Where were we?

Ah, yes - the Friday of the training week.

Set off on another bike ride early morning - leaf devises route 'around Skiddaw' which provokes fear and numbness in equal measure. Route is 'flexible' which is good to know.

Also, we at least know that there is a bloody long drag out of Grasmere this time, which is conquered, though not without a few deep breaths! Usual route alongside Derwent in streamline formation, then across to very busy A66. No kicks on the 66 though, the curse of the National Cycle Route strikes once more, taking us down some lanes closed with gates, and made of tiny little stones. Undulates. Group of mountain bikers smirk in glee at their more suitable tyres. Soon back on 'proper' lanes, keeping mountains on left. A couple of short sharp hills are soon forgotten by lovely long downhill stretch where great speed attained.

Mountains stay left, provoking concern from Baptiste, but Andy's ingenious route means we've slowly gone around the range, and are now virtually the other side without a serious climb.

Stop for a break in a small village. Pleasant weather. Only 13 miles from Carlisle. Depart heading west for Bassenthwaite and Cockermouth. Opens into moorland. Heavens open. Gales strike up. Gets dark. Apoclaypse now. Uphill and straight for two miles. Murder. No shelter from anything, long downhill blinds our intrepid trio due to rain in face. Another long drag, rain stops but soaked. Eventually reach Bassenthwaite. Much bluffing and mindgames about whether to go to Cokcermouth or not. Gaunt set against it, leaf and leon tempted, until Gaunt plays wild card of the 'hot spa' visited on Sunday. Never has so much warmth been generated verbally. Head to Keswick for lunch with renewed vigour - lovely afternoon tea in Booths.

The col d'Keswick is climbed for the second time this week, Greenleaf capturing the all important category 1 climb. Plain sailing back to Grasmere, although with the obligitory Gaunt puncture, even if only a slow one - god knows how he'll get from Land's end to John O'Groats!

Quick change and to the Hot Spa just before the 17.00 deadline. Sheer bliss. The only thing missing were the champagne flutes. Leon, in a attempt to recoup some of the miles lost during his 24 hour blackout, escapes to the treadmill, only to be hauled off after 11 mins by a hungary leaf.

Much packing and tidying ensues to ensure a swift Saturday morning departure.

Saturday.

Leon and Gaunt head out on the usual Grasmere loop at 07.00 - astonisingly, Leaf declines. It later transpires he has bigger fish to fry, coming second in the Winchester 10k on the sunday.

The Grasmere 4½ may be less prestigous, but the pace is hot, as the two competitors decided to slog it out for one last time. Neck and neck throughout, a truce is only called once the first gate is reached on the return. a sub 28 min clocking at the very least, impressive, if tiring stuff. But leon has to cycle back to the station in Windermere, is just overtaken coming into the town by the mission vehicle. Hand shakes and congratulations as the training weekend ends, as it began.

In the rain.