tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35464301804735235922024-03-05T19:57:15.147-08:00WheelMeat! An adventure blog by Doo''I dunno why anybody's doing this''Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.comBlogger628125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-82432188281072734502022-01-03T08:16:00.003-08:002022-01-03T10:01:00.340-08:00Happy New Year 2022<p><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Happy New Year folks. I wonder what's in store for 2022, - something crazy, something new? It's a shame Covid is still here and I'm sure we are all wanting something better. I do hope this year blows your socks off!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">2021 wasn't the best of years on the challenge front and I've still not cycled the TransAlba Race. Hopefully, the TransAlba will be completed this year, Covid or not. 2021 didn't end so great either, however, it wasn't so bad. No Rapha 500 was completed, however, I did complete the Albion/Re-strap Solstice challenge that awards a funky badge for cycling 100 miles. Having a broken foot is my excuse for not performing wonderfully in 2021.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">So, what about 2021? What were the scores on the doors? Well, I didn't cycle or run as far as I had planned or hoped. Below is a list of my distances from last year and yesteryears (dating back to 2009). Cycling distances are followed by run distances.</span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;">2009 - 5,086 (3,160) LEJOG 2009</span></span></b></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">2010 - 8,509 (5,287)</span><span style="color: blue; line-height: 19.5px;"> <a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/reflective-thoughts-on-lejog-2010.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Paris to Geneva Cycle 2010</a><a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/reflective-thoughts-on-lejog-2010.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">/LEJOG 2010</a></span></span></b></b></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">2011 - 8,378 (5,207)</span><span style="color: blue; line-height: 19.5px;"> <a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/pbp-2011.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">PBP 2011</a></span></span></b></b></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;">2012 - 6,935 (4,309)</span></span></b></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">2013 - 12,498 (7,766)</span><span style="color: blue; line-height: 19.5px;"> <a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/london-edingburgh-london-lel-2013.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">LEL 2013</a></span></span></b></span></b></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;">2014 - 9,253 (5,750)</span></b></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; text-align: center;"><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2015 - 5,531 (3,436) and Ran 1,170 (727)</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2016 - 6,515 (4,048) and Ran 1,204 (748)<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/ironman.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Iron Man (Bolton) 2016</a><a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/the-1st-torino-nice-rally-2016.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">/TNR 2016</a></b></div></div></b></span><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2017 - 8,940 (5,555) and Ran 514 (319)</b></div></div></b></span></span><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;">2018 - 10,958 (6,809) and Ran 417 (259) <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://challengemenace.blogspot.com/2018/06/transatlantic-way-cycle-race-day-1-and.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">TransAtlantic Way Race 2018</a></span></span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;">2019 - 8,034 (4,992) and Ran 484 (301) Bivy-A-Month 2019</span></b></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;">2020 - 10,082 (6,265) and Ran 466 (289)</span></b></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;">2021 - 9,021 (5,605) and Ran 319 (198)</span></b></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">So, I didn't achieve my cycling distance and running distance goals from last year (10,000k and 500k respectively) - can I blame a broken foot? I didn't complete TransAlba - definitely blaming Covid for that one (race has now been postponed 2 years running). One of my goals was to enter a cyclo-cross event, which I did - never cycled it though as was cancelled due to Covid. My other goals were to cycle a Tron Bike on Zwift which I managed to achieve and to cycle around a velodrome which didn't happen either. So pretty naff, all in all. However, I still had adventure and loved that very much. Cycling the King Alfred Way was particularly awesome and all my wild camping was very much fun too. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Let me end this blog post with goals for 2022. They are:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Cycle 10,000k and run 500k by end of year. (I am not 'allowed' to even start running for a 'couple' of weeks yet due to the aforementioned broken foot menace).</span></span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Complete the TransAlba race. 1,000 miles and about 50,000 metres of climbing. (Better start training, especially as I currently weigh 96.9kg, which is seriously ridiculous).</span></span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Lose weight. My usual weight is around 90kg. All the lack of training/exercising due to broken foot menace has resulted me going up 2'' in my waist size. I'd like to be 88kg or less for TransAlba.</span></span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Cycle a 200k event on my fixed cycle.</span></span></span></li></ul><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Be the best dad/husband/person that I can. Lat year, I wanted to produce 'fruit of the spirit', - I don't think I produced enough. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control (Galatians 5:22-23). I'll give it another go.</span></div></div>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-8341615900546095592021-11-17T06:45:00.001-08:002021-11-17T06:45:33.146-08:00November Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2GAkFXZZ6RKXj2VPtGJMu_qI4g9zSv5kTsUUl9s_57nO2_Kzupyflad3y1_6NduRgZZirXMlcjvQyzbioSabi1F_03TKlG11mp7_Z653pF4QCl2EgPYQEmEGgoZ7x-n89tDBJ9V8oppv/s640/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2GAkFXZZ6RKXj2VPtGJMu_qI4g9zSv5kTsUUl9s_57nO2_Kzupyflad3y1_6NduRgZZirXMlcjvQyzbioSabi1F_03TKlG11mp7_Z653pF4QCl2EgPYQEmEGgoZ7x-n89tDBJ9V8oppv/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>November started off so well. Took 'B' out for her first off-road ride and cycled the Breadcrumb Trail. Sweet.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSQIMFhYwq755gq67bjwuGommY3Up5PKl5q4EeP8Jff87NvqqI_qAft-eI-7UBqvm0tDtBlK5ckFZDGejD3TF4Jh32rHmYd8jx28QdoKYp3S6ZXdA1RsPuE-mQtOSucwksHMCtAHCWS12/s640/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSQIMFhYwq755gq67bjwuGommY3Up5PKl5q4EeP8Jff87NvqqI_qAft-eI-7UBqvm0tDtBlK5ckFZDGejD3TF4Jh32rHmYd8jx28QdoKYp3S6ZXdA1RsPuE-mQtOSucwksHMCtAHCWS12/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sweetness soon turned sour. Neil (work buddy) was friends with the drummer from 'Bullet'. Neil and I went to see Bullet play at some venue in Cardiff. This was a 'heavy' night, and heavy dancing led to heavy fall, which led to me breaking my foot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeoA43RA6rZQC_kCnOscCQjpcoDy1AXL_lS_L80JbW7OqQ_5tgui8TWGg3998SV7CxshRAkOLaGxDBKMPdIFa_RKBUxuhY9R76Kjf0osOvVLHikz7fBzeoRKr8OYVJ8n1ICPuTCuWkHEB/s501/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="457" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeoA43RA6rZQC_kCnOscCQjpcoDy1AXL_lS_L80JbW7OqQ_5tgui8TWGg3998SV7CxshRAkOLaGxDBKMPdIFa_RKBUxuhY9R76Kjf0osOvVLHikz7fBzeoRKr8OYVJ8n1ICPuTCuWkHEB/s320/3.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlEaET02PTbT4nrXQRjKRSvhiE37NLOyQkurFG5WSai00evHzy7h8mdGvhoOB-kmLSGV_z6mlQf4Gv5nkR3Y1w9e_PflZrsr71719jpbf5T1B-NsLyNUvO67-r5xZzYDLX6lKj4Nj6njr/s581/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="581" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlEaET02PTbT4nrXQRjKRSvhiE37NLOyQkurFG5WSai00evHzy7h8mdGvhoOB-kmLSGV_z6mlQf4Gv5nkR3Y1w9e_PflZrsr71719jpbf5T1B-NsLyNUvO67-r5xZzYDLX6lKj4Nj6njr/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doo and Neil</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Although my foot hurt somewhat, I didn't know it was broken at the time. I hobbled back to work for a couple of days and then partook in a wonderful cycling adventure. My cycling adventure took me to Weston Super Mare and back. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l4bG9cYrqUdbgC8bB7-ws7ZrfmMoh7wDtdC9zvFYuBxMTxBZzwVeLPd9nqUNVS5nbtFU3S64wHL-GMFl5v6kF3cuKKwPERJWVMclrG4GyZzHXbRZ5xyGmkB2ZVvLgwAr_boIt5ovmCvN/s518/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="479" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l4bG9cYrqUdbgC8bB7-ws7ZrfmMoh7wDtdC9zvFYuBxMTxBZzwVeLPd9nqUNVS5nbtFU3S64wHL-GMFl5v6kF3cuKKwPERJWVMclrG4GyZzHXbRZ5xyGmkB2ZVvLgwAr_boIt5ovmCvN/s320/7.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not what I expected to see on my way to WSM (reminded me of playing with Baby Ganesh and Melody)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5j8PU2EmMJQoAhn8BhTtqgoMqFyid9fp3_SjkNZHzKMArn5rQqlQVl8V-Js64ZuxMLY6DisgbD7sgJvJRPX88F8rVzy7NULuNomJvy_KqmHYxZMP_HoYH8y_eRxwbzc95kPlKDQeJa2Z/s640/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5j8PU2EmMJQoAhn8BhTtqgoMqFyid9fp3_SjkNZHzKMArn5rQqlQVl8V-Js64ZuxMLY6DisgbD7sgJvJRPX88F8rVzy7NULuNomJvy_KqmHYxZMP_HoYH8y_eRxwbzc95kPlKDQeJa2Z/s320/6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melody playing with baby Ganesh</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijvi1Taumy_eEGyxiq-zjAgtcfZ8gLRMcloEG7a-mH79SJ6uxA2K-Bm8N_hrTEPyvfwTHXCa7Z4igpmzuQdTtwMmEZ4q85o_Ao3OFwAaT6pESzAeGCg8lu5MOwortey3EDRZrvE66Ny0Q/s640/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijvi1Taumy_eEGyxiq-zjAgtcfZ8gLRMcloEG7a-mH79SJ6uxA2K-Bm8N_hrTEPyvfwTHXCa7Z4igpmzuQdTtwMmEZ4q85o_Ao3OFwAaT6pESzAeGCg8lu5MOwortey3EDRZrvE66Ny0Q/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Spoons breakfast is always a winner</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPrSbBwY4fH779krLLo46HOfpSyDp7_0_CVcHG0YM66cwJE5_07Aon_pcFYLvgIqdjqNeW1qG_NNFNlfk_fG5y2pkjQX5kVkuaQzeL8cYo9eYqKStzAGHmsW_pN6VsdGqnL0QsGF3XJVi/s640/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPrSbBwY4fH779krLLo46HOfpSyDp7_0_CVcHG0YM66cwJE5_07Aon_pcFYLvgIqdjqNeW1qG_NNFNlfk_fG5y2pkjQX5kVkuaQzeL8cYo9eYqKStzAGHmsW_pN6VsdGqnL0QsGF3XJVi/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puncture menace!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uHUaIXrm1JsCbi80KbMU6RmQWeb7yGxdEFOjvwezTIRqiiaOP55voe_svYpqtfstdrGLiOdgra8uxQ-3bj3FcLLWp3YLyIV04lOdCXL_oQBGTOsfjJtIJqcUy7kivBd2oWI08GbEEmwN/s419/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uHUaIXrm1JsCbi80KbMU6RmQWeb7yGxdEFOjvwezTIRqiiaOP55voe_svYpqtfstdrGLiOdgra8uxQ-3bj3FcLLWp3YLyIV04lOdCXL_oQBGTOsfjJtIJqcUy7kivBd2oWI08GbEEmwN/s320/3.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No chance, I didn't have paper...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF09tLw_nf-iltRNcPw3GSy6IZtoOo4lPxnZmOU1OfEzBzlE_Qa-pySfJ5PiSNgQ00NKn2QqsNeZGQsdctSEonTGiIS1nBERwbA5swtJOUwPUQl2rE5sM62khW-uWtPleFSdudONGsahyg/s640/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF09tLw_nf-iltRNcPw3GSy6IZtoOo4lPxnZmOU1OfEzBzlE_Qa-pySfJ5PiSNgQ00NKn2QqsNeZGQsdctSEonTGiIS1nBERwbA5swtJOUwPUQl2rE5sM62khW-uWtPleFSdudONGsahyg/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycled this Strawberry Line only a couple of weeks back</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJnZlAM3tY8eTkSivWaYltIoIN8oafsCimNGArkGG1Bt3WEKs1j0fCTjj1vOwO6so5zqz1IdjE_bJBautX12lIRGOHs8P3_UqQArqTBYIyLf9C_bt23R9elKkspc2oZNiIzvcyH9M73eB/s640/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJnZlAM3tY8eTkSivWaYltIoIN8oafsCimNGArkGG1Bt3WEKs1j0fCTjj1vOwO6so5zqz1IdjE_bJBautX12lIRGOHs8P3_UqQArqTBYIyLf9C_bt23R9elKkspc2oZNiIzvcyH9M73eB/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it to WSM!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY50dvuBpopvtQfTq2n3VhKOvZxAADgOzc0rjzo-po7sDGb1aT6IxISBcEiQ0gTm4FTUyOT-KGj0Cm3F1Dy0SY8n7JO4BiHdW5j1t_RW7YM7TbMnEArEcibRVwqIv1LJpx3Up_CwhuY2SZ/s640/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY50dvuBpopvtQfTq2n3VhKOvZxAADgOzc0rjzo-po7sDGb1aT6IxISBcEiQ0gTm4FTUyOT-KGj0Cm3F1Dy0SY8n7JO4BiHdW5j1t_RW7YM7TbMnEArEcibRVwqIv1LJpx3Up_CwhuY2SZ/s320/5.