belly) and much talk of Mallorca cycling trips - which the hitherto non-cycling bro has agreed to come on.  Not entirely sure he knows what he's letting himself in for, as even with a few months to get ready the big mountains ride might be a bit much - mind you I'm expecting it might be a bit much for some rather more experienced cyclists amongst us.

Anyway - the hitherto non-cycling bro has been given a hybrid bike - indeterminate brand, 26" wheels and knobbly tyres, but no boingy bits and a decidedly racy looking saddle was transformed in our utility room into a road speed machine by the addition of some slick tyres.  The hitherto non-cycling bro, size 7 feet and lots of boingy bits, was similarly transformed by the addition of some groovy white cycling shoes and an unused Marmite thermal jacket.

We met Rick, who'd heroically cycled the 17 miles or so from home, in Clitheroe and set off, via a bike shop to adjust Keith's saddle, for an enjoyable wimble round some pleasant lanes.  I think we went to Whalley, I'm certain we went to Waddington and I suspect we nearly went to Grindleton.  We also met the ladies at a nice caff where our mam bought us some coffee.

Just 20 miles or so, and hardly earth shattering pace-wise, but a lovely day (when it stopped drizzling) to be out with your big brothers and filling the hitherto non-cyclist's head with Stuff You Must Have (think GPS, summer bike, winter bike, posh glasses etc etc).  The other thing we decide he Must Have is a dinky little baker's cap to wear under his helmet - so on our return to the car I duly presented Keith with the daft headgear in the photo above - no longer a hitherto non-cycling bro - in the space of a morning I now have two bros of the cycling variety!

Roll on Mallorca...