Dave's 50th year Challenge: In awe of Olympians! 1st December 2012

And so the quest continues – slightly behind schedule at the moment, but all is not lost. My last planned weekend trip to Wales was sadly curtailed due to a cold. I’m not fully recovered, but today saw the first trip out on the bike for two weeks, and another hill ticked!

So the plan was to drop Ems and Laine of in Manchester, whizz down to Swiss Hill and then back for a bit of shopping followed by the velodrome and another Revolution meet. However, the traffic had other ideas. I eventually got to Alderley Edge, and the climb.

It was quite difficult, as a combination of wet cobbles, wet leaves and an old guy with a leaf blower conspired against a smooth ascent.

However, it was soon ticked. The climb itself was straightforward, through a very affluent area of Cheshire. Huge houses, posh cars and walled gardems prevented much in the way of a sneak peek at how the other half live.

Back in the car and joy of joys, England were 15-0 up against the All-Blacks. I knew it couldn’t last though, and as expected the All-Blacks scored two tries in what felt like two minutes. That’s it..... all over,...... but wait, England fight back. What’s going on? I listened incredulously as England stepped on the gas and pulled away from a struggling New Zealand side. My smile grew wider and wider as I drove back into Manchester.

Despite the England win my happiness was short-lived as the traffic got worse and worse! Eventually, after an hour of crawling round the Piccadilly area, my two passengers were back on boar and we headed for another Revolution.

And what a treat, Olympians galore, Sky superstars, local heroes and great racing.

In no particular order (photographs courtesy of Emily)

Lizzie Armistead –Olympic Silver