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74keo7gutRlzvjsqnKfFyzX1IefL4MpHkQoqYOoraVyUvpRX4VQyfLMO5sKrinFVrpS9Z3xoLpqV398qBOPC5nGnxYl7fZZHHEPxJvVh7Y8Z6UYsAO6CROSnEwQW37Uzf8s0i7AWLx_ay/s640/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74keo7gutRlzvjsqnKfFyzX1IefL4MpHkQoqYOoraVyUvpRX4VQyfLMO5sKrinFVrpS9Z3xoLpqV398qBOPC5nGnxYl7fZZHHEPxJvVh7Y8Z6UYsAO6CROSnEwQW37Uzf8s0i7AWLx_ay/s320/6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating with a JD</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-EMtnNmPiXZSPlyZmd_Mj7RhnA88FDbvtQjA_Ym0KobolZUN1gD7QiE7ZDg35TFpdIW6cGiOdxRdbG8UdtqjOvGmNPxmO7nwZk8ClmwUywcQHHlK_3Ge6SmM6FSYZRUfT9PYZ7fnC4Lw/s640/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-EMtnNmPiXZSPlyZmd_Mj7RhnA88FDbvtQjA_Ym0KobolZUN1gD7QiE7ZDg35TFpdIW6cGiOdxRdbG8UdtqjOvGmNPxmO7nwZk8ClmwUywcQHHlK_3Ge6SmM6FSYZRUfT9PYZ7fnC4Lw/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JD still calling me on return home</td></tr></tbody></table>It was only after my wife tasking me to walk our dog, and I replying I couldn't walk that I decided to go and get my foot checked out. Horrors - my foot was broken and I was given a 6 week sick note! Sweet November Rain!<p></p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-73844199293846497132021-11-16T11:01:00.000-08:002021-11-16T11:01:02.915-08:00October musings<p>Much happened in the month of October that made me smile. Little did I know that my dog Ernie had the Navajo gene. He really does, he can walk high among the trees!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mb9i_y83qsMvEh4A8BVe4CpPQyJoexWxliGfg0pkZA2hMV1j98ciMii-S_GzyGX6BFYJzi8zm78zz6QRaUO6SPioO1sOLyY36fVGyt0-mdcR0_c-WtPsXq_PeKiebD61LOylJMa9GsKj/s640/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mb9i_y83qsMvEh4A8BVe4CpPQyJoexWxliGfg0pkZA2hMV1j98ciMii-S_GzyGX6BFYJzi8zm78zz6QRaUO6SPioO1sOLyY36fVGyt0-mdcR0_c-WtPsXq_PeKiebD61LOylJMa9GsKj/w240-h320/8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPjFSk0JbWnV-EiwvUrpCtvWTflJ5XWMWxB4YyFEl0HxuI9itCQ9JdQcq8qH12Jf-X1rZucTprTPoKLTJ6b7YvPX5WMK1VFDJ3bM7A8aT1s4qRxLg1yfTIlrluhSli0mzHs0Z7-hVS226/s640/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPjFSk0JbWnV-EiwvUrpCtvWTflJ5XWMWxB4YyFEl0HxuI9itCQ9JdQcq8qH12Jf-X1rZucTprTPoKLTJ6b7YvPX5WMK1VFDJ3bM7A8aT1s4qRxLg1yfTIlrluhSli0mzHs0Z7-hVS226/s320/7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkOsIEaSSDXf1AZtUwbUOVCORRaHs2wDFiCzeXD6b_LOGJNxDkmbxl5ewED1GxvKiV5FZJVsm6gZvxoIzJm4lkt4RORMAarEHhuL1D7rD5k0_xh9JoBJ-U9QWUYA3yAQFnUSnqaQy5oX6/s640/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkOsIEaSSDXf1AZtUwbUOVCORRaHs2wDFiCzeXD6b_LOGJNxDkmbxl5ewED1GxvKiV5FZJVsm6gZvxoIzJm4lkt4RORMAarEHhuL1D7rD5k0_xh9JoBJ-U9QWUYA3yAQFnUSnqaQy5oX6/s320/6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Jhgays_0QneGLLrrDxB9iK6aU9mr6ZRLPdRfEyV6cVUv1Qi22nrQfKZfyhSNiplEOz5_lbEXuxtv754g9I2aFgpFeQ5m5ECcJcowrwVHrl5D1bFks0cDJgME7oQJsaQK4KSKJu8l8EWV/s640/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Jhgays_0QneGLLrrDxB9iK6aU9mr6ZRLPdRfEyV6cVUv1Qi22nrQfKZfyhSNiplEOz5_lbEXuxtv754g9I2aFgpFeQ5m5ECcJcowrwVHrl5D1bFks0cDJgME7oQJsaQK4KSKJu8l8EWV/s320/5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx0txQeXewJdU_eYM3dSvk_U7saJSO1dhwZN0WUi_qudE1EYtR6f08qEoUESVguvhpAvcDycvSqRl1y0ldLjpwA9ke7hz5L9TaNmns5pmcPiUSXcWoqENT5FS4F-EdrXELsFvDR_CFKgt/s640/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx0txQeXewJdU_eYM3dSvk_U7saJSO1dhwZN0WUi_qudE1EYtR6f08qEoUESVguvhpAvcDycvSqRl1y0ldLjpwA9ke7hz5L9TaNmns5pmcPiUSXcWoqENT5FS4F-EdrXELsFvDR_CFKgt/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>October's wild camp was another hammock adventure. Both Rob Dog and I took hammocks, however, it was only me who slept on one. Rob Dog preferred to sleep on the ground - not too far away from a big badger hole! As ever, we cooked, ate, slept, awoke and ate some more! Strung up a tarp, not because I needed too, just to make sure I still had the magic. Oh and a certain Bert Warren was buried here. I dubbed this spot 'the burial ground', although Rob Dob said it should be called 'the 2 tomb stones'.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCu1NDso63QauQq4rb6YTPIbsQfmToqKkVr1JyOZT2PHfOnBEoQSZ9YrptpQF9YCZizvOC3GrK80yYG6d8XVVrwQR11j2yd7t4Bo4JxHJvusMVYWPl8i594e76yXfdhhaJBNcPvLaIVR_/s640/0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCu1NDso63QauQq4rb6YTPIbsQfmToqKkVr1JyOZT2PHfOnBEoQSZ9YrptpQF9YCZizvOC3GrK80yYG6d8XVVrwQR11j2yd7t4Bo4JxHJvusMVYWPl8i594e76yXfdhhaJBNcPvLaIVR_/s320/0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8296TT5SLMrSoE1x6-qcABvvjsMgPpbpqtl-A6p4ZvjG_yka5ZlnEcJ7yg6ElkZ9zL6xzX_7YbEbd7z2Jw3ot6SEiA48SD5IpoMfg8gKrd-oz-zk7BzmT3_39CFr-VwGh9iB-Aw0jjU8/s640/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8296TT5SLMrSoE1x6-qcABvvjsMgPpbpqtl-A6p4ZvjG_yka5ZlnEcJ7yg6ElkZ9zL6xzX_7YbEbd7z2Jw3ot6SEiA48SD5IpoMfg8gKrd-oz-zk7BzmT3_39CFr-VwGh9iB-Aw0jjU8/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkFgYlKXga3xzG1_YmUZCvD-ecrryoM_kle33YLY4v30jNs3jLoAKRF5nXWm306aF-0rciBssihO7vBypemgB2RkhiQgQIdC_MZPEg_xsa_8Rfoy3debMuuz8FA-zUlrRFVeRJj2fLZXR/s640/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkFgYlKXga3xzG1_YmUZCvD-ecrryoM_kle33YLY4v30jNs3jLoAKRF5nXWm306aF-0rciBssihO7vBypemgB2RkhiQgQIdC_MZPEg_xsa_8Rfoy3debMuuz8FA-zUlrRFVeRJj2fLZXR/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeCke07bRzF8YO_r-uvCYzB9z2k-epjBxFE8GhchZbRA-6ZhOoYnFxAXhTQdnmHvxGzbmfQMAVXBcKfyo0eCSBEJie3CmgfBsjmDcOuAcejDFW6IeS5PZ-twSBUpJOQRA-iZ_dKyC-lyt/s640/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeCke07bRzF8YO_r-uvCYzB9z2k-epjBxFE8GhchZbRA-6ZhOoYnFxAXhTQdnmHvxGzbmfQMAVXBcKfyo0eCSBEJie3CmgfBsjmDcOuAcejDFW6IeS5PZ-twSBUpJOQRA-iZ_dKyC-lyt/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bix0qlewJ7TrXphYfTX39c0PGWoALHQ0l2z-QLDnmzVAag9YO0ogAwH8_Ak0r9j28iD1Jf8o621We0F64D6o5HcXEhzT8bJxWEb0wWGWM3tHDCvWVMaHM6mZqUHJ5dOpFO_BoS3CADBQ/s640/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bix0qlewJ7TrXphYfTX39c0PGWoALHQ0l2z-QLDnmzVAag9YO0ogAwH8_Ak0r9j28iD1Jf8o621We0F64D6o5HcXEhzT8bJxWEb0wWGWM3tHDCvWVMaHM6mZqUHJ5dOpFO_BoS3CADBQ/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOndSkRqQpmADTlDiFjSbV2r5xDv3AxL3unX9_o3AESP9ygPzCxjQPMIuo7Tf6dbKw-Bs27R4Zl4NU7WePx3uOVYOm3YC59-WGeGWFlMWNeR4l7dTUeC1HZZ78OZx5PWGr_8vmiPmliFcu/s640/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOndSkRqQpmADTlDiFjSbV2r5xDv3AxL3unX9_o3AESP9ygPzCxjQPMIuo7Tf6dbKw-Bs27R4Zl4NU7WePx3uOVYOm3YC59-WGeGWFlMWNeR4l7dTUeC1HZZ78OZx5PWGr_8vmiPmliFcu/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxGc5yL0ncRIKKL0eqmKi7IX16V7secCvPWFMfgr8XKXc1slNyhJEdtHX7B51GqmLSHZIzRyGeVXTlvvKoVug5i0LoDEH4goUK7rxExeNz4E-bqB9BXawhExHhW0Vw1YwcqZC4E87EVmz/s640/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxGc5yL0ncRIKKL0eqmKi7IX16V7secCvPWFMfgr8XKXc1slNyhJEdtHX7B51GqmLSHZIzRyGeVXTlvvKoVug5i0LoDEH4goUK7rxExeNz4E-bqB9BXawhExHhW0Vw1YwcqZC4E87EVmz/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzbZWPlb7tceJP7sKJi5zXqKPuRF4M3Ex6tX_1KykIjn_caH0zaFLFwgxnzh9TwyJgGAdipjumPsixjdqCOuNyyGER0tCbFM8jlwHjjn7Op_u77P8BBp5HshJkw4ouCzb6c8eoSsmLoy7/s640/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzbZWPlb7tceJP7sKJi5zXqKPuRF4M3Ex6tX_1KykIjn_caH0zaFLFwgxnzh9TwyJgGAdipjumPsixjdqCOuNyyGER0tCbFM8jlwHjjn7Op_u77P8BBp5HshJkw4ouCzb6c8eoSsmLoy7/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9g4FauHdwapzJrvvM2u3lpxu0AKjTEmxA1p1EmN22IP-nF1-xIPRECSws16Ni4JkhFgjckacZ3TBj-JaJfD79r9p6PxRAQ3zZJbwuwO2A81I1c_idYERm4_JmqpInXlNiEs684DTXUXS/s640/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9g4FauHdwapzJrvvM2u3lpxu0AKjTEmxA1p1EmN22IP-nF1-xIPRECSws16Ni4JkhFgjckacZ3TBj-JaJfD79r9p6PxRAQ3zZJbwuwO2A81I1c_idYERm4_JmqpInXlNiEs684DTXUXS/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Had a nice trip with my buddy Roger on his tandem. We stopped at Whitlenge tea rooms for breakfast which is always a winner. Cycled to and from Roger's on my wonderful GerTruDe bike.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj40qH_tPzPd6CGg_GTm01q-MLkLKpENtrjscMUgdpa8fqR4KVREqhbogsN-3AbxFBC2zp4kLSSA266xyOvtflrVwxGaLRG3JtNvFkTIjMVRfPvA90WLg_k_ZXSZ6hbX7oSydqt6WV_AyC/s640/a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj40qH_tPzPd6CGg_GTm01q-MLkLKpENtrjscMUgdpa8fqR4KVREqhbogsN-3AbxFBC2zp4kLSSA266xyOvtflrVwxGaLRG3JtNvFkTIjMVRfPvA90WLg_k_ZXSZ6hbX7oSydqt6WV_AyC/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>SJ painted the spare room and converted into an office for me. Strange colour but am not complaining. Check out the 4 screen set up!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIRkYvDIW1-IqMPOKuGApNSRzF5JyMdl_xks3hbOv_lpzT5UMQavM7xpRS8Vpsi3NTO6puc9LSGs6ezkjH35mX4wWbatjWNZziC9deM2UU28jt7wLx9TE6L7PuLapwFp4aiviTNVmudMK/s640/b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIRkYvDIW1-IqMPOKuGApNSRzF5JyMdl_xks3hbOv_lpzT5UMQavM7xpRS8Vpsi3NTO6puc9LSGs6ezkjH35mX4wWbatjWNZziC9deM2UU28jt7wLx9TE6L7PuLapwFp4aiviTNVmudMK/s320/b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>My sister, her dogs, daughter and a whole bunch of Iranians rocked up. This turned out to be a rather jolly day. We walked the fields, climbed trees and ate much food at my ma and pa's.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5Mkehe2O94Ho_JcxGU4X0sEsvKIRUVI4w4TUW5hQovzG0351OuB_8Jf7WLBN5n-vu2aVzPhqITIwyq9wqYeJ-GjYIUkT_Cw9WVd9aCE0eoJDDSZP3B4PMco-k0q3PN3u-M562m-8rDEA/s960/F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="960" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5Mkehe2O94Ho_JcxGU4X0sEsvKIRUVI4w4TUW5hQovzG0351OuB_8Jf7WLBN5n-vu2aVzPhqITIwyq9wqYeJ-GjYIUkT_Cw9WVd9aCE0eoJDDSZP3B4PMco-k0q3PN3u-M562m-8rDEA/s320/F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKjeeLrhWREY5kmGpHBT0ReqG5ViEbUkN7kZX__dT2XNZKzB9tcugUPCoSkGFftJt0mcEXkpGo2_M3o5HP8Cpydf915TmSnb4e_6f_AkJW_qk7kwoucFdyqDRfMEDxTHGm3BarXoj2-hR/s960/E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKjeeLrhWREY5kmGpHBT0ReqG5ViEbUkN7kZX__dT2XNZKzB9tcugUPCoSkGFftJt0mcEXkpGo2_M3o5HP8Cpydf915TmSnb4e_6f_AkJW_qk7kwoucFdyqDRfMEDxTHGm3BarXoj2-hR/s320/E.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2N0o4iqnYySHZN-jh-lPiRdI1Vi-9n1_Sm22PHPFzJvbrO0CEnAdqSG5sxPT5VtM5lYT47CgdNeh5RqfH_tQ7FyEt0VR0uoHVfarMPWFGdm2tZLhCfmFyee0VO5KpZr43NTMWD_dlnVe/s960/D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2N0o4iqnYySHZN-jh-lPiRdI1Vi-9n1_Sm22PHPFzJvbrO0CEnAdqSG5sxPT5VtM5lYT47CgdNeh5RqfH_tQ7FyEt0VR0uoHVfarMPWFGdm2tZLhCfmFyee0VO5KpZr43NTMWD_dlnVe/s320/D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPdE6W5DuwjnyPb_OQ2ffn-R58NJ1Eoi48iECBBVmDT3MXD5Vw2dyKEcA0XkWqJ_Clwootsv02KN8lJL4ZtXvTrG-LdbDaJZa3LQWFOFkyNf1F0wlxCok2yDrVZgC-Jp3mzHf3NHJpros/s916/C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPdE6W5DuwjnyPb_OQ2ffn-R58NJ1Eoi48iECBBVmDT3MXD5Vw2dyKEcA0XkWqJ_Clwootsv02KN8lJL4ZtXvTrG-LdbDaJZa3LQWFOFkyNf1F0wlxCok2yDrVZgC-Jp3mzHf3NHJpros/s320/C.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><p></p><p>For so long, I had wanted to run 10k. This finally happened on a day during October. Ernie and I, ran from Black Hill car park to the Beacon (Malvern Hills) and back. An almost perfect 10k. It was a real windy, wet and misty day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM09a0bDJoRA17AiwB5GiWkqMJDYBqwXbn9n50RetmZGG70nep8fLqg3JMs0Zxv2TMESBVkzDfBnxkmbTVr55UpWzzOHDD6zA-mrM4xG5Jh2Lu1gAJs4jDmUGSeEsPiczWPzrSS5UCz7xu/s640/b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM09a0bDJoRA17AiwB5GiWkqMJDYBqwXbn9n50RetmZGG70nep8fLqg3JMs0Zxv2TMESBVkzDfBnxkmbTVr55UpWzzOHDD6zA-mrM4xG5Jh2Lu1gAJs4jDmUGSeEsPiczWPzrSS5UCz7xu/s320/b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunTRP4h06n_w0jNI330bUn3q-Rq8BeUbu98au1x6FglA2GFvRz-IrETRS72l_ZmeUwH6ctej9MrRq_m8IieigoGaaiWBM83ajt9lUpFMwpw4WhltUxHhaX5IEoHgC8LHLjVtDPIMvAjb0/s640/a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunTRP4h06n_w0jNI330bUn3q-Rq8BeUbu98au1x6FglA2GFvRz-IrETRS72l_ZmeUwH6ctej9MrRq_m8IieigoGaaiWBM83ajt9lUpFMwpw4WhltUxHhaX5IEoHgC8LHLjVtDPIMvAjb0/s320/a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>October was also the month for a new bike. I've now gotten a MTB at last. This bike is affectionately known as 'B'. This is the first bike with 27.5 wheels and a dropper post that I have ever owned! Debut ride was a quick blast with Ron which ended at the Lark. (We met a guy who was an e-bike MTB fan and he suggested we join him soon for MTB adventure).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVglAA8JbFquBN8Xf4es7E9XIj83cELoeurj2MWshIEHgDhqZY0kRwwYJXf1fjtfpw3_5dvvkTu-FIGQ4OAABzv5KIjGic1X8lSRS3Wc4IC8FVGpJQSeIDBShTadC6NlX5uN6mbZgyWSC/s640/0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVglAA8JbFquBN8Xf4es7E9XIj83cELoeurj2MWshIEHgDhqZY0kRwwYJXf1fjtfpw3_5dvvkTu-FIGQ4OAABzv5KIjGic1X8lSRS3Wc4IC8FVGpJQSeIDBShTadC6NlX5uN6mbZgyWSC/s320/0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>October finished with an awesome audax event entitled 'The Ticking Tortoise'. I completed this event with cousin Andy and Ron. So awesome was this adventure, it has it's own blog post!