With under two weeks to go until I start the Euro City Cycle, it seemed like a sensible time to get a pre-ride check-up for myself and the bike.

I was due a check in with my GP anyway.  It’s been almost 3 months since my last visit.  In fact, I hadn’t seen him since I went to the Cardiologist, so it was an opportunity to get some more feedback on that.  One of the potential side effects of my medication is diabetes so we had fasting blood test results to look at too.

You may feel a little prick!

It’s funny but, after everything I’ve been through, one of the things I look forward to least is giving blood.  I know it doesn’t really hurt, but I don’t enjoy the anticipation of the “prick”.  What a wimp!  The only good news is that my veins are a bit more prominent now so the whole process is a bit less traumatic than it used to be.

My check up was unremarkable.  My Blood Pressure was “perfect”.  My Cholesterol levels are under control (Total = 3.2 mmol/L, LDL = 1.8 mmol/L, HDL = 1.1 mmol/L) and there are no indications of diabetes.  In summary, it’s all good!

The Doc was, however, keen to remind me that I have recently experienced a cardiac episode, and I should bear this in mind when doing my various activities and challenges.  I recognise he had to say it, but I don’t think I hid my excitement about the fast approaching trip very well!  I guess he has to trust (or hope) his patients follow his instructions otherwise he’s fighting a losing battle.  He has little to worry about as far as I’m concerned!

***

I really haven’t done very much work on my bike since I got it.  Apart from a couple of puncture repairs and fitting a new saddle, I have used it, but done little to maintain it.  I know I should really learn, but I also recognise my limitations.  At this stage I think I would struggle in terms of knowledge, skills and perseverance.  The last thing I want to do is intentionally “break” the bike and not be able to ride it.

This is about the extent of my bicycle maintenance skills!

The main objectives of the service are to tune the gears and check the brakes.  The gears have become increasingly temperamental and noisy over the past couple of weeks.  It’s been helpful in telling me which gear I’m in (some are particularly noisy), but I have the distinct feeling that its an indication that all is not well!

So, the bike is booked in for a service tomorrow.  Hopefully it’ll come back feeling like a new machine, with the gears purring and the brakes secure.

If only it was as easy to tune ourselves up!