Real Preparations - Less than 40 Days to Go

It is a lovely Saturday and I have just completed 4 hours of pick and shovel work in the garden. I would rather be on the bike but seeing as how my arms felt quite strained on the Shepeton Mallett trip, this training and toning will come in handy. There isn't much more I can do about the numbness in the heals of my hands. The handle bars are padded and I am wearing gel gloves. I did find after 10 hours riding the hands get used to it the strain. I will just have to get used to it. Many other people have the same problem.