</p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-38375118878495190362021-10-31T13:32:00.000-07:002021-10-31T13:32:03.895-07:00The Ticking Tortoise / Changing seasons doorstep challenge<h4 class="null" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vgthcKDNyrKqf4JvnweN5vkcKjPbY8VVXJNAjXV81AricSwOytTm_52y3b4hdOIUTOpcnlZzQl0xJ-SPEWQUU5fpsKWWNMNJxfJa-Sd-ft346Q6Vp0gPktVBG08uIkn5QNQPwaR3Su1f/s1024/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vgthcKDNyrKqf4JvnweN5vkcKjPbY8VVXJNAjXV81AricSwOytTm_52y3b4hdOIUTOpcnlZzQl0xJ-SPEWQUU5fpsKWWNMNJxfJa-Sd-ft346Q6Vp0gPktVBG08uIkn5QNQPwaR3Su1f/s320/8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Ticking Tortoise was a brand new audax event for 2021 - A 166km Severn Bridge Series event with around 1300 metres climbing. I completed this adventure with Ron and Andy P. All in all, a great day out.</span></span><br /><br /><span face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Taking inspiration from the route Mike Lane rode 'week in week out' on his way to becoming the 6 Times National Audax Champion, Oliver Iles designed a winter friendly flat route out to the Somerset Levels and back for riders to enjoy.<br /><br />Starting from Warmley Waiting Rooms Cafe which opened early for us, we rode a section of the Bristol to Bath Cycle path before a low traffic route through Bristol to get us back onto National Cycle Routes to the flat Clevedon Moors. Next over to the Strawberry Line in Yatton where we cycled the cycle path till Sandford.<br /><br />Next we headed onto the Somerset Levels, passing the 18C Ashton Windmill for a well earned Coffee break at the Cycle Friendly Sweets Tea Rooms. To be honest, we had no real break as the queue's were menace. I spent a few mins tightening the bolts to my loose bottle cage.<br /><br />Next we headed towards Glastonbury for fine views of the Tor before heading back over the Somerset Levels ready for a short but tough climb up to Snake Lane maxing out at 20%.<br /> <br />More riding on the levels before a final short climb with great views back over the Somerset Levels where we took advantage of the FREE Hot Dog stand that was ready for us. I was champion here and devoured 3 double hot dogs!<br /><br />Then return home from Bleadon onwards was mostly on the same roads out.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4Zi_yPOeVM_onxDkLvaYD_vudCKtf1xgAo4EbNlN9vB7zHr39Z2hl9xPtEiyXZ9ZXD23hWPkRajwfbMlXybTooNeQzSaWwwdmt8e_FC5jywc_jXD4stfG4ovd4zubkG7KNXu2GXVxI7E/s1024/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4Zi_yPOeVM_onxDkLvaYD_vudCKtf1xgAo4EbNlN9vB7zHr39Z2hl9xPtEiyXZ9ZXD23hWPkRajwfbMlXybTooNeQzSaWwwdmt8e_FC5jywc_jXD4stfG4ovd4zubkG7KNXu2GXVxI7E/s320/1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7s1BMkTNsxc1bRazwIn1lfQj2Jf4ahaT-mr6C2De-cJkii-6Gs5KILQ9umtq0DVUcO6uha6PPIyBhrkMOhsrtFTuM6wsfkzzMs0mQ7EdEtyStpy8QuTaWKeGlYU9mnnaSPB6MwhUhjDB/s640/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7s1BMkTNsxc1bRazwIn1lfQj2Jf4ahaT-mr6C2De-cJkii-6Gs5KILQ9umtq0DVUcO6uha6PPIyBhrkMOhsrtFTuM6wsfkzzMs0mQ7EdEtyStpy8QuTaWKeGlYU9mnnaSPB6MwhUhjDB/s320/2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span></h4><div><span face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I also used this ride to complete Gravel Union's Changing Seasons Doorstep Challenge. The pictures and the brevet card that I needed to complete are pictured below. My route was added to Komoot and the pictures to Instagram.</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHe5lWgk28x3o8Mabvdf-1DD81WVn-rSIIvFzpl3HFCl_p2xSjF1RNb4EdTl0oEcnPYFT55opOONWmNIYwE__0_4pV7S7BM10spPshoGwGUxsbVzNYQ-Ox3NMd7tNL__aTwcZvYB7eU6v/s320/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHe5lWgk28x3o8Mabvdf-1DD81WVn-rSIIvFzpl3HFCl_p2xSjF1RNb4EdTl0oEcnPYFT55opOONWmNIYwE__0_4pV7S7BM10spPshoGwGUxsbVzNYQ-Ox3NMd7tNL__aTwcZvYB7eU6v/s0/7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg279ek8l9OZJmtpt8l5A-2pJY90u0FW7nLyVw1bzEpIz7OqwzNLm8LQOf5Dnot1STX-gjbBac7yjDV6dxZfUh46fCRaWxUftl74kXv5WsQNrr1vD0WM2Q0yd1S4eL-bnKsHBMfSneDS-fC/s320/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg279ek8l9OZJmtpt8l5A-2pJY90u0FW7nLyVw1bzEpIz7OqwzNLm8LQOf5Dnot1STX-gjbBac7yjDV6dxZfUh46fCRaWxUftl74kXv5WsQNrr1vD0WM2Q0yd1S4eL-bnKsHBMfSneDS-fC/s0/6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VwKGfzxoY8qkyugcktfJeIccSY0CEp0VH6Ws53r-XYsrXFuegVdeZJiHpMZTzf-h90UPGGsnP17pQ8Muq61HGn9gnizixN3i_uGVlO5UFczBY7j4hIicm8l936SuZxDrwtuA_KE2hjIV/s1024/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VwKGfzxoY8qkyugcktfJeIccSY0CEp0VH6Ws53r-XYsrXFuegVdeZJiHpMZTzf-h90UPGGsnP17pQ8Muq61HGn9gnizixN3i_uGVlO5UFczBY7j4hIicm8l936SuZxDrwtuA_KE2hjIV/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oLk3AwJHyse79WuyrUcGSCb3DKhar1upPbdZ5llQfiaDSCCovC46Z4I1b3EZvDTxv49Q9RfQ0H5z2PspQeNKzPTovFwUe6OFjxQD1TFlVIEvL4dLCxErrZzr_dR9_tUqlfCA9Rcyj2sw/s320/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oLk3AwJHyse79WuyrUcGSCb3DKhar1upPbdZ5llQfiaDSCCovC46Z4I1b3EZvDTxv49Q9RfQ0H5z2PspQeNKzPTovFwUe6OFjxQD1TFlVIEvL4dLCxErrZzr_dR9_tUqlfCA9Rcyj2sw/s0/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfmblxhLua7LmL9TVl9ke7VWpgeFl-5-qFNoWKU17uYdeQKIKC1ax-DBzz7FdM3XmfDzWgHv_Y4zxaJtMDSUuw7cz2opHFkJW67GstUt66xMKoiz8htJNcknp68tnlG1uKjZyNBWgCTu1/s320/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfmblxhLua7LmL9TVl9ke7VWpgeFl-5-qFNoWKU17uYdeQKIKC1ax-DBzz7FdM3XmfDzWgHv_Y4zxaJtMDSUuw7cz2opHFkJW67GstUt66xMKoiz8htJNcknp68tnlG1uKjZyNBWgCTu1/s0/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYKfQDp1VJenWx57mp1XovVmHHVtaq8OUMtPt7RckinwJ2KMEsSq0KrGUh5-mhM5I27gh6PaCh7ofTQ5CNrZfbKo0VsLQBlXTjVHCp5tQ75MmVr7dgwahH8xIkininlJbKy5y8LEtJDb3/s320/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYKfQDp1VJenWx57mp1XovVmHHVtaq8OUMtPt7RckinwJ2KMEsSq0KrGUh5-mhM5I27gh6PaCh7ofTQ5CNrZfbKo0VsLQBlXTjVHCp5tQ75MmVr7dgwahH8xIkininlJbKy5y8LEtJDb3/s0/2.jpg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel_fwZP2S3cRl983z8VxNokoD8f26rdZOVdd-V3Tfc2EQnOmEjHbEvFugWTj-1hb64IfKIxhS4daCgEJS0_hYsm_-ePEnvW8nVUDapjSHlGta3I8qYkvZ9SLUBNXg9Q4E2WvR9Rv9wqIP/s1056/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel_fwZP2S3cRl983z8VxNokoD8f26rdZOVdd-V3Tfc2EQnOmEjHbEvFugWTj-1hb64IfKIxhS4daCgEJS0_hYsm_-ePEnvW8nVUDapjSHlGta3I8qYkvZ9SLUBNXg9Q4E2WvR9Rv9wqIP/s320/1.jpg" width="227" /></a></div></div><br /><br /></span></div>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-67998997823939492062021-09-19T00:16:00.001-07:002021-09-19T00:16:28.366-07:00AV Park Run 18 September 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUgYgiI94ey0WWqlBFVFbA4Z9dcTtaXhlGjNripTBxMZRSSa8drHIl0s1UET4Gpl-3V27yPDTFCwZkB7RX9BqO47lfsTtIzVo9wDRZ83m15kTvlmVH5f_vD9imwknDyQVolAF95YOEwJu/s900/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="900" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUgYgiI94ey0WWqlBFVFbA4Z9dcTtaXhlGjNripTBxMZRSSa8drHIl0s1UET4Gpl-3V27yPDTFCwZkB7RX9BqO47lfsTtIzVo9wDRZ83m15kTvlmVH5f_vD9imwknDyQVolAF95YOEwJu/w400-h185/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Completed another Park Run, this one was my second run of the 'new' Arrow Valley course. Had a quicker time than my previous run and finished with a time of 25:06. My position was 54/240. I'm weighing 93+ kg. Hopefully, if I lose weight, I met get a quicker time. Will I ever beat my PB of 21:39?</div><br /><p></p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-79357104741391591452021-09-19T00:08:00.004-07:002021-09-19T00:08:53.241-07:00Wild Camp September 2021<p>September 2021 saw another wild camp. Just like the previous month, this was another camp in Crow Woods. Jamie and Rob Dog accompanied me on this adventure. Unlike last month, the Phantom was elsewhere. This was Jamie's first hammock camp. Just like me very first attempt to hang, Jamie fell out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfG2IsCLcWaCDFL0ryWzBYOOvqJJR6KxdQvrcnoLMumDMNY7QLZcl7tHTOPp1x50xy3RiTY1fMEx3VGKVz1vMYWD_UFBR9C_X8E2bVs3mxzYGVJcvftCqu_VCzkzdmGGzwKu1WHKNIsVB/s1440/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfG2IsCLcWaCDFL0ryWzBYOOvqJJR6KxdQvrcnoLMumDMNY7QLZcl7tHTOPp1x50xy3RiTY1fMEx3VGKVz1vMYWD_UFBR9C_X8E2bVs3mxzYGVJcvftCqu_VCzkzdmGGzwKu1WHKNIsVB/w400-h400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm sure it won't be the last time I say it but hammock camping really is the way to go. Kit is lighter and less bulky. Most importantly of all, hammock camping is super comfy. Rob Dog said he wasn't convinced, however, he had never tried the delights.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4AzvQOe8WY2PLPdn2xyN2qUGSLrImts3RvdkWlmIcmzUnHgQMK4oMLb7KYtyFp8MSExB7V4xxZgFdT0CJS8OFlyCMA-bEotALRBvbILqpPm9IGz3953syw-mCBRcYWcmVrukkWA5TUdx/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4AzvQOe8WY2PLPdn2xyN2qUGSLrImts3RvdkWlmIcmzUnHgQMK4oMLb7KYtyFp8MSExB7V4xxZgFdT0CJS8OFlyCMA-bEotALRBvbILqpPm9IGz3953syw-mCBRcYWcmVrukkWA5TUdx/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As per usual, we had much cooked food to eat. Much alcohol to wash foods down. A good nights sleep, followed by breakfast.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38oZVcZaNdB-prH5qeZUrk7zQroOxZ0hNILVmsawe9R1TnoICQuB07vPkufI17cUUzs7Q25pjLVCTs_PDdXf5de7dGcxTzXiqiS5RfjrrxoPOQizT5rSFpRKyoYfFVMmiBki3isQ5FvGK/s1440/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38oZVcZaNdB-prH5qeZUrk7zQroOxZ0hNILVmsawe9R1TnoICQuB07vPkufI17cUUzs7Q25pjLVCTs_PDdXf5de7dGcxTzXiqiS5RfjrrxoPOQizT5rSFpRKyoYfFVMmiBki3isQ5FvGK/w400-h400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We had a little rain in the night. No a real menace, I covered myself with my tarp and stayed dry. I think I should figure out how to string up a hammock tarp and maybe my hammock trips could continue into the winter months.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXnHI5ZNUIcoEturfgXU8BzvHBBcoKpYtvyfsNuw88PkJfdBukv0Ng0b2iimeBKgPNwJHPW8RGmqAht5C8bd2vO6FWer1VX__gTl_rZGKEO9dbsU2zyinYmytrOxT4M7LpdwHYfB6R_a0/s1440/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXnHI5ZNUIcoEturfgXU8BzvHBBcoKpYtvyfsNuw88PkJfdBukv0Ng0b2iimeBKgPNwJHPW8RGmqAht5C8bd2vO6FWer1VX__gTl_rZGKEO9dbsU2zyinYmytrOxT4M7LpdwHYfB6R_a0/w400-h400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Before we cleared camp, Jamie encouraged Rob Dog to have a hang in his hammock. Rob Dog was surprised how comfy it felt and ordered a set up a couple of hours later! Am hoping for a multiple hammock hanging trip next month.<br /><p></p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-9179405393620682592021-08-21T07:00:00.001-07:002021-08-21T09:14:00.006-07:00Arrow Valley ParkRun 21 August 2021<p>Wowser, 21 August 21 saw me complete a ParkRun for the first time in donkeys. The Covid Pandemic had put a big stop to such runs taking place. Despite Covid hanging around, ParkRun's have resumed. Arrow Valley ParkRun was different in a number of ways but mostly because it was a brand new course.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hKDvdLtgBAjViPoyRax0t7ZHObLD94bd5ux154OPUfZ0Zb5KgrOL_E9qjv01pMynMu3T3gQSqMbKmD6MVkg05HfrUl5oklyAXtDahwv9StFBYzzPFwz4n0uly_Va3BKsEFQNGBmG8oUk/s700/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hKDvdLtgBAjViPoyRax0t7ZHObLD94bd5ux154OPUfZ0Zb5KgrOL_E9qjv01pMynMu3T3gQSqMbKmD6MVkg05HfrUl5oklyAXtDahwv9StFBYzzPFwz4n0uly_Va3BKsEFQNGBmG8oUk/w343-h400/1.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><p></p><p>Certainly not at my fittest for this run. On the contrary, I think I'm at my fattest - weighing a hefty 93.5kg! Pleased I completed this run in under 30 minutes - my official time was 26:18 and I finished 49/180. This was my 35th ParkRun to date. Will I ever beat my PB of 21:39?!<br /></p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-56886618008909273212021-08-08T08:00:00.003-07:002021-08-08T08:10:08.260-07:00Hanging Around (Wild Camp August 2021)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a fine summer's day in August, I finally managed to camp using a hammock for the very first time. I'd only owned a hammock for a couple of weeks but was unable to try it out last week due to the heavy rain. I got my hammock from Alpkit, it was in the sale for £33. I figured this wasn't too large a sum to try it out. My buddy Ron agreed and purchased himself 2 of the same model. Our hammocks are the Mora model.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x0VprDQz8WrO7pmTpffaqGYFCU_IRlaE8ml3U5mhWUxaR8lLmMYuI2AdS7FbJXG1EeniJkdG2kPdTW4JQEcrZc7nP1Q-CvNbzMDQKqdDcqzYDT6MQiXtc_pBcOarJbICl5OdDj2NIj_F/s2048/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x0VprDQz8WrO7pmTpffaqGYFCU_IRlaE8ml3U5mhWUxaR8lLmMYuI2AdS7FbJXG1EeniJkdG2kPdTW4JQEcrZc7nP1Q-CvNbzMDQKqdDcqzYDT6MQiXtc_pBcOarJbICl5OdDj2NIj_F/w400-h300/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our camp was only about 2.5k from home. We pitched in the 'Crow Woods'. Just prior to entering these woods was saw 8 or 9 nine deer cross our path - they were the really pretty spotted variety.