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A New Cycling Era Begins

I've been thinking about a new bike for a very long time. But, it wasn't until the Summer, following the end of the Tour de France, and my brother's visit to Nottingham, that I seriously thought about it!

The decision for a cyclo-cross bike was easy. I wanted something that'd be reminiscent of a road bike when on the road, but also something that could take me on the paths of the canal that I've really enjoyed cycling on recently.

The decision about the bike wasn't so easy. Most cyclo-cross bikes, when brand new, are £700 upwards... hmm, I thought, not sure this is going to happen. Until I found a Giant TCX 3 in the sale at £494. Wow, a (relative) bargain! My hopes were dashed, however, when I realised that this is the end of the season for bikes and that the 2012's will be on their way very soon. I couldn't find the Giant in my size. Feeling sorry for myself I went back on the Internet...

And, I found the Dawes for at a price that was £400 below full price!!! An absolute bargain. Anyway, a long conversation with my wife later, and a sleep, a pray and a think, I clicked the various buttons on the particular website and made my purchase!

Madness? I hope not. A whim? Definitely not. I've found a Nottingham Cycling club and I'm going to check out some proper routes around my area to clock up the miles! I cannot wait for this new cycling era to begin...

England 13, Argentina 9

I predicted a close one! Jonno's safe picks didn't do anything for the game. A few key changes in the forwards and at scrum half with Youngs coming on swung the momentum in the right direction. Youngs' try turned the game around and Argentina, who hadn't seemed troubled, came unstuck. In 2003, England won the world cup by winning ugly. I don't care how a game's won, so long as it's won!

Rugby World Cup 2011

So, the Rugby World Cup is underway. New Zealand won their (easy) opener and Scotland have won theirs too! The big game today is England vs Argentina. England, not quite at full strength, should win. With captain Tindall and Johnny at the helm, I'm looking forward to a great game of rugby. However, even if it's not a great game, the win in the opening match is what's important. England has some very exciting players mostly in position and at least one, Armitage, out of position on the wing. But Armitage is a great handler and runner of the ball, so he should be fine! The absence of crazy horse Moody is a shame, but not a worry. I believe that there is now enough depth to have real competition for places and that Jonno has carefully picked his 30 men to try and win back the Web Ellis Trophy on 23rd October.

This game will be tight. Both teams are strong up front and that's where the battle will be won. England should take their chances to run the ball when they come, because they won't get too many.

Today's score prediction? England win 15 - 7.