Now - I'm an OK cyclist. I enjoy an occasional jaunt through the French countryside - baguette in one hand, running singing Nuns following me. But cycling on a track?! Not just any old track - but the track that where the British Cycling team train? Now that's a whole other ball game.

I was shaking (mostly due to Pride), I changed into my cycling gear (the good old running shirt and baggy shorts made another appearance) and picked up my racing bike. It was lightweight, but hang on... WHERE were the breaks?! There were none. Oh dear. 

I was taking part in a taster session - a chance for beginners to have a go, and for the more experienced rider to hone their skills. We started. Our trainer (who was lovely) - explained how to ride the bike - no breaks and you had to keep peddling at ALL times. It sounded daunting. I pushed myself off from the barrier that was the only thing keeping me upright .... and promptly crashed the bike straight back into the barrier. NOT a good start. But eventually I got the hang of it. Speed is the key. You have to go VERY fast otherwise the bike (and you) crash to the ground. I managed it - just. But after half an hour later and I was exhausted and more than a little shaky. Even with this - I did love it. It's a real adrenaline rush when you're whizzing round at high speed - and you get a real buzz from knowing that you're using the same track that our Olympic athletes train on.

I'd definitely do it again. There's even a new BMX arena. More details here... http://www.nationalcyclingcentre.com/

You'll find a suitably flattering picture below. I've always loved a helmet.

GOD KNOWS what I'm doing next week. Probably wrestling crocodiles if Jamie gets his way. Have an awesome weekend.

Cx

My challenge was to have a crack at snowboarding. I had no idea what to expect. I'm never good in the snow. The idea of a snowball fight always fills me with dread - I mean really, why would you want a cold wet one in the face?! Down your top?! in your eye?! It's cold. And wet. Brrrrr. Don't even mention snowmen. Couple this with my dread of falling over - and you'd think that I'd hate snowboarding - I mean what could be worse than falling over - in the cold!? However, I approached the challenge with the same usual vigour (even after a rather heavy night at the premiere of the Batman Live tour). I was going to conquer this. I mean - how hard can it be?! - going down a slope on a bit of wood (check out my technical lingo there). The answer - actually quite hard.

I've always fancied giving it a go and now was my chance. Apparently it's actually not about violence - it's about the discipline, the focus, the breathing. Three things I can do (just). Mike - my teacher, had a rather impressive belt (karate style - not diamond studded with tassels) - he took me through the blocking moves and then he attempted to hit me. I blocked him - although to be fair a couple of times I actually just panicked and went to hit him. He loved it. My challenge was complete.

If you fancy giving it a go then check out these websites -

http://www.muskc.co.uk

Have a super weekend. 

Cx

After last week's INTENSE pottery session, this week my challenge stepped up a notch. I was to be pushed to my limits - taking on a 42 obstacle assault course - all under the supervision of 'Staff' (his real name kept a secret for security reasons).

It was intense from the start. He shouted. A lot. But I liked him. He knew what he was doing (trying to kill me I think). After taking a little over the allotted time to get changed, I was ordered to do over 100 push ups. I managed about 20. All of this before the warm up! 

Next, the challenge - the assault course. It was set in some beautiful woodland. It looked like a nice spot for a picnic. Or a cruise. Little did I realise that the next 30 minutes would be some of the hardest minutes of my life. And there was no cruising. 

42 obstacles - mud, tyres, sweat, lots of wood, insects, walls, ropes, mud, tyres, balance beams, exercise 'pits', nets, hurdles, mud and did I mention tyres?!

I was a broken man - emotionally, physically. I was wet. I smelt a little like an animal. But I was proud. I'd done it. Completed what seemed like an impossible task.

'Staff' was firm but fair - a little like the brutal dinner lady at school who you'd occasionally catch smiling. And, although he pushed me to the edge of limits, he was always in control.

If you fancy a go yourself, then check out - http://www.mapchallenges.co.uk. They cater for different groups - hen and stag parties and offer loads of other stuff too - a zip wire, giant swing and clay pigeon shooting to name but a few. If you like your outdoor activities then it's well worth a look.

I'm off for another bath. I think I actually felt better after the marathon! On the plus side, my biceps look rather solid and the buttock twitches are particularly good fun when sat next to a stranger on the bus.

