Gingerly turn myself out of bed this morning, tip toe downstairs, trying not to disturb any dormant nerves that might suddenly wake up after yesterday’s ride and cause the injury to flare up. No such occurrence!

Typically, it’s raining – but I don’t care.

I pump my tyres, don kit, plus a packable rain jacket – and disappear out the door. There’s still no pain – and riding my bike feels just like flying.

I don’t feel particularly less fit than I did before the enforced rest, nor have I gained any weight. I’ve missed one race – but it was one of many. The earth is still in place and nothing bad has come of taking some time off the bike.

I’ve missed riding – I’ve missed the swish,swish,swish of wheel on tarmac, the exhilaration of cornering at speed and the  freedom of bicycle + me = anywhere – but it was real, genuine proper rest that made it possible.