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BkBnxDFbOnMvE3wVI3YtYjUzC8oYcXDy6_n3j7XuB7ZqV3vFX9c_VtpkjqxQTtI_eEtSrOjniOStKvBZ1ojrr5tKyrRh1Tzzf29s1CXTKdGNmVd5fsBx-dQP3FxKXw-9WS-oL_MdBjsY/s2048/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BkBnxDFbOnMvE3wVI3YtYjUzC8oYcXDy6_n3j7XuB7ZqV3vFX9c_VtpkjqxQTtI_eEtSrOjniOStKvBZ1ojrr5tKyrRh1Tzzf29s1CXTKdGNmVd5fsBx-dQP3FxKXw-9WS-oL_MdBjsY/w400-h300/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I'd never hung a hammock before, however, it posed no real problem at all. I had read that the tree's should be about 6 paces apart - the trees I chose were. Advised to hang the tree straps about head height - did just that. Finally, followed suggestions of hanging the straps at a 30 degree angle - I presume it was pretty close. It looked great, wow, beginners luck maybe.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQuzEwtEcqyoxYU5KWd956VEyiU2GRimFWWoWGzoHGr3_tKUkoyyAG67Z7REAgnGdhax-AQ57CLdGdyOw1cawQSCDPXqsNwi2ZGa3zjzzBdKzNfl-HtiE01eO7oSUY4Wno8KoMZpv61wK/s2048/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQuzEwtEcqyoxYU5KWd956VEyiU2GRimFWWoWGzoHGr3_tKUkoyyAG67Z7REAgnGdhax-AQ57CLdGdyOw1cawQSCDPXqsNwi2ZGa3zjzzBdKzNfl-HtiE01eO7oSUY4Wno8KoMZpv61wK/w400-h300/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With the hammocks set up quick time, Ron set about cooking. Sausage, burger and bacon was on the menu. Whilst Ron cooked, I hung around. I loved the way I could just sit in my hammock and keep off the ground. It felt weird initially whilst lying down as the gentle swing made me feel a bit sea-sick. I fell out a couple of times too. After only minutes, the weirdness and sick feeling passed and it didn't prove difficult to stay in the hammock. (I had no further falls).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReNjGvY_ekJbN8XvGUWxvqiYjwaQVg6qzgut2fIbmmAqCuIm6nTE-23FBaAvjzD13QGbgBfPryrUkr8mHJWnPxz4yz4p5vSmWXWlurljbLBgQt69iCvUl0Z-Onox0twc7zhs4TIGCCfEm/s2048/5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReNjGvY_ekJbN8XvGUWxvqiYjwaQVg6qzgut2fIbmmAqCuIm6nTE-23FBaAvjzD13QGbgBfPryrUkr8mHJWnPxz4yz4p5vSmWXWlurljbLBgQt69iCvUl0Z-Onox0twc7zhs4TIGCCfEm/w400-h300/5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Supper was delicious. Always tastes better when someone else cooks. Damn, blast, I forgot my whisky. Not to worry, Ron's brandy washed it down. I'm sure it wasn't the alcohol, but I saw an owl fly right through our camp.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAW3wKnYvtVlCPpOz8rbyZHlkL97XsRpMlXZA5JXwbdDKYe9IxMYpVUnkCSsNBK08Z5GjHd4XcLOp2U-a8IQ1r19od0c8cObRJJeISrqvmm1lhWoE5Lkqq3A2awNDg1IZpVWplGW9xmKZ/s2048/4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAW3wKnYvtVlCPpOz8rbyZHlkL97XsRpMlXZA5JXwbdDKYe9IxMYpVUnkCSsNBK08Z5GjHd4XcLOp2U-a8IQ1r19od0c8cObRJJeISrqvmm1lhWoE5Lkqq3A2awNDg1IZpVWplGW9xmKZ/w300-h400/4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Amazing how living things were the supports to hanging our hammocks. Thanks trees. I'm not sure if our food was off because I was having some rather strange thoughts.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNst7Mbl5fhLQ3cmk3BdVzghcs1U6OLqRvsiqSECRRjh-PYZXNbbvdc-gbZhyE6CMWFeQrWY0BngbVVlLsQ1YQRn9sYESfZopgIk1bedH-A5RJb09a59cxIOjz_r_6Hcd5eMnQZ-_kHCm/s1024/SHQD9947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNst7Mbl5fhLQ3cmk3BdVzghcs1U6OLqRvsiqSECRRjh-PYZXNbbvdc-gbZhyE6CMWFeQrWY0BngbVVlLsQ1YQRn9sYESfZopgIk1bedH-A5RJb09a59cxIOjz_r_6Hcd5eMnQZ-_kHCm/w300-h400/SHQD9947.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>It wasn't a cold night and we didn't need a fire for warmth. Fire's are awesome to watch though and the light they provide is great. Ron was the fire-starter!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-xP0eqqXIK-DY0bU8jJLZRrUskOfWY8lVPjw69XBs0UwOi_kj6ExSAcljlag2_ewNeiNQ4kNdCmdpepIjM07dPKolJ1bUXLv1Xcgnmw64cE_688SvBoIqlAjgSHEnnMmLxg7zwiPgufb/s1024/VNGP0828.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-xP0eqqXIK-DY0bU8jJLZRrUskOfWY8lVPjw69XBs0UwOi_kj6ExSAcljlag2_ewNeiNQ4kNdCmdpepIjM07dPKolJ1bUXLv1Xcgnmw64cE_688SvBoIqlAjgSHEnnMmLxg7zwiPgufb/w300-h400/VNGP0828.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>We watched the fire until it was time to sleep. I think I fell asleep before the fire was out. I placed my sleeping mat in my sleeping bag which appeared to keep everything in place.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9USqJOpzNUdmhVCMMcAv4yyKMfl6ZbDXFosM_gk3LchAGHxs6W4oJ2qQP7aRgM1xyt3fE0iPy1VKdINiiBLAT684CkZaLQ4fswlsqh9iCpeAcbvmu-jsuoSsKtncfQf5lJ7UDsJi9eZc/s2048/IMG_3505.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9USqJOpzNUdmhVCMMcAv4yyKMfl6ZbDXFosM_gk3LchAGHxs6W4oJ2qQP7aRgM1xyt3fE0iPy1VKdINiiBLAT684CkZaLQ4fswlsqh9iCpeAcbvmu-jsuoSsKtncfQf5lJ7UDsJi9eZc/w300-h400/IMG_3505.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I'd read that it's advisable to sleep diagonally in a hammock. This sounded tricky and difficult to understand, however, once on the hammock it made complete sense and was a relatively easy thing to do. The hammock was comfy, it really was. I didn't use a pillow and don't think I needed to - all the same though, I'd like to take a pillow another time and see if it improves further.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht88ozX1eLpsOX7AFD1Jdmn8ILpb5tSKULYYS8yB82qrQd-iKBPj_jBZOOsTjJsXgBCA4uiNdGyguhav5RqPgS5uN91zy7RPNVDUDHwShrj5birHjtmnI2dkq1a_dPq7QZr7foR2H5H02d/s2048/IMG_3504.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht88ozX1eLpsOX7AFD1Jdmn8ILpb5tSKULYYS8yB82qrQd-iKBPj_jBZOOsTjJsXgBCA4uiNdGyguhav5RqPgS5uN91zy7RPNVDUDHwShrj5birHjtmnI2dkq1a_dPq7QZr7foR2H5H02d/w300-h400/IMG_3504.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Slept relatively well. I did awake a couple of times - once just before midnight and again around 4 a.m. Both times I needed to pee. I think my quality of sleep was great. When on the ground, I tend to wake lots but just turn around and quickly drop off again. I'm pretty sure, I must have slept on my back in the hammock. Had no problem regulating my temperature but do think this type of camping is suited to the summer months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj8uu_LEkQyPKcT3q2PdG0XWMtuxN3n5SLsyUkaOhx51Gvo_pbsqQccO4_iAWxFWV3SIsZ6gb3y4PYtoRvX89NbLPQRecF8ufXHkhrZoelWRoD52EQPz0tSI_Hz_UbMcOPilWYJcSaoJP/s1024/DMOT9012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj8uu_LEkQyPKcT3q2PdG0XWMtuxN3n5SLsyUkaOhx51Gvo_pbsqQccO4_iAWxFWV3SIsZ6gb3y4PYtoRvX89NbLPQRecF8ufXHkhrZoelWRoD52EQPz0tSI_Hz_UbMcOPilWYJcSaoJP/w300-h400/DMOT9012.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>We got up about 6 a.m. and Ron kindly made some tea. Great seeing the sun rise. We had to leave early as we both had busy days planned. Hammocks so easy to set up and put away. As we went our way (back home) we spotted more deer - adult with young, which was fab.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBzUe_ZppUNH1cUzbFu4TFpK_MxeDjzCnjzkJWb2b54WlbRECGootCEpPtr9c2IojZrvevyaxN47jw24uwmJoBpEgtcqtOXy2IYoIbAyRJTCrnf41nV8pe3u5ND-7F2d1_5WJ_o5M34Qx/s966/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="966" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBzUe_ZppUNH1cUzbFu4TFpK_MxeDjzCnjzkJWb2b54WlbRECGootCEpPtr9c2IojZrvevyaxN47jw24uwmJoBpEgtcqtOXy2IYoIbAyRJTCrnf41nV8pe3u5ND-7F2d1_5WJ_o5M34Qx/w400-h281/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My plans for this new day was to take my family to meet our buddy's Chris and Isabel and see their newly born off-spring. Felix and Willow were just great delights. What a fantastic weekend.<br />Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-29830335414708008822021-07-17T04:03:00.003-07:002021-07-17T04:03:32.502-07:00Rapha Compass Challenge (Birmingham)<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCjpkds_z_wqOR0TOHO2dFvGGEWA3QiR-NiXX2zvTvpgSSRJzuOYueCrxIZ9KkgaNY3i1cDpcW9EdeOFohwrWoXRLcDUGkzd02l-JGtvYFhyeYvfmUH3NSOxUXMj5ORNUC5kuCnaMPVrJ/s750/5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="750" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCjpkds_z_wqOR0TOHO2dFvGGEWA3QiR-NiXX2zvTvpgSSRJzuOYueCrxIZ9KkgaNY3i1cDpcW9EdeOFohwrWoXRLcDUGkzd02l-JGtvYFhyeYvfmUH3NSOxUXMj5ORNUC5kuCnaMPVrJ/w400-h393/5.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">On July 12th 2021, I completed the Rapha Compass Challenge (Birmingham). Rapha challenged cyclists to access four locations across Birmingham and it's surroundings. They allocated a week for this to be completed, however kudos was to be given to those who visited all sites in the same day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCSWYjonubLq19U0L9-F4mBh8nZTamvPzz47BtvzBQlt2h0p-Y01AqlxypxLZxUN4p_tMn-xyQIR8e_44L_nph95UH8LU4No0cufcktjGDJPgLM8SBc_3HWrAdBxa5FXweysno6QqBYSN/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCSWYjonubLq19U0L9-F4mBh8nZTamvPzz47BtvzBQlt2h0p-Y01AqlxypxLZxUN4p_tMn-xyQIR8e_44L_nph95UH8LU4No0cufcktjGDJPgLM8SBc_3HWrAdBxa5FXweysno6QqBYSN/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rapha set no particular route so I planned my own using Ride with GPS and followed a circular, clock-wise direction to reach all 4 sites. I started from my home and headed to the first point - Walton Hill.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_ypbNgFcQJYGAPlk8a6L3kOFX5CtOdpERsaxLObVh8MYXLMeIqmMCmXaksTZmIfBth5pg3Y73TI-R4RnopR9qOidzwoHQSifSxat7boNFCwLAQiC6zCVq2a1ptUynlbGKyufzrw3_1VD/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_ypbNgFcQJYGAPlk8a6L3kOFX5CtOdpERsaxLObVh8MYXLMeIqmMCmXaksTZmIfBth5pg3Y73TI-R4RnopR9qOidzwoHQSifSxat7boNFCwLAQiC6zCVq2a1ptUynlbGKyufzrw3_1VD/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Walton Hill aka Waltonburg to Rapha is (they say) 'the closest the Black Country gets to Flanders' and suggest casting your mind back to the Classics when you attempt the cobbled climb. The biggest tackle was getting to the climb as the roads leading to it were closed. In the end I scrambled over the barriers and made my way to the climb anyhow. Whilst climbing the climb, panting and puffing, it wasn't the classics I was thinking of. Instead I was thinking thinking of times I had cycled this hill before with my buddies and better yet, remembered wild camping here with Jamie!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIG8sMfjZHRbXWDU6CjCaM_n7GBxwuzN6gN3UVB0Fr88tFo619OekE69mfSJlZPygGtdGbxJ1HN68NVWXF534qMZeNPMTPFNqYFzh3IXIVt9u4nTwctvvxaGQi48SH-MidrGV534mIoHc/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIG8sMfjZHRbXWDU6CjCaM_n7GBxwuzN6gN3UVB0Fr88tFo619OekE69mfSJlZPygGtdGbxJ1HN68NVWXF534qMZeNPMTPFNqYFzh3IXIVt9u4nTwctvvxaGQi48SH-MidrGV534mIoHc/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The next point to head for was Meriden to visit the National Cyclists Memorial. Much tow path was followed to get to my destination and also the lovely cycle lanes in Birmingham. These cycles did not exist when I used to commute to the centre of Birmingham about 10 years ago. Truly excellent cycle lanes, right in the centre of the busy main road and led from Selly Oak all the way into Town. Awesome.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiZhdVLvQrcmjNTUBmpJJ4x_pwi9MM6aCV6c23XEbvdsQo2S8KQbphbPZbZ-BaZaj3F16bpnlMQsnAqzI-y9B4aHQNujR1JA4fiCOx2EBKAnuWes5cQxVnvmlHrRIdZHQ8WbnKXrSQAqg/s2048/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiZhdVLvQrcmjNTUBmpJJ4x_pwi9MM6aCV6c23XEbvdsQo2S8KQbphbPZbZ-BaZaj3F16bpnlMQsnAqzI-y9B4aHQNujR1JA4fiCOx2EBKAnuWes5cQxVnvmlHrRIdZHQ8WbnKXrSQAqg/w300-h400/4.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">What wasn't so awesome was another road closure forcing me to re-route. Signs warned CCTV was in operation. (I attempted to cycle through anyway, however, was stopped by an official who said 'I have strict instruction not to let anyone through'). No bother, it only added a few extra k and soon enough I was at the wonderful memorial. The memorial honoured the cycling divisions of WW1.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gNH-6Pn2jiJvC7Tvz6WPtcNyF2nIDh3PFBxgJExI6g53XTK53PnoS4FFL6SyCKQcQVPNt1I7I4WCM1z-m52OFv9JnsseelYLWE1VPpgtws7S3Hx5YFedvI5arKNPpkDu6EZxqNXbwNC3/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gNH-6Pn2jiJvC7Tvz6WPtcNyF2nIDh3PFBxgJExI6g53XTK53PnoS4FFL6SyCKQcQVPNt1I7I4WCM1z-m52OFv9JnsseelYLWE1VPpgtws7S3Hx5YFedvI5arKNPpkDu6EZxqNXbwNC3/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSGjxRScgsiyKfRstqPWPiRuMP8efHFyH5uGaszc3wn3qL4iTSjnP6tmrIVydO_beoIJ9TBSyAwpWWEqhyphenhyphenDoX9mAAc7_zXbQzfspdVULZAYDHeUXqB_lHbqf1b_9oNhG5TtkeoCqM8Vwz/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSGjxRScgsiyKfRstqPWPiRuMP8efHFyH5uGaszc3wn3qL4iTSjnP6tmrIVydO_beoIJ9TBSyAwpWWEqhyphenhyphenDoX9mAAc7_zXbQzfspdVULZAYDHeUXqB_lHbqf1b_9oNhG5TtkeoCqM8Vwz/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stopped here for a bite of lunch (though it was only really breakfast time). CO-OP had kindly put out a table and chairs for it's customers - was only right to oblige. I had a vegan sandwich, being the plan-based cyclist that I am.