It’s been a week centred on all things cycling.

Not only did I pick up my brand new Trek bike which I’m still in disbelief at how light and beautiful it is compared to the bike I’ve been using for the last few months (I’m fully aware at how weird that sounds and can’t believe I’m typing it), we also had the annual RideLondon event that graces us here in leafy Surrey.

Alas, I myself didn’t ride in the event but my neighbour, Fred, who was one of the 29,000 or so people who did take part, messaged me after he crossed the finish line saying he completed it in a mere 4 hours 28 minutes!

What a brilliant time and I’m now in two minds about whether or not I should buy him a ticket for Rio so he can take part in the Olympics.

And with good news, we also hear about bad news. I was saddened to hear about the cancer survivor Robin Chard who was taken ill on Kingston Bridge during the event on Sunday and later passed away at Kingston Hospital.

It was also recorded in the Surrey Comet about another cyclist, who was injured in a crash in East Moseley and is still in hospital.

My thoughts go out to Mr Chard’s family and I hope the other cyclist makes a full recovery.

Maybe next year I’ll fill out my entry form for RideLondon or even force Michael to do it again (the year he rode it Box and Leith Hills were taken out of the course due to bad weather conditions so in a way he still hasn’t really done it, as I like to tease him).

But in the meantime I just need to get back on a bike and keep persevering at improving at this new ‘hobby’ of mine.

Trust me, it isn’t easy squeezing myself into Lycra, prepping all my gear the night before then waking up to go for a ride round Richmond Park.

I’d rather be having a lie in or doing something mundane like the hoovering, but when you see and hear of all the remarkable fundraising stories of those who took part on Sunday, it really does make you think there are some truly amazing people out there.