Have a splendid weekend. Here's a selection of photos. I know. Fit, right?!?

Cx

It was a little painful...

My challenge this week is to complete an army assault course and to get me ready I was joined by the lovely people from Easy Fit Personal Training. If you fancy getting in shape for the summer then check out http://www.easyfitpt.co.uk

Here I am punching. I know. So butch. Bring on the assault course!!

Cx

I was to create a Vase. Or a Pot. Or something to put things in. 

Wendy made me feel at ease - I was surprisingly nervous when faced with 'the wheel' but with plenty of one on one with Wendy and lots of reminders to keep my 'elbows down' (terribly flighty arms me) - I grew to love it. An hour later and, after more foot control than Jenson Button, I left -  very chilled and the proud new owner of two new bowls - you can actually tell they're bowls and everything!!

This week things step up a gear. I'm doing an army assault course for my weekly challenge. Eeek. Do I need to wear camouflage?! I'm off to get myself some Ivy cuttings for my helmet.  Find out how I get on on Friday.

Have a fabulous week.

Cx

Here I am - taking to the wheel (ohhhhhhh my love, my darling.... I've hungered for your touch... A long, lonely time)

Look!! They actually look like bowls. So proud.

In the Manchester suburb of Didsbury I found the Universities of Manchester cheerleaders - busily training for their next big competition. After a vigorous warm up - how can you get your leg THAT high?! I was ready to commence my challenge. I was to become a 'flyer' - oh easy I thought - then I saw what was involved... I watched as girls were launched high into the air - all smiling as they high kicked mid air. I was petrified. I was shaking. I was slightly clammy. My time had come...

I fitted in really easily...

If you fancy giving it a go then check out - http://www.projektsmcr.com/ They're super friendly and offer a range of activities and lessons.

Here I am looking as street as it gets with my fetching safety gear... (I've kept the helmet and will be wearing it out regularly)

We were joined in the studio live by five time Northern England Solo Piping Champion Alan Gagan who performs across the north west.

When Chris got round to trying the bagpipes he went bright red! Chris managed to pipe out a quite spectacular E note and passed his weekly challenge.

Big thank you for Alan for coming in! If your looking for something a bit different  for your civil partnership, birthday party or corporate event then get in touch Alan at the links below, you won't be disappointed!

Alas - my initial hunch proved incorrect. I was in fact to become the King himself - Mr Elvis Presley. Eeeek.

I have moments when I question what I am doing with my life. Finding myself reading the news headlines dressed as a deceased music star at 8.30 on a Friday morning was probably one of these moments. Who would have thought when Martin arrived at Gaydio Tower - looking like a foxy school teacher - that just 30 minutes later he would become the pelvic thrusting, lip curling superstar - Elvis Presley?! 

After a costume change (thanks to the lovely people at http://www.atticfancydress.co.uk) and a few tips on knee popping, lassoing, the karate stance and the Kings southern drawl - I was treated to a performance of Viva Las Vegas. I sat in awe. It was an intense, an emotional performance. He was slick. He was sassy. He was Elvis. How could I compete with this?! I was transported to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. - I then snapped out of it and remembered I was in Manchester, North West England in 2011. 

My time had come. I was to perform Suspicious Minds. A classic. I stood. I moved my hips. I curled my lips. I manipulated my vibrato to reciprocate the complex tones of this musical legend. With a final swish of my bejewelled cloak (and the fact that we needed to make the news at 9) - it was over. I had done it. I felt good. I felt proud. In the words of Leona Lewis I felt 'happy'. After a surreal traffic report with the King - he was gone. Elvis had left the building. My weekly challenge was complete.

A huge thank you to Martin Fox. He was brilliant. More info here - http://www.elvis2k.co.uk. If you fancy seeing him perform he'll be in Blackpool at the Ultimate Tribute Contest from April 15th-17th -http://www.ultimatetributecontest.co.uk

Photographic evidence below. I know. It's uncanny.

Rave safe.

Cx

Find out how I get on scaring birds at Manchester Airport tomorrow morning!!

We've submitted it to the website - but will it be good enough? Will Emma make it on to Lesbians that look like Justin Bieber?!? Watch this space. We'd love your feedback- drop us an email studio@gaydio.co.uk with your thoughts...

Scroll down for the full delight....

Scroll down for Emma as the Bieber...