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq6v-b9MirHzbP2TCTZh5t7nkbeuLlyyHpO9tfObgsFTsQnRcf64e4AYVm20lFS6MEOBJwG2kS9JyPZz5WctZ9Aru2UrWaZOF8lL_T4z1JRF145Gn-SR3Ph2sG8q92fOkJn5T8eAWcbEH/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1091" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq6v-b9MirHzbP2TCTZh5t7nkbeuLlyyHpO9tfObgsFTsQnRcf64e4AYVm20lFS6MEOBJwG2kS9JyPZz5WctZ9Aru2UrWaZOF8lL_T4z1JRF145Gn-SR3Ph2sG8q92fOkJn5T8eAWcbEH/w213-h400/3.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next stop wasn't part of the Rapha challenge. I had a quick stop in Hatton to say 'Hi' to my mate Flair and drink some more fluids. How convenient this stop was part of the route.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHiBQUcQ54GeMhMHb8tfMdtpln2jVJYshn8cSznxHn3MbRRuiEfl4Nb_J8BBkVjSG1LZuVU2P9gtzSCFYUPeCOPo7DPelyrwiRRm2da-hHlEeHrYlnxq0TeNQCspNviKkN5974nXH4Xex/s2048/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1282" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHiBQUcQ54GeMhMHb8tfMdtpln2jVJYshn8cSznxHn3MbRRuiEfl4Nb_J8BBkVjSG1LZuVU2P9gtzSCFYUPeCOPo7DPelyrwiRRm2da-hHlEeHrYlnxq0TeNQCspNviKkN5974nXH4Xex/w250-h400/4.jpg" width="250" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not long after leaving Flair's, I was thinking about my dad. I passed a street named the 'John Taylor Way'. This way didn't lead to my dad, it led to the foot of the next site. This site was the Castle at Edge Hill. I had to reach this castle by navigating a steep off-road ascent. This climb up offered fantastic views of Warwickshire. The castle was actually an esoteric pub and I had a wonderful descent down some tarmac road after reaching the summit.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWJL-oTHK_PcjskYLY3hNuZkvxxx3WBrI877iOUngidXGpMS1nJa9UfEGRNwv4Au6eKXl5oWUOSu0khNRL8I8v3CxrBVWiZ9G3OPnvOPMwoVb5K3ZwhDk-Y3Z6NLx23fLdLTAeLl0A1Ph/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWJL-oTHK_PcjskYLY3hNuZkvxxx3WBrI877iOUngidXGpMS1nJa9UfEGRNwv4Au6eKXl5oWUOSu0khNRL8I8v3CxrBVWiZ9G3OPnvOPMwoVb5K3ZwhDk-Y3Z6NLx23fLdLTAeLl0A1Ph/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO9mt6aBGbAJS30LIXeCvcIWboyk7tudD44Cbj4IvD-QlXN7HtwPlHNsF1wcjF8f0o1kiDpyL2xyqS7mHBGppcGiQ1QpN2qcRYrLQxLftrbELboZKD76amC-dde-nhqasPgQiwr7xC6bd/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1198" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO9mt6aBGbAJS30LIXeCvcIWboyk7tudD44Cbj4IvD-QlXN7HtwPlHNsF1wcjF8f0o1kiDpyL2xyqS7mHBGppcGiQ1QpN2qcRYrLQxLftrbELboZKD76amC-dde-nhqasPgQiwr7xC6bd/w234-h400/1.jpg" width="234" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next and last site headed for was Shakespeare's Birthplace. Some consider him to be one of the World's greatest writers. A famous line I remember is 'out, scab'. Ha! Due to Covid, I'm sure, Stratford-Upon-Avon didn't have it's streets filled with foreign visitors.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjieZZBePLupPpPLpYScWIee7mosLsxVdStGdeXJSylP9i76SeLYHidw574LUAHgBL7U97eIZmQgjejOXPM_BsOQFd3GzOcIM8CjCu9afMFLoAuLU5glYrg3DJK0j3KMYcXYTge4F71OT/s2048/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjieZZBePLupPpPLpYScWIee7mosLsxVdStGdeXJSylP9i76SeLYHidw574LUAHgBL7U97eIZmQgjejOXPM_BsOQFd3GzOcIM8CjCu9afMFLoAuLU5glYrg3DJK0j3KMYcXYTge4F71OT/w400-h201/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q41dmgdKqsa3gKq-Qfho06SL7MiXzzMFBdIlXhJxuDx7bHN9aqHhsyZYPu4gkytTMbRl4g2nc6hSIVLrvk7i2bOW9frcD_ML8nrWC9uWCOiAury2Hf75Dxp4wj3WPoWMjYxC2abFeRKA/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q41dmgdKqsa3gKq-Qfho06SL7MiXzzMFBdIlXhJxuDx7bHN9aqHhsyZYPu4gkytTMbRl4g2nc6hSIVLrvk7i2bOW9frcD_ML8nrWC9uWCOiAury2Hf75Dxp4wj3WPoWMjYxC2abFeRKA/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Final destination was home. All in, a great route with some lovely cycle lanes and tow path. Completed my challenge in a day covering a 163k and </span>climbing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> about 1,400m. If I cycle to the Gorilla Cafe I will be awarded with some print and I'm in the draw to win some top prizes.</span></p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-558771635845734002021-07-15T10:57:00.002-07:002021-07-15T11:47:53.266-07:00aDvEnTuRe sQuAd complete King Alfred's Way<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJjXVxByJGgoicwpcl0petn6vCfQ4BtYgisR0Bnw1lXLELUdZNetRqCrfvr4yvC_z3rl8kpjqWmjlP5NFrvtjRRthMlIUmHsfTLKVhppnH2FG9bwMMI0Bzak-WLblL8QwtrlqKRUt0dEg/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJjXVxByJGgoicwpcl0petn6vCfQ4BtYgisR0Bnw1lXLELUdZNetRqCrfvr4yvC_z3rl8kpjqWmjlP5NFrvtjRRthMlIUmHsfTLKVhppnH2FG9bwMMI0Bzak-WLblL8QwtrlqKRUt0dEg/w400-h400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>King Alfred's
Way is a 350km circular off-road adventure route through many years of history,
connecting some of England’s most iconic sites. Sounds kinda awesome doesn’t
it?! Jamie and I (aka aDvEnTuReSqUaD) thought so and decided to cycle this
route, only we made it a 408k adventure.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSO8OoUHZv-YfiFvX0mNHIR5qI0hhiFl50rMFztGhgFX11xnj1Ag7pO9CdGRBhJYE_4_xxUVHUBTwRjq4KIS1CvM2n-HudAvFMle4wDBqePsm9E3eYZtKfdsNPPy_9GT6fs-X8z_UQRro6/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSO8OoUHZv-YfiFvX0mNHIR5qI0hhiFl50rMFztGhgFX11xnj1Ag7pO9CdGRBhJYE_4_xxUVHUBTwRjq4KIS1CvM2n-HudAvFMle4wDBqePsm9E3eYZtKfdsNPPy_9GT6fs-X8z_UQRro6/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We started our
adventure in Newbury (my sisters address – cheers Jane) on a Tuesday afternoon
and headed straight to the Ridgeway. The route to the Ridgeway was menace and
we had some heavy main road and associated traffic to navigate. We feared for our lives and were
determined to take a more laney way back to the start on our return.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw06ixu7EJILXGpvwvHqqBv_MNrFHMYLZixQ9q-I85dipIV72LEvDFivAES-KrATPTD32mtQfobf0MXZJZsf3IEYbfSYz5rtVWma6XEIs_5goPnJ73eWm3ds_1Rhm2lUXbGa6N7NbHM1r/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw06ixu7EJILXGpvwvHqqBv_MNrFHMYLZixQ9q-I85dipIV72LEvDFivAES-KrATPTD32mtQfobf0MXZJZsf3IEYbfSYz5rtVWma6XEIs_5goPnJ73eWm3ds_1Rhm2lUXbGa6N7NbHM1r/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Once on the Ridgeway we really felt like we had escaped from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The single track was awesome. Our gravel adventure had really began. We cycled much varied terrain today and throughout our adventure as a whole. We cycled gravel, chalk, mud, tarmac, woodland and thick gloopy mud too at times. We had some tough ascents and some ring-twitching bumpy descents too. On occasions we would cycle familiar tracks (including much of the Oxduro) and then there be dragons. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ti5NbBGpQemm4Ku8A6kw4UycM0Ov7gJalhPW56Z3UhVdeHlp4aHm4R_D17Aq9bOfC8g1GQh95Kz-94VZ4s4xfGSCX5f1q5IXEwOLKsQr_z5N3xWC8zfo8D_s20ARoEQyV3Id7ZuwNYHh/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ti5NbBGpQemm4Ku8A6kw4UycM0Ov7gJalhPW56Z3UhVdeHlp4aHm4R_D17Aq9bOfC8g1GQh95Kz-94VZ4s4xfGSCX5f1q5IXEwOLKsQr_z5N3xWC8zfo8D_s20ARoEQyV3Id7ZuwNYHh/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We stopped at the same cafe I stopped at during the Oxduro, only this time I had a tuna sandwich instead of an ice cream. Leaving the cafe we hit new wooded tracks. It wasn't long before menace struck. Menace came in the form of a couple of punctures for me. These punctures happened at non-ideal times - when the rain was drizzling and when my bike was covered in mud and gloop. Am pleased to report I did not puncture again on our whole trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghj3wmWj7QG5zYVjBjXSff_0YbdKxLhyphenhyphenpbMF4poPB_ySJV5mZG-blOLW0FtQow7weO5HWpb9dkyTJTZ0tTdHdI_DlqjL7JSnXFiH-2lFOg8PESEGRaH5xHk4za_zv5oNIzuRYBHKkJ2ojI/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghj3wmWj7QG5zYVjBjXSff_0YbdKxLhyphenhyphenpbMF4poPB_ySJV5mZG-blOLW0FtQow7weO5HWpb9dkyTJTZ0tTdHdI_DlqjL7JSnXFiH-2lFOg8PESEGRaH5xHk4za_zv5oNIzuRYBHKkJ2ojI/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Around 8pm we figured we should look for somewhere suitable to camp. It didn't take long for us to find an awesome spot. A small iron gate opened to a big wide field with an area of trees just inviting us to camp. We were set up in no time at all and what a beautiful spot this was.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4DjDHarMyFQhI-FSXQPwDVLChu3iYsa-RzmRWMeG29Zl1-ej1IgWUmylWax5UHssInTryyTna6FF-9aeFIobLcaTBgBwt_K6qKtHcODFAftJcF0NsCh3AG3vcCYF2rcEDmb426R2RbXD/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4DjDHarMyFQhI-FSXQPwDVLChu3iYsa-RzmRWMeG29Zl1-ej1IgWUmylWax5UHssInTryyTna6FF-9aeFIobLcaTBgBwt_K6qKtHcODFAftJcF0NsCh3AG3vcCYF2rcEDmb426R2RbXD/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvXAMmlrDNQ8PVlUgTv8oxkyZOv67XCisPqy8tl3PQsjYx_9bJQaobx6FoA4m1-tuDRMidQGDgQbaT30yRjSOMaJf0e_YCPecSuHuNID8k-a5eSH3D0wYQsAdGBWBhvWMjQYqh_E8o5Tv/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvXAMmlrDNQ8PVlUgTv8oxkyZOv67XCisPqy8tl3PQsjYx_9bJQaobx6FoA4m1-tuDRMidQGDgQbaT30yRjSOMaJf0e_YCPecSuHuNID8k-a5eSH3D0wYQsAdGBWBhvWMjQYqh_E8o5Tv/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">For supper I cooked some noodles and hap a nip of Jamies gin (I think it was gin). Slept great. Cooked some lovely porridge for breakfast. Wow, day 2 was here already!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6-zv3PAPJl5k91p9A9SbO5V4qBgy2SAqIex-53jIrwCYDana4CgblRnBJog1MhZe6yYaZGNxauVP4jdsBe-bAU_Chsupjnf2TDVzFKLIe0JPgSjI1Tdd2rUCsWccmVouOQU1882QYBGE/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="2048" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6-zv3PAPJl5k91p9A9SbO5V4qBgy2SAqIex-53jIrwCYDana4CgblRnBJog1MhZe6yYaZGNxauVP4jdsBe-bAU_Chsupjnf2TDVzFKLIe0JPgSjI1Tdd2rUCsWccmVouOQU1882QYBGE/w400-h295/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Day 2 was super tough and our pace was slow. We picked up an interesting trail quite early on - the Christmas Pie trail no less!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK2wI1ZBVNcyHPhkcV701IJed_ltJaE6iWvc0N4KrC-OD4ehk1vQHB2LtyA9np_aIr9T6z06iMoIsPnjCeJuVUWmNTeJ0nFmimVzySIQZ77lz1Kh012W4g-WwG-lmT8w92n5Kvx2hkfo2/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1429" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK2wI1ZBVNcyHPhkcV701IJed_ltJaE6iWvc0N4KrC-OD4ehk1vQHB2LtyA9np_aIr9T6z06iMoIsPnjCeJuVUWmNTeJ0nFmimVzySIQZ77lz1Kh012W4g-WwG-lmT8w92n5Kvx2hkfo2/w279-h400/2.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Wasn't long before we made a point of stopping and taking a moment to appreciate some history. We took a picture of Thors Lee in Thursley. I think this was historic, though I have no details to share. Devilish fun was had in the Devil's Punchbowl.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioK_FNj6WtligQ3A0g3yazb_aTOKItELeHQf8zb_UmjlwHxm61chXj5k7AbLKnJyfsQiB94em_J58hrHrt2bTUKXjq_JtR_upud8ovea41NoPqCeShsPLnxFyVWnfQo5qhCdAOWVTzV90F/s1067/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="811" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioK_FNj6WtligQ3A0g3yazb_aTOKItELeHQf8zb_UmjlwHxm61chXj5k7AbLKnJyfsQiB94em_J58hrHrt2bTUKXjq_JtR_upud8ovea41NoPqCeShsPLnxFyVWnfQo5qhCdAOWVTzV90F/w304-h400/1.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">From Thursley we continued to cycle and hit a place called Bramshott Chase. We saw a whole bunch of MOD signs on these trails and instructed to keep away from any military debris as it could blow us to bits. Trails around here were lovely and much occupied by young DOE folk. We saw the army training too - both foot soldiers and machines flying in the air.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUaLi7JkYi8M0Hu6aiA74m2GDF6QRLwFyQW0LY8dsQm2e5vYGhlsG3-mV_cfio7BR7HXvbjrFmaFQok91WCFffzWd2R8QpREwY5OTocmCMr2z7ZGmxTZUesMNcOCdDxRAq04dC5iczWk6/s2726/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2726" data-original-width="1153" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUaLi7JkYi8M0Hu6aiA74m2GDF6QRLwFyQW0LY8dsQm2e5vYGhlsG3-mV_cfio7BR7HXvbjrFmaFQok91WCFffzWd2R8QpREwY5OTocmCMr2z7ZGmxTZUesMNcOCdDxRAq04dC5iczWk6/w169-h400/2.