Two very late nights in a row, too much to eat and drink, too little sleep. These were my main regrets when my wife bashed me on the arm at 4:30am on Sunday morning to say that the alarm was going off. Why is this happening to me? Confusion soon gave way to the usual rushing around, trying to force coffee down whilst getting dressed, find car keys, wallet, phone and house keys. Two things were different this morning though – firstly I had no bike kit or bike to worry about as I wasn’t going to be cycling and secondly this was no road race, but the second of the London Dynamo pilot Richmond Park Time Trials. And I had volunteered to marshal, along with about 30 others.

Was I ever glad not to be riding! I was so tired just standing there directing riders around the corner (I didn’t think directions would be necessary, but at least three riders breathlessly whispered “Which way” as they approached the roundabout). Beautiful thing, the way the early morning light catches the stream of snot dripping from a rider’s nose!


The TT seemed to go really well and there were a lot of positive comments. I found time whilst marshalling to take some snaps – they really don’t do justice to the event and in particular the stunning location. Richmond Park is a beautiful place and was made so much better by the lack of traffic noise – for the first 45 minutes the only sound was the thrum of rear disc wheels. I really hope the park authorities take note of the success of the two events and allow more TTs next year - especially because I want to ride in one!

Another hospital visit tomorrow to check that my wrist has healed. If so I will be straight on the bike for a few easy laps of Richmond Park – anything to avoid another turbo session! Here’s hoping…