A couple of weeks ago I was at the 'finish' line to watch dear Hubby complete the Dartmoor classic 100 miler (over evil, wild and hilly terrain), a sportiv that also included a 35 mile route for those not-so-hard-core cyclists. I was so inspired to see how many mature ladies and gents came through the finish, looking strong and exhilerated. A few ladies looked at least 10 years older than me (I'm 61) and there they were, victorious in lycra and with their trusty road cycles, having bashed one of the most challenging circuits in the country. Was I inspired? You bet!

I've been slowly trying to extend my rides, at the moment I do 12-15 miles (it's very hilly where I live too) and feel pretty nick-nakked afterwards. But I'm looking at the map, trying to add in little dog legs to my route to add a few more hills or a bit more mileage so that MAYBE I'll have to confidence to try a sportiv sometime. I may need to get a new bike, I ride a Trek hybrid 7.2 and love it but hubby reckons a lighter road bike would give me that extra oomph. So thank you, older ladies in Lycra....you have shown me it can be done!