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">During this day, we cycled the North Downs Way and a little later the South Downs Way! I knew this because we saw signs at often times informing we were on the North or South Downs Way (SDW). Furthermore, both Jamie and I had cycled the SDW before on an adventure with Chris and Toll. Chris had created this earlier adventure and dubbed it 'Southern Comfort' if I remember correctly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqmF2lJojUIbtrCybdUcZVfyBm9TFBRpmfdhnvz3gByMrfrzmxZL8U-ovOvIgH_X44cHo8NVpHgCeu0f9INMWzT19LcNCcK0NKMXUePIXJ4oYHvDWCLeowcnWu_5cTzGd4U47FqaIRKqf/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqmF2lJojUIbtrCybdUcZVfyBm9TFBRpmfdhnvz3gByMrfrzmxZL8U-ovOvIgH_X44cHo8NVpHgCeu0f9INMWzT19LcNCcK0NKMXUePIXJ4oYHvDWCLeowcnWu_5cTzGd4U47FqaIRKqf/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The SDW was a trifle menace on this occasion as we cycled it in reverse manner to last time. It was still incredibly beautiful, however, the super descent I was looking forward to was a challenging ascent. I just had to stop and take a picture where Chris and I bombed straight into the barb wire fence during the Southern Comfort (or was it discomfort) adventure!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-t0rmr7lMDEVuyNjCZ3NsDxGQ4UJC02UIw_rDoBDxSJBPJYukHD6Qg4yJ5rVo27-6QM5VjMz38cE7_MxTOEJa0CmAOqDI6h7rsT6hSQEwWsUxy5PlghGYFwQ54irINEvdX8RwnSP5P0v/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-t0rmr7lMDEVuyNjCZ3NsDxGQ4UJC02UIw_rDoBDxSJBPJYukHD6Qg4yJ5rVo27-6QM5VjMz38cE7_MxTOEJa0CmAOqDI6h7rsT6hSQEwWsUxy5PlghGYFwQ54irINEvdX8RwnSP5P0v/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crash site!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Around Southampton we stopped for a well deserved pub meal and a couple of pints. It was starting to get late and we knew darkness would soon follow. I asked the pub staff if we could camp in the pub garden if we carried on drinking - was informed they wouldn't mind but the locals would. We we advised we'd find plenty of camp options once we climbed to the top of the next mammoth hill that stood in our way. Hmm. We started climbing this hill, however, we were tired and sapped of energy. We were unlikely to make it to the top this night! Without further ado, we just spotted the next mediocre potential camp spot and swiftly set up camp. Jamie was zipped up in no time. The further menace happened. I spotted rats (rodents at least) in the bushes next to us. Argh! Creepy eyes and rat action! We were so tired we figured to stay put regardless. I made sure I zipped up my bivvy and took my jacket inside the bivvy as it had treats in the pockets. It took a while to drop off...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0HBzw3-2o5WyIK4EyzScUVgcGg_-aMCKoGUhXA1kay8xeKiix-NWNlmrXih5AR20EWYiIpsQHkBqTDYXQnmUS3eNa545F73myU8axXQPOK82pPKktfxw27GQ2cjoXZMy1LNDEqaZ70fL/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0HBzw3-2o5WyIK4EyzScUVgcGg_-aMCKoGUhXA1kay8xeKiix-NWNlmrXih5AR20EWYiIpsQHkBqTDYXQnmUS3eNa545F73myU8axXQPOK82pPKktfxw27GQ2cjoXZMy1LNDEqaZ70fL/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Pleased to report we both slept pretty well considering. Better yet, the rats hadn't eaten the bike tyres or nibbled at our bivvy's. Greater still was the awesome view we were granted. So nice to cook some porridge and absorb the beauty of where we were and what we could see.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIts-qTN9cpnSpU5oGMMpbOxqUr8wVuEJWXEBO7XafovLPuKIrvbCcD943SOKTGnZHkfXpJZilPovGU-n3ktOWilY6NdVURaTri6StU7V5ExyA5U9O2B4NL0tASEXPP8n5fE5dI8-4ff6c/s2048/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIts-qTN9cpnSpU5oGMMpbOxqUr8wVuEJWXEBO7XafovLPuKIrvbCcD943SOKTGnZHkfXpJZilPovGU-n3ktOWilY6NdVURaTri6StU7V5ExyA5U9O2B4NL0tASEXPP8n5fE5dI8-4ff6c/w400-h300/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">No rats in the morning. Instead we saw a lovely butterfly. Later in the adventure was saw many birds of prey included an owl that flew about in the daylight hours.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOya_n4wa6IstbWeSsSyTV7DF0CsMDxo8l2Z2tHQNdjZY_OOO9deORIAuHPMLgRXRKvAUxvV2DW0k5a_qP7qymkxs8clA6lz4r0Pz7c2iM2Jt88P5Gr7qRSlL9mZ2ntXJ8pVMpmv1Xs4D/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOya_n4wa6IstbWeSsSyTV7DF0CsMDxo8l2Z2tHQNdjZY_OOO9deORIAuHPMLgRXRKvAUxvV2DW0k5a_qP7qymkxs8clA6lz4r0Pz7c2iM2Jt88P5Gr7qRSlL9mZ2ntXJ8pVMpmv1Xs4D/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As we continued our cycle we hit Salisbury. We didn't know this immediately as visibility was real poor. We cycled several km's of single-track that was seriously over grown. Was this really a well cycled route? Didn't feel like any bikes had been down here for months. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4BNu2GxeeYbB4OJHDNf6NnSoFnLtqP8IX13aNLkdCGLOIRDqv8TX3RSSb3C4PldhC_QfpleLmplzM-NlFPxA9oQ83zroPrOm2REQgsXJ5fdD70ir8iKRvkQvvMdsiDT_E2RlTaDCyfXe/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4BNu2GxeeYbB4OJHDNf6NnSoFnLtqP8IX13aNLkdCGLOIRDqv8TX3RSSb3C4PldhC_QfpleLmplzM-NlFPxA9oQ83zroPrOm2REQgsXJ5fdD70ir8iKRvkQvvMdsiDT_E2RlTaDCyfXe/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Soon, it was clear where we were. The road sign gave it away. And, then we saw the famous stones. (The stones were long and far away).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtrQ7W3c6PqYnZmenmYJPwf5MhaRts23ZhGYybfQ2ebt7Y12-QHv74HD5806_g33sBrek8yStfClLAt2m_7yfi7va7hL5l-Tv9R2fBCTa8koj-iAC02N1z3KZKAi-SueOhAUOU9g3Wzuh/s638/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="638" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtrQ7W3c6PqYnZmenmYJPwf5MhaRts23ZhGYybfQ2ebt7Y12-QHv74HD5806_g33sBrek8yStfClLAt2m_7yfi7va7hL5l-Tv9R2fBCTa8koj-iAC02N1z3KZKAi-SueOhAUOU9g3Wzuh/w400-h240/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrh4XJXntoDDHFxijLwwR4biJOaSCa6pggMvkKSqQLW7vHx1dZiSHR775a9ZqVf5lAyfgObepHeAieB1LUsqp4FHAKKZvlgXnp1N5-htKLnrN9T-Dil6-Q9YrftMXISwnjFNAy3e3nf_k/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="2048" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrh4XJXntoDDHFxijLwwR4biJOaSCa6pggMvkKSqQLW7vHx1dZiSHR775a9ZqVf5lAyfgObepHeAieB1LUsqp4FHAKKZvlgXnp1N5-htKLnrN9T-Dil6-Q9YrftMXISwnjFNAy3e3nf_k/w400-h263/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This was a lovely part of the world. The MOD certainly thought so too - they were flying chinook's in the airspace and tanks were covering the landmass. I'm not sure I'd seen so many tanks all grouped together in one go before.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEfmeAewv_e3e9bKzzuyHTjUgOnwi_PrG7ICA9SNx0Dn-pkQoJLSPO6tokReHXqShykafFdvzM5JMP6SI71HGcNJ0xBCrd5dax3EfX6cMNFDqpp7lmsBZfFXhuzaETpRmsqE1vVfk5wWe/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1748" data-original-width="2048" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEfmeAewv_e3e9bKzzuyHTjUgOnwi_PrG7ICA9SNx0Dn-pkQoJLSPO6tokReHXqShykafFdvzM5JMP6SI71HGcNJ0xBCrd5dax3EfX6cMNFDqpp7lmsBZfFXhuzaETpRmsqE1vVfk5wWe/w400-h341/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm not sure if we should have been cycling the roads we were. Signs were instructing to stay away if red flags were flying and red flags were flying. These red flags indicated tanks were on the loose.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPDUdR5S6x2cyVeXt-mLw4_U8iceVNPU3XOKFPlWvZnVCO5gjOLGqp7JG8WnYMPbfYAGHzAvEMgOcnahH2ppswUjGWr7UDNHVQuQxfTTEKNdFFq-gg-M3l8S2w66UzkUoVVFxwKs5SZkg/s1281/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1281" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPDUdR5S6x2cyVeXt-mLw4_U8iceVNPU3XOKFPlWvZnVCO5gjOLGqp7JG8WnYMPbfYAGHzAvEMgOcnahH2ppswUjGWr7UDNHVQuQxfTTEKNdFFq-gg-M3l8S2w66UzkUoVVFxwKs5SZkg/w400-h351/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Leaving Salisbury we hit Devizes and saw an awesome chalk white horse on the hillside and wide-open views of rolling country side. Wasn't sure which white horse this was at the time and am still not sure now. It's facing the wrong way to be the Devizes white horse. From my Google search it looks like it could be the 'Bagging Cherhill White Horse'.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG5YX_9Xeixiev48PCH50CRESdchhyphenhyphen14cKebtcSW0A2vmdc64ZyDr9O4z8lnnDHddOw9uMhFG5TogFWEUtK2r7F24kcV6LU3QUhPSFGBrM9ooUQVWOwiKMh4HSejoBznToSak_G5sgj3o/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG5YX_9Xeixiev48PCH50CRESdchhyphenhyphen14cKebtcSW0A2vmdc64ZyDr9O4z8lnnDHddOw9uMhFG5TogFWEUtK2r7F24kcV6LU3QUhPSFGBrM9ooUQVWOwiKMh4HSejoBznToSak_G5sgj3o/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvhmU-zPwrlvpwndq59eBSxXqbdXQA4h0lg85kNAI9khWE0sVW5wzHDx52FUQ7J6CB1zSWjFfG3uJ1Gfr3uxxtB4mR5aoNG2MwCKFgRWwyJjjRiEJ0R7wS3pwobb6I-1W156rdfYA7p9O/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvhmU-zPwrlvpwndq59eBSxXqbdXQA4h0lg85kNAI9khWE0sVW5wzHDx52FUQ7J6CB1zSWjFfG3uJ1Gfr3uxxtB4mR5aoNG2MwCKFgRWwyJjjRiEJ0R7wS3pwobb6I-1W156rdfYA7p9O/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6Z-YC31Ofek_Hxd4S_G-UXrm4vFnVeFmarUXtk59pH9uj_vyNHBZdpeEXArTXpFZaxfa91M6bgjBWYeKzv0S22jzb49PsvqB-_Z7LjU3htFuxtlTOLKZGrd9kiLHQRy0hWpGZ6RnwKDN/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6Z-YC31Ofek_Hxd4S_G-UXrm4vFnVeFmarUXtk59pH9uj_vyNHBZdpeEXArTXpFZaxfa91M6bgjBWYeKzv0S22jzb49PsvqB-_Z7LjU3htFuxtlTOLKZGrd9kiLHQRy0hWpGZ6RnwKDN/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After the white horse spotting, we thought we spotted another awesome pre-historic <i>thing</i>. This was the long barrow at All Cannings. This was a truly awesome long barrow and I was quite blown away. That was until I realized it was built in 2014. Hardly historic, let alone pre-historic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkB2l8Oav9ZcJIwT0dKyJfA2e2yHHKPsAsFeVunMvl0nPUZo8Ho7D0SBcXxwryprXkHQrktYIQrJCa5OZAEJbVs_0KfOUw7nvo9Z1Cex95DR0OLem4kw1VuKb7NKaMUw8zdyOAZAOWcgh/s2048/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkB2l8Oav9ZcJIwT0dKyJfA2e2yHHKPsAsFeVunMvl0nPUZo8Ho7D0SBcXxwryprXkHQrktYIQrJCa5OZAEJbVs_0KfOUw7nvo9Z1Cex95DR0OLem4kw1VuKb7NKaMUw8zdyOAZAOWcgh/w400-h300/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXSvR8nsxwRDWmKKfBqUrExntuR41x0DazDdHc-AIMzpC1klZjwxoNcq3zHXh3XzCAT2ohkUe2UaC6FSVtggha6YheSuHtVyB1uaWAUTD2FWRKKhApeTlG87p5624GoeUUkMty7hjYRL1/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXSvR8nsxwRDWmKKfBqUrExntuR41x0DazDdHc-AIMzpC1klZjwxoNcq3zHXh3XzCAT2ohkUe2UaC6FSVtggha6YheSuHtVyB1uaWAUTD2FWRKKhApeTlG87p5624GoeUUkMty7hjYRL1/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3JsTInloABMvWLqhs3X-tGo8OQFka3e39h7XXPzClyInDOPM3KRZSeRB9tRz4Y51Wudb9I7SHjQuc3kJLIL1o4rzu3X_Dibgnrzjfxpd-6PP1kfPit9aXj1WhMnfkXZ7pNgFIRYYMqTj/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3JsTInloABMvWLqhs3X-tGo8OQFka3e39h7XXPzClyInDOPM3KRZSeRB9tRz4Y51Wudb9I7SHjQuc3kJLIL1o4rzu3X_Dibgnrzjfxpd-6PP1kfPit9aXj1WhMnfkXZ7pNgFIRYYMqTj/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7Ew-neKrUWD6sYpgDLD-aGbuQLmdhq6FiJQZ-UGOoFZyspIw7uFjHZe3nPHCtgyaEZ_Qjd_3gdgdDf9Chz3Inbr4GxP1-HcVaw9nn5gDavaYhDTqJeao2sunOgLf_fRTAV2u6lrFilVr/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7Ew-neKrUWD6sYpgDLD-aGbuQLmdhq6FiJQZ-UGOoFZyspIw7uFjHZe3nPHCtgyaEZ_Qjd_3gdgdDf9Chz3Inbr4GxP1-HcVaw9nn5gDavaYhDTqJeao2sunOgLf_fRTAV2u6lrFilVr/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Shortly after long barrow visit, I think we found what I consider to be the best bivvy camp spot ever! We cycled about half-way up a big hill that had the most amazing view of the Salisbury Plains (I think). We found a big chalk cut-out in the side of this hill which provided protection from the wind. My photo's don't do this spot justice but it really was truly awesome. Once settled down to sleep, we were aroused by the thundering sound of a chinook overhead. I opened my bivvy and thought Jamie and I were in for an interesting death - the chinook looked like it was only metres above us and I thought we were the landing pad!</o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvIkgohecoFtQ8Bfjb7BR7PiwiYPGUQLcmq87a5yyUXkmasFXyG7YR-keOdMl5ElhmupXg_zoFS8QvUUPNwAdgFy0zOGWzeksbXUz69g-76_Gv2xac5eNS4W_nu2bcQ61q9WsE8SGqPKF/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvIkgohecoFtQ8Bfjb7BR7PiwiYPGUQLcmq87a5yyUXkmasFXyG7YR-keOdMl5ElhmupXg_zoFS8QvUUPNwAdgFy0zOGWzeksbXUz69g-76_Gv2xac5eNS4W_nu2bcQ61q9WsE8SGqPKF/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoKnqjjKehPcUhWtKE2SHSyRN2iSJWvoQyV2vPDBCDu1VPuW9RQ3p5dqQZNHP42tI35OgHGw-JYXR2yYm2fJz05JTY82H_MLJV33f5SBxqPeTabuCgE2yNFIaf6AR5VU0AyOIe0gFVReI/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoKnqjjKehPcUhWtKE2SHSyRN2iSJWvoQyV2vPDBCDu1VPuW9RQ3p5dqQZNHP42tI35OgHGw-JYXR2yYm2fJz05JTY82H_MLJV33f5SBxqPeTabuCgE2yNFIaf6AR5VU0AyOIe0gFVReI/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGo8Ggh3to0b0_EJhL78nV7I_Ff3bTAQeZ4ka27oKoosE53-mUU6U1d13EMiBVT1fpOriTJtoKbiTPz0X3wW1o2eiCqwBkHD0UAaKXT2koC2j26drwQOzpZvP8zmpGje9xNGvpSJW2XoX/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGo8Ggh3to0b0_EJhL78nV7I_Ff3bTAQeZ4ka27oKoosE53-mUU6U1d13EMiBVT1fpOriTJtoKbiTPz0X3wW1o2eiCqwBkHD0UAaKXT2koC2j26drwQOzpZvP8zmpGje9xNGvpSJW2XoX/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We didn't have a perfect sunrise in the morning, instead it was real hazy. It was still incredibly beautiful though. No starts came out during the night either. Was awesome to think about the adventure we had had thus far over a 'myti mug' of porridge.