Last bits fitted to the bike and the last training session

I fitted the new saddle, mech and cables Saturday morning before heading out for about 3 hours with my team mate Aaron for a last training session and shakedown of the bike. We've got the saddle height and horizontal position sorted for both of us.

Aaron rode the bike we're using and reckoned the saddle was comfortable although after 3 hours he thought it was not as cushioned as some. This is definately true. I had a run round the block with it when we got back and it felt OK. If we don't get on with it, it's going to be a big problem. So I'm taking all the spare saddles I have with us just in case !

Now the rear gears are all XT'd up shifting is faultless which is just how we're going to need it. You really can't fault XT kit for it's performance and price.

We did an easy 25 miles in around 3 hours on Saturday. We wanted a reasonable ride out to check the bike's OK and return confident and injury free. We've got a tick in every box so roll on Friday when we load up and head for the Mendips :o)