Day one started in the multi-storey car park at MediaCityUK, a far less glamourous location than where the Tour de France was kicking off the same weekend. Bags that I had spent days packing, unpacking and rearranging were attached to the bike and for the first time, I felt a bit anxious. With all my…

Having not ridden with Colin since this years edition of the Five Ferries (Le Cinque Bateaux in 2021 for sponsorship reasons), it was a welcome WhatsApp notification when he asked if I fancied a pre-Christmas spin. We initially planned to meet at the Whitelee Windfarm, to explore the expansive gravel tracks that sprawl away from…