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8seCTVrknOEJnqoktA14QLW4FkxFWdd1q4jNLgpuZwvM1piSGT2F1AlkGVic66NGEE1xKz1SbsZ-SgeSLbXwIqeud5GwtJVFrLWF-2xDkXXX4wEZdS2CRSp6rSD65SxJqIQN3Va_6rhe/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8seCTVrknOEJnqoktA14QLW4FkxFWdd1q4jNLgpuZwvM1piSGT2F1AlkGVic66NGEE1xKz1SbsZ-SgeSLbXwIqeud5GwtJVFrLWF-2xDkXXX4wEZdS2CRSp6rSD65SxJqIQN3Va_6rhe/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam and Eve standing stones</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">On leaving our awesome camp spot I expected a big, big climb. Surprisingly, a massive climb did not follow just a gentle ascent and then we turned off onto several km's off single-track. After no time at all we were heading to Wiltshire. When we camped last night, little did we know Avebury was only about 10k away. The first wonderful sight was saw in Avebury (Marlborough in actual fact) were the awesome standing Adam and Eve stones.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF5VSDnmk-7Luggx5_wLHH524GCXXvJ-FbF2sb8duUwGuE8GjtzHs1ARtjYba9Pq2lnhgpXs-5xnK-GdpB1GxdEl64IJzdnuRdbzDveeboKz4h0Mz8x1SvkJ5vIssg4Z8m7hMmLaz8cGu/s2048/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF5VSDnmk-7Luggx5_wLHH524GCXXvJ-FbF2sb8duUwGuE8GjtzHs1ARtjYba9Pq2lnhgpXs-5xnK-GdpB1GxdEl64IJzdnuRdbzDveeboKz4h0Mz8x1SvkJ5vIssg4Z8m7hMmLaz8cGu/w400-h300/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvnVw8nd9qF_ho4VDkzrxJYJ-TdETsifki-ra2XubpVGVXN5ZHRP_7-wCaj4CCMYBvvd59JJYW8AVPWMAzz18GaHsr9-Lfzh6i7dVXPA9iwFFAreYTLkXGy3kwqGR7BOhJ5SD-aJVx-og/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvnVw8nd9qF_ho4VDkzrxJYJ-TdETsifki-ra2XubpVGVXN5ZHRP_7-wCaj4CCMYBvvd59JJYW8AVPWMAzz18GaHsr9-Lfzh6i7dVXPA9iwFFAreYTLkXGy3kwqGR7BOhJ5SD-aJVx-og/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD-CzBWdHQQjTdIFdP1Sl83Q7xJhxzLib82mBz8wOhQpqdEk7CFLlyVR8C-GcOcf1B0Oly0Cm-s5RXME-Ks5osCnbYFnQR4sypChwjWQXX1aNWumzSoGGbCgpeRBBvVO5ZckS01AGleeS/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD-CzBWdHQQjTdIFdP1Sl83Q7xJhxzLib82mBz8wOhQpqdEk7CFLlyVR8C-GcOcf1B0Oly0Cm-s5RXME-Ks5osCnbYFnQR4sypChwjWQXX1aNWumzSoGGbCgpeRBBvVO5ZckS01AGleeS/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdyMEs101gWiwbFjJxLqswau-ZqC0QiZdODBLVKft-xZrN9x51772eZkhAYuxsUfGoRSQ45bRC6L9EguBqeDDOTjXkOu61O8jN647XSHvGSlaZV_5NTyaO-9Xw-0XGNNP6ihUEFPwy0hl/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdyMEs101gWiwbFjJxLqswau-ZqC0QiZdODBLVKft-xZrN9x51772eZkhAYuxsUfGoRSQ45bRC6L9EguBqeDDOTjXkOu61O8jN647XSHvGSlaZV_5NTyaO-9Xw-0XGNNP6ihUEFPwy0hl/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Shortly after we saw sights of Silbury Hill (the largest man-made hill in Europe) and then the wonderful Avebury Henge and Stone Circle. We spent a period of time here as it was just magical. As far as I know, this is the only stone cicrcle that has a pub in the centre of it. Shame it was closed...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGpdhIsfcUmTUO6s1v4aVn4lLPyMltJDFEPVJ0eZdJatpEyjNKAXgDts9bfMqhdrvrTtPPKAdn1K63hqm1EhQxTVD_hCVb141aZ6XRAQG0r7raCTTUMRfV8sOz1RIm4WENS_Fj_JCljC3/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGpdhIsfcUmTUO6s1v4aVn4lLPyMltJDFEPVJ0eZdJatpEyjNKAXgDts9bfMqhdrvrTtPPKAdn1K63hqm1EhQxTVD_hCVb141aZ6XRAQG0r7raCTTUMRfV8sOz1RIm4WENS_Fj_JCljC3/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLrmSUoWsDPNz4091TUfo0MOLGtJVPybvBovZ6gJvgl2mUtG8nITeY85i1B8aWtoa2DayL8oVG-zY0Td1jarBMVQYsLKQUCn-7T21lnUz_zfmKwdzBeb3Js0Cqfr4NJSn67fKBUxn3-dd/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLrmSUoWsDPNz4091TUfo0MOLGtJVPybvBovZ6gJvgl2mUtG8nITeY85i1B8aWtoa2DayL8oVG-zY0Td1jarBMVQYsLKQUCn-7T21lnUz_zfmKwdzBeb3Js0Cqfr4NJSn67fKBUxn3-dd/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOx3EgntR7wEgEVnNovdD7Fr1K3SJCaxO7TECDMj8b1zw9owdVcX5Yqzo_75fLiVZite_U3EntRZ3eaAPkWmNrRBrRwr1jC7edFSgJFxeRhDYtd6uLTOCj-3JmVj7Kdwobbdtkp5eK2he/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOx3EgntR7wEgEVnNovdD7Fr1K3SJCaxO7TECDMj8b1zw9owdVcX5Yqzo_75fLiVZite_U3EntRZ3eaAPkWmNrRBrRwr1jC7edFSgJFxeRhDYtd6uLTOCj-3JmVj7Kdwobbdtkp5eK2he/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">So much to see in Avebury, we could have stayed here all day. Amongst the delights were West-Kennett Avenue (a parallel line of standing stones, a big henge and Jamie sat in the 'Devil's Chair'. Aces.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpfQZIeBMCxPs8APv6A1DYz_aPbXt_84y3oLkg8TSxn7nUSWnGr8qCE7j4TzRRLE_bhZIzCxzceR4Dt41eFijy5Sy44azUQjETybyCNtfjHlbTrEIXHF4iI31NVWGU8yg1Nlw55xTr5b-/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpfQZIeBMCxPs8APv6A1DYz_aPbXt_84y3oLkg8TSxn7nUSWnGr8qCE7j4TzRRLE_bhZIzCxzceR4Dt41eFijy5Sy44azUQjETybyCNtfjHlbTrEIXHF4iI31NVWGU8yg1Nlw55xTr5b-/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ff7YthFdygYHkkiil8x_Ja02vC7xyZdzhtr7hCcdC6qwPHZnRVs2su9yiLXFCoZ6Aa7Tj-UKyXBoNecSzf4aOJ6Xl6ZeW7nTYW6MnpZGEP2puLzImazWqWubzMKzxLibyl1z63KB6Yq7/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ff7YthFdygYHkkiil8x_Ja02vC7xyZdzhtr7hCcdC6qwPHZnRVs2su9yiLXFCoZ6Aa7Tj-UKyXBoNecSzf4aOJ6Xl6ZeW7nTYW6MnpZGEP2puLzImazWqWubzMKzxLibyl1z63KB6Yq7/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm sure we'll both visit this site again in the passage of time. It really is wonderful. One of the high-lights of our trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1ANHEqI4Nput13sgIHVaY7pAKnpv441n-J_21sL_sWZue7cZDrHzcDvjpKlDcpz1DI2u5M1QSmeQWfbES-MYCxif4kWyrzk3SEbDYSHg6CS-Q1ILhd9LoRKYQMp9cOSLV_xOTrh6_bTt/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1ANHEqI4Nput13sgIHVaY7pAKnpv441n-J_21sL_sWZue7cZDrHzcDvjpKlDcpz1DI2u5M1QSmeQWfbES-MYCxif4kWyrzk3SEbDYSHg6CS-Q1ILhd9LoRKYQMp9cOSLV_xOTrh6_bTt/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7YPwk7mG8cqgjBy_yzauDqUAABqWqaVMO98NxqNZmOtLkeDpYhIcoMlIrS8xbMbDzpqtQU2VKq1quCHZ5qdnjHkv25dU54sbwyXdM2SuwZ17obEc4D9DChRozBwjm-5GQro_AJ_Uggdr/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7YPwk7mG8cqgjBy_yzauDqUAABqWqaVMO98NxqNZmOtLkeDpYhIcoMlIrS8xbMbDzpqtQU2VKq1quCHZ5qdnjHkv25dU54sbwyXdM2SuwZ17obEc4D9DChRozBwjm-5GQro_AJ_Uggdr/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> Leaving Avebury and we cycled lots of multi-terrain once again, lots of single-track, chalk, woodland, mud and the occasional bog too. After so long we cycled an open hilly area called Barbury Castle Country Park. In this park, I spotted a most unusual thing - a tree covered in snails. Had to stop and take a picture figuring my daughter Melody would just love this. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_7bRHH5lfjsm-ZkJVTjheiljRWlu8jANAOiMkwbPOIwIeYWxRTgI5M7K3H5DUabtqgsmSa5ubxw6PjYYDxrWTEO22-qXhbBLDq38nMYpyMRYoUmtBJLNPA685ADIy4J6TdAnb6BJnY8Z/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_7bRHH5lfjsm-ZkJVTjheiljRWlu8jANAOiMkwbPOIwIeYWxRTgI5M7K3H5DUabtqgsmSa5ubxw6PjYYDxrWTEO22-qXhbBLDq38nMYpyMRYoUmtBJLNPA685ADIy4J6TdAnb6BJnY8Z/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This was a hot day and finding supplies was difficult. Am pleased we managed to find a suitable pub spot in Bishopstone. Much pizza provided very necessary fuel. Supping from my pint glass I spared my niece-in-law a quick thought. Ha!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj97vmg7EUL7NPRnmO7khdFh_sJTYOYIQhSgE-6_xnQT1Nwy1MNJPANikA4VHpE75A4-8yX3cu2bx3hXT-_BZPNKR3x8dBzKxEc9lHkpbpjhrt6H_mCuSMQBNtj_qLPXvDAn4F3nazD5JY/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj97vmg7EUL7NPRnmO7khdFh_sJTYOYIQhSgE-6_xnQT1Nwy1MNJPANikA4VHpE75A4-8yX3cu2bx3hXT-_BZPNKR3x8dBzKxEc9lHkpbpjhrt6H_mCuSMQBNtj_qLPXvDAn4F3nazD5JY/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbXq6eGyH0q-5xe_rjSGO0_cutbQqlbXPHB2euInp_bgBcHkkdvkayIZKXe6-iGOQkSCZuKlwQQ5GLyte0rOGHTOrZnmmk5LqpUWK55ay1NMrKcqZAYjCoZFdy0PQmswGysGrNZ0ITISc/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbXq6eGyH0q-5xe_rjSGO0_cutbQqlbXPHB2euInp_bgBcHkkdvkayIZKXe6-iGOQkSCZuKlwQQ5GLyte0rOGHTOrZnmmk5LqpUWK55ay1NMrKcqZAYjCoZFdy0PQmswGysGrNZ0ITISc/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRcoEtafEHI0FUmRZgn4Mj4dciDq3CrRwa6-VMhyphenhyphendF4KulwyBBBpPtwHgO1nDUeNj-JtErIfC_49dMIq6Q3tmi0lhCIn2iPbAfR4pkztuwAailbfeMyVBV-8bl7IfJsnhSztuK9iSP1iD/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRcoEtafEHI0FUmRZgn4Mj4dciDq3CrRwa6-VMhyphenhyphendF4KulwyBBBpPtwHgO1nDUeNj-JtErIfC_49dMIq6Q3tmi0lhCIn2iPbAfR4pkztuwAailbfeMyVBV-8bl7IfJsnhSztuK9iSP1iD/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv2igFI2-KuwG8XsPVAi13-EZC-2hb3tP049bJmIdo1xcI5q1Uybuhy1gn9eLTZ30LJwDgDXwQysTEIZFfh7Yv783r9pjq9yrkGaMBVuhd0zvS2Uq77wJQFuhey97AtoxgsBCUta3FqPw/s2048/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv2igFI2-KuwG8XsPVAi13-EZC-2hb3tP049bJmIdo1xcI5q1Uybuhy1gn9eLTZ30LJwDgDXwQysTEIZFfh7Yv783r9pjq9yrkGaMBVuhd0zvS2Uq77wJQFuhey97AtoxgsBCUta3FqPw/w300-h400/4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Back on bikes and it wasn't long before we were cycling on the Ridgeway again, just like we were on day 1. The Ridgeway stretches for miles and lots of wonderment is passed as you cycle along. One such wonder was another long barrow called Wayland's Smithy.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzkrfNStBDhOfkiUIvqZ_QUtE14D9aCjvBTKmH-FGnQwmGDZnzeVSqNhWM3ZBY0ItklGzh-hqzfn46nNNd6f5Gdlx2D-M3DP7he-bptZu0jBUQuwYLxbnAPZuw7JRkFwa8tbgcckAlFqI/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzkrfNStBDhOfkiUIvqZ_QUtE14D9aCjvBTKmH-FGnQwmGDZnzeVSqNhWM3ZBY0ItklGzh-hqzfn46nNNd6f5Gdlx2D-M3DP7he-bptZu0jBUQuwYLxbnAPZuw7JRkFwa8tbgcckAlFqI/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uffington White Horse (Dragon)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Not too far away from Wayland's Smithy we passed Uffington White Horse and Dragon Hill. Some say (and why would I doubt it) that Uffington White Horse was actually a dragon and the Dragon Hill was where St George slew the dragon (the chalk on the top being the dragons blood). Whatever, Jamie and I slew this dragon!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYig5pnBPtdWOaZrnAoCNcfHUT-lyUOlCIyw2d-i41JciHX6j2-sOup_EbQgmVRRhHgvacWXGoQ7uyGXmJY2G_hw0n3OgnXf8dQ7x-IPy79TBLDV5JSfvUCPvz4GM_aVs8XPhypH6Rs20/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYig5pnBPtdWOaZrnAoCNcfHUT-lyUOlCIyw2d-i41JciHX6j2-sOup_EbQgmVRRhHgvacWXGoQ7uyGXmJY2G_hw0n3OgnXf8dQ7x-IPy79TBLDV5JSfvUCPvz4GM_aVs8XPhypH6Rs20/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The above picture was the last photo I took on our trip. From here we pretty much cycled more chalky single-track before leaving the Ridgeway good and proper and cycling a few road sections to get back to my sister's domicile.</p><p class="MsoNormal">This really was a fantastic trip. Big shout out to Alfred the Great who was a king who ruled the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex and who famously burnt some cakes - this route was inspired by him. Too bad we didn't check out King Alfred's statue in Winchester. And, of course, a big shout out and high 5 to Jamie who is half of the aDvEnTuRe SqUaD. This trip rocked. TransAlba has been postponed twice and we are hoping next year will be the year we actually cycle it - I hope it's as great as this adventure was.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Post-event and there is always a bunch of stuff that was re-remembered and forgotten to be added in the main account. Some random things to mention were as follows: I used 37mm tyres which worked just fine. Relatively few bike-a-hike sections. 3 nights and days is a perfect length of time for this trip. We met a lady who's husband had cycled this route in 24 hours. I overdosed at one particular Maccy D's. Ha!</p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-16581126302986553472021-07-04T01:35:00.001-07:002021-07-04T01:35:06.442-07:00Sandals, Celebrations and Ambitious about Autism (Rapha 220).<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob6N3Gja1OP-roM69VQhEr0jxkNzwKAV7zt5SFCW-rbriK2O_jhMipHi2LZtMB6JYxobm9KZockuHBDLrSeI3Q3jL-O098R2jnZOpgpiPgrnlYue2Kdssd2F4CwYk-YNQVJmP5daxV4Zz/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob6N3Gja1OP-roM69VQhEr0jxkNzwKAV7zt5SFCW-rbriK2O_jhMipHi2LZtMB6JYxobm9KZockuHBDLrSeI3Q3jL-O098R2jnZOpgpiPgrnlYue2Kdssd2F4CwYk-YNQVJmP5daxV4Zz/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>June saw some nice weather. So much so, I was able to cycle wearing sandals once more. Ha!