I’ve been unfaithful…to the Deloitte RAB training plan. I’m writing from Thailand – our family summer holiday before the rush of one of the busiest sporting years I can remember. Instead of cycling, I’ve been swimming and beach running and whilst pleasurable, I know there’ll be retribution on my return to the bike next week.

This is the beauty of Deloitte RAB – had I not been signed up I would not have striven for 2 hours cardio per day out here and now I’m fretting about how to make it up to my bike and legs. This cardio God is a good one to worship. My old friends here in Thailand think I look fitter than 5 years ago and at 42 I take this is a big compliment to the RAB training plan. Is anyone else feeling a sense of well being based on the training? I’m hoping to see lots of you at our next training ride 1st April -no, not a wind up despite the date.

I did venture on to the pimply 2 wheeled variety to explore Phuket. Temperature and (to my surprise) road surface beautiful. A bike really is a great way to breathe in new places and look the locals properly in the eye. The villages here are scruffy but you sense a strong, family orientated culture. Passing the other way at great speed was a peloton of roadies head down cranking it out. I waved and wished them good morning, a gesture they totally ignored. I can see why we get ourselves a bad name. Life can’t be that bloody serious that you can’t even acknowledge an act of civility. I wonder what the locals make of the streamline helmets, tight as you like tops and relentless speed.

Land’s End to John O’Groats is tough, but Deloitte RAB is truly for all shapes, sizes and abilities. With just under 8 months to go to 8th September there’s still time to start now and be ready even if you are a total beginner. We’re counting down to the last places now so if you or a friend are close to pulling the trigger do give them a nudge now.

The air temperature reminds me that we need to speed up plans for a warm weather event. Come on Mack pull your finger out I hear you say. Quite right. Consider the finger being ejected. Anyone fancy Ride Across Thailand?