Magnatom, Mr Pig, Tete and jassy-x! You're all too kind! I appreciate your generosity.
As long as the bike fits and doesn't have chunky tyres (or weighs too much - a fate I suffered last weekend in Finland adding an hour to my time) I'll be happy and grateful.
Magnatom! That would be kind beyond the call of duty to house a complete
w@nker stranger!
If you didn't have space I could happily sleep in your shed/garage (I'm used to, and
enjoy, living rough), but I don't want to put you to any trouble.
Mr Pig! I'm 6' 1" and weigh about 15 stone (should be a bit less by September
).
Tete! Yours sounds most suitable (if the sizing is right), 45 miles shouldn't be a problem (about three hours).
jassy-x! I haven't been on a road bike for far too many years!
Having had a mildish back problem, getting down on the drops might aggravate it. But, of course, I could stay on the hoods. (after my sportive last week, I do actually fancy something that rewards my effort!).
And I'm not woorried about my time; as long as I can ride with the Scottish chapter of CC, I'll be very happy. I hope/look forward to meeting you in the autumn! But we can keep each other posted over details etc.
Thanks all again!