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPh51AHJbXYtosTzECLRS3R_dM1huJzxR_kDHBV07R6R27jdsyI5Nz4aazmaUBc1DyUfxaJdzd64Tbwac1RBVViJ1y29Wv70t2aHBFYwBlNAGmE2qbWWgCHlDq4FNktCyTBnMbOumAXhu/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPh51AHJbXYtosTzECLRS3R_dM1huJzxR_kDHBV07R6R27jdsyI5Nz4aazmaUBc1DyUfxaJdzd64Tbwac1RBVViJ1y29Wv70t2aHBFYwBlNAGmE2qbWWgCHlDq4FNktCyTBnMbOumAXhu/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>June was also the month that saw a short trip to Weston. We celebrated SJ's birthday which just happened to fall on Father's day this year too. Melody suggested we go away to the beach and get some tattoo's...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3o7-yxAkcN9LLvCAuPq-HoAqCUF8hdOI4X8PzOHrhrtDHo0o5-pJV7vTzp-WwP4Yp8ROi6Ae_GWO4B4Gf7ZFfZmX2iRqo6wKfD1YxWp_wIoXOwAq9b5cii70ccTS0HM9jEVdviV0JRYuK/s2048/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3o7-yxAkcN9LLvCAuPq-HoAqCUF8hdOI4X8PzOHrhrtDHo0o5-pJV7vTzp-WwP4Yp8ROi6Ae_GWO4B4Gf7ZFfZmX2iRqo6wKfD1YxWp_wIoXOwAq9b5cii70ccTS0HM9jEVdviV0JRYuK/w400-h300/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe5YVynnSpehIm5EOCCOR3PFbg7CazHlAXjYGXWDnun5Hm2pZTLmTt3WBNKUMjWcBH6Lx7QOK2ruZHJPKsgYgEL-5jmtnbwAtltiNi6EgiXHe0UFf4B05aTKfLlRBalHNiVqMluRAuSFd/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="2048" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe5YVynnSpehIm5EOCCOR3PFbg7CazHlAXjYGXWDnun5Hm2pZTLmTt3WBNKUMjWcBH6Lx7QOK2ruZHJPKsgYgEL-5jmtnbwAtltiNi6EgiXHe0UFf4B05aTKfLlRBalHNiVqMluRAuSFd/w400-h276/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cR0jSO_LiP5SQWTI2s-OMsPj3NP7GPdoH-HEZRPQgFfVEkaMdiS1ls1YkAEn0hyphenhyphennAXQMvSC_XMW78IMfZBOSCk8Xru1ehiYbG996IBLgW1nr3v4N8ubWj4H0VLOCcLn5k5kB8fpXTBpq/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cR0jSO_LiP5SQWTI2s-OMsPj3NP7GPdoH-HEZRPQgFfVEkaMdiS1ls1YkAEn0hyphenhyphennAXQMvSC_XMW78IMfZBOSCk8Xru1ehiYbG996IBLgW1nr3v4N8ubWj4H0VLOCcLn5k5kB8fpXTBpq/w400-h280/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E2CCpmVYOfvIPZQMKfgxhLJEWC5xOG0R9dYuqlp6kE9tW1vKtAl7bUL6d7WKXJYICz51ol-ATqnvsvPOabPCVBmJEq80VhWh8Q25j0XcwT5shPj0IgtcTKllottqXHF7LvFc05jABOh8/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="2048" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E2CCpmVYOfvIPZQMKfgxhLJEWC5xOG0R9dYuqlp6kE9tW1vKtAl7bUL6d7WKXJYICz51ol-ATqnvsvPOabPCVBmJEq80VhWh8Q25j0XcwT5shPj0IgtcTKllottqXHF7LvFc05jABOh8/w400-h348/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Mudguards were fitted to GerTruDe too. Doesn't she look awesome. Packed and ready for adventure!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8k6wjdYOF6K0Xxjxc9vHUhCXhYUXNGNkIw7v09b012oI0QXXwmhU7uPIfZgH3toiZEu9vxipnlWtS93PnsEir-VnCNntHYk1UYqWR4hVtIB0XfG9Gft1zy5tNt4hzjodvXk8iKdyv6qX/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8k6wjdYOF6K0Xxjxc9vHUhCXhYUXNGNkIw7v09b012oI0QXXwmhU7uPIfZgH3toiZEu9vxipnlWtS93PnsEir-VnCNntHYk1UYqWR4hVtIB0XfG9Gft1zy5tNt4hzjodvXk8iKdyv6qX/w400-h225/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And adventure came real soon after! AdVeNtUrE sQuAd embarked on a rather fancy trip to Holyhead and back! Yes indeed, Jamie and I cycled 414k raising monies and awareness for autism as part of the Rapha 220 Ambitious about Autism event.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiE0xGwhEhfaUnvP0gjXyl6Ft8qMR5Bopb-GI1omMgESALV97TOytc0KVsojCcA-nXpLWbO8LGSZUepfQEqtvQkvto3M0h_Udl1hjqGiacoj9Y4fFbjGFwaareDDM9nKQx-NmVfAhZj7H/s2048/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiE0xGwhEhfaUnvP0gjXyl6Ft8qMR5Bopb-GI1omMgESALV97TOytc0KVsojCcA-nXpLWbO8LGSZUepfQEqtvQkvto3M0h_Udl1hjqGiacoj9Y4fFbjGFwaareDDM9nKQx-NmVfAhZj7H/w400-h300/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPl2c4yaTbofEZxa5EDP1reF3qbUV75uGDdhGEIFECkxkIN3mcBOGll_KfK58Tb6bN2pQZnEC1r3IzCw83ssMggfs3iEpJQRsheUXJaNKlOpQVfVz_-6hKcguUkZN1z9v_e2FO0L2nj-q/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPl2c4yaTbofEZxa5EDP1reF3qbUV75uGDdhGEIFECkxkIN3mcBOGll_KfK58Tb6bN2pQZnEC1r3IzCw83ssMggfs3iEpJQRsheUXJaNKlOpQVfVz_-6hKcguUkZN1z9v_e2FO0L2nj-q/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK_8MoURePOjA9YYppZrNGb_xsoRlwMyvLO-mlRKiywrwr4MkZ7MilWxXr-kESqcZszDs8cyYKD2A4xX9AtoH9mN0qUa4bVp49e_BQ3AVrX-DZctP4nlWplSRMd0h8joaevejQpboACcD/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK_8MoURePOjA9YYppZrNGb_xsoRlwMyvLO-mlRKiywrwr4MkZ7MilWxXr-kESqcZszDs8cyYKD2A4xX9AtoH9mN0qUa4bVp49e_BQ3AVrX-DZctP4nlWplSRMd0h8joaevejQpboACcD/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This was a 2 day event and we left Wellington on a rather sunny morning. Cycling was beautiful and the scenery just appeared to get more beautiful the more we cycled. Our first stop was at the lovely lake Vyrnwy. Our tasty super sausage sandwich was almost as lovely, but not quite!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjCSpA8vkPn_fcMjZjeq772joxv2gVupZZ6NjP9-OGr30SC1YY7hZIX1Ny-d3m27IbylnmrrTbahPqaphJxspQsBteQeKlUEVljN_F3qWh0T_5jHrHWxX4PNCqRV7RoZOEu3JH-0vJDb7/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjCSpA8vkPn_fcMjZjeq772joxv2gVupZZ6NjP9-OGr30SC1YY7hZIX1Ny-d3m27IbylnmrrTbahPqaphJxspQsBteQeKlUEVljN_F3qWh0T_5jHrHWxX4PNCqRV7RoZOEu3JH-0vJDb7/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGzxY0mitTObqlKeu6pTubWyuGEM74haIJSfD_zDxuBIDSlobUEBTZJfzRyG5p7pF6ct0ubMowRo7osFoV6s1rjbrEmlzPGxRMex4SvoBt0vEfx1GHoqWoONVI5ZOI10qpn7yULVdjOh5/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGzxY0mitTObqlKeu6pTubWyuGEM74haIJSfD_zDxuBIDSlobUEBTZJfzRyG5p7pF6ct0ubMowRo7osFoV6s1rjbrEmlzPGxRMex4SvoBt0vEfx1GHoqWoONVI5ZOI10qpn7yULVdjOh5/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>Lovely roads followed and they took us higher and higher. Was in awe at the beauty of God's creation. Fantastic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WpOCKnksZh-fAe0izMSwwGHgyj5Vi8nnKGkPaEDGNK55RK8Uutc0HGD4e3Ews4VOGgqsEvLFnJ2Cyfz-AJcavRdocE5tjMOWcaI75M0sS03_lZQflkAvD8cbIQEc0UHiYSDXCk0_JJwq/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WpOCKnksZh-fAe0izMSwwGHgyj5Vi8nnKGkPaEDGNK55RK8Uutc0HGD4e3Ews4VOGgqsEvLFnJ2Cyfz-AJcavRdocE5tjMOWcaI75M0sS03_lZQflkAvD8cbIQEc0UHiYSDXCk0_JJwq/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The road stretched long and far. Our journey took us through Oswestry, Llanwddyn, Bala and Cynllwyd. That's into Snowdonia basically. How cool is that?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejbtUI3Q3k9rXHSH274oMPPbi1E0UAp5JTRsg3nGH4X4Rki-XFS2yGQDntj3VBDX03bYq5ldSkUl7YwDPDZQB6Vpn-KQyILne8T1DCr7ZKn9-VfC2ESZeFU_7aZYaZGmobS7YfwMvf9qE/s2048/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejbtUI3Q3k9rXHSH274oMPPbi1E0UAp5JTRsg3nGH4X4Rki-XFS2yGQDntj3VBDX03bYq5ldSkUl7YwDPDZQB6Vpn-KQyILne8T1DCr7ZKn9-VfC2ESZeFU_7aZYaZGmobS7YfwMvf9qE/w300-h400/4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC63pLZj2ne30ihqINy84dSLNp_rA-g47x83-4UfuNL8eCbXcs1xD6Nb3uL3-bEZMTjjYNIpg6IfFUpeG4kubiPkFn35vwedismxx5aapyUzcMkVTXKwRP4xmXB5qO0ZsndBAedJcUK_5B/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC63pLZj2ne30ihqINy84dSLNp_rA-g47x83-4UfuNL8eCbXcs1xD6Nb3uL3-bEZMTjjYNIpg6IfFUpeG4kubiPkFn35vwedismxx5aapyUzcMkVTXKwRP4xmXB5qO0ZsndBAedJcUK_5B/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQV3O0zg2EyTRqqTmtS3q87-h_sbl9ky5D_qQ2nEuKPaWGD8s0PF_bLXpZYYRWAS7LGDSSnta_L4I4da84g6n_UBmFxRr3TJxGQqPniDNN086F0cRrqWYKu3n6oWByl6q1A8110lOUz_i/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQV3O0zg2EyTRqqTmtS3q87-h_sbl9ky5D_qQ2nEuKPaWGD8s0PF_bLXpZYYRWAS7LGDSSnta_L4I4da84g6n_UBmFxRr3TJxGQqPniDNN086F0cRrqWYKu3n6oWByl6q1A8110lOUz_i/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCJKrJhyDqxbNy43XTcLzkr4xKGC0s-wQSNww5EhW3rtzpP-rtmPIScOixOwC0E8UoF4FabVMXPlPF2NYQ6_8Sl8GKcjLnX332Iu1L7VrrqKFsVYr2MuJN_bdjhMKjWRSHtRu7q9ps-74/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCJKrJhyDqxbNy43XTcLzkr4xKGC0s-wQSNww5EhW3rtzpP-rtmPIScOixOwC0E8UoF4FabVMXPlPF2NYQ6_8Sl8GKcjLnX332Iu1L7VrrqKFsVYr2MuJN_bdjhMKjWRSHtRu7q9ps-74/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>First slight menace happened not long after. This menace was in the form of a slipping seat post. No matter how much we stopped and tightened the post, it continued to slip for the remaining duration of the event. Most annoying. (I have a cheap naff post on my bike whilst I await delivery of my Thomson post).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABCzdENZX_MQ4af3hEuYJkW2oJOjaIwJVNItsYEK4R3_9gEWmr_3lyGXCvNWWQ94yc2k6kgY-u4dP6vx6NgrpWUfj7nCrDOtH89FXsM3VImXU6Yv1uPsLQCAvNo05KO8rBfj39FvpvTtZ/s1024/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABCzdENZX_MQ4af3hEuYJkW2oJOjaIwJVNItsYEK4R3_9gEWmr_3lyGXCvNWWQ94yc2k6kgY-u4dP6vx6NgrpWUfj7nCrDOtH89FXsM3VImXU6Yv1uPsLQCAvNo05KO8rBfj39FvpvTtZ/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMKqdHOnYDuENPsS0nVgZp5FJptcysCfpkT_IG4mAbnyA1h-IZx2gdQvsNPWnDFYdMfPLnvPBSxoU1UXKYqJofJLEjhJQLxXqqsmZQxy8E70ypBgQjWo9VaJ5LT0-LpOmEJH-Vdv3BEpS/s1024/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMKqdHOnYDuENPsS0nVgZp5FJptcysCfpkT_IG4mAbnyA1h-IZx2gdQvsNPWnDFYdMfPLnvPBSxoU1UXKYqJofJLEjhJQLxXqqsmZQxy8E70ypBgQjWo9VaJ5LT0-LpOmEJH-Vdv3BEpS/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HOHXTtQSQhiPFG0aWO1P_wFTn2yS1UAsp6UOS63Lz-lALfte50mqyP4QQhZlD5y-KqfCeNFG_4rFrWAL2AmQj1GLH7l1l__PVhs_Q3GpaxaF3d1hC850-TnFQtgWhM3cXEB6iZzak6Tl/s1024/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HOHXTtQSQhiPFG0aWO1P_wFTn2yS1UAsp6UOS63Lz-lALfte50mqyP4QQhZlD5y-KqfCeNFG_4rFrWAL2AmQj1GLH7l1l__PVhs_Q3GpaxaF3d1hC850-TnFQtgWhM3cXEB6iZzak6Tl/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4IDBt387PQib5mA7N9EgRccS2ft_SVl0wFrWIa0b8wRyUBSj1zpgYVSEx_vQtEH_3khw2GsdrT4JAp9E-HVT-dQx7aapcmGs6_OSrLlWHTzg0ImMWmOI78gQEPNo0cg5B4e29jqvfTOW/s1024/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4IDBt387PQib5mA7N9EgRccS2ft_SVl0wFrWIa0b8wRyUBSj1zpgYVSEx_vQtEH_3khw2GsdrT4JAp9E-HVT-dQx7aapcmGs6_OSrLlWHTzg0ImMWmOI78gQEPNo0cg5B4e29jqvfTOW/w300-h400/4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdafhTneK_BbrGtesoR5Zeoh624bCB_plQ1Ck9eZ1zPcfDpssSwq5yOwBPof7bdBNJraOAAIxeg39m5EekTh86Bbuts_0DbnBIUudnEQ-gOqPcHFQ_t-kVLFvH7pIRf6cavohQ_wLotYU/s1024/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdafhTneK_BbrGtesoR5Zeoh624bCB_plQ1Ck9eZ1zPcfDpssSwq5yOwBPof7bdBNJraOAAIxeg39m5EekTh86Bbuts_0DbnBIUudnEQ-gOqPcHFQ_t-kVLFvH7pIRf6cavohQ_wLotYU/w300-h400/5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZCAQPly8oQy-XwyypWsX60h1kAgLGkrjX1FnILBvfkVNQGUm4n7lGxS_UKIZOJsP9O1Q_bOxB8brqP1V6QVTQnZ2O1i-4g3oW7pUnMfExzZrGYwztwpL3nZm5MIKIucRJsqfZoPFueZk/s1024/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZCAQPly8oQy-XwyypWsX60h1kAgLGkrjX1FnILBvfkVNQGUm4n7lGxS_UKIZOJsP9O1Q_bOxB8brqP1V6QVTQnZ2O1i-4g3oW7pUnMfExzZrGYwztwpL3nZm5MIKIucRJsqfZoPFueZk/w300-h400/6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>With post tightened and having completed some serious hills, we had further hills to conquer! Having cycled over Bwlch y Groes, we took the mountain road to Trawsfynydd, past Snowdon and onto the Llanberis pass. Soon after we crossed the Menai Bridge and hit the terrain of Anglesey. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6BXWoEz3Xy3VFGUsbjtcREBo2rCTLVNL9BNaZJAGIaDYSmkFOMzuos3QKT8Vwu7A6RATDvsKcSSTM5FMWnvjS10fct9sgiV0v150o9FouqbXwu2dtGQzzuX76GP6H0SO7USHp6KaJSXU/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6BXWoEz3Xy3VFGUsbjtcREBo2rCTLVNL9BNaZJAGIaDYSmkFOMzuos3QKT8Vwu7A6RATDvsKcSSTM5FMWnvjS10fct9sgiV0v150o9FouqbXwu2dtGQzzuX76GP6H0SO7USHp6KaJSXU/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU-c0JXYKBTEXKHazFt0VCrXIkyIMNagi9nGyVGmFZJv2V8HCHykTb-UOZBd2parNfoUkG-TthHVE-i1vodg6wz5cTIgHxd88lyslbd0yX-LnY5FncW6KewQ8Xu39UYuIfTD8VGq9sUMH/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU-c0JXYKBTEXKHazFt0VCrXIkyIMNagi9nGyVGmFZJv2V8HCHykTb-UOZBd2parNfoUkG-TthHVE-i1vodg6wz5cTIgHxd88lyslbd0yX-LnY5FncW6KewQ8Xu39UYuIfTD8VGq9sUMH/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>Once in Anglesey, we figured we should start finding a suitable place to (wild) camp. Then just like that, pfft, I experienced further menace in the form of a puncture. Swapped tube and that wouldn't inflate. Grr. Grabbed a third tube and all was well. Just as we fixed this tube issue, a fellow came from his house (we were on his drive) and asked if all was OK. We replied that all was well and informed him of our plans to find a pitch to camp. This fellow suggested we camp out on his paddock and said he had an on-site tap we could use. We were happy to crash and took him up on this offer. Better yet, as we pitched our bivvy's, he came out and watered us with tea and fed us with butties!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC4-0hSAPKG3dTEpNxwne6nFKSpFRSzhq7b-vgVXvK4BcirBZhS1aiyv0gWnZ2rKGPW3maqtb61r3TJ1JNDLfcuEzbMHEYEjCuKxjQSnjJPXXTZnX7AnRxsa0AyNTZ9xnPbanm0PRcmKS/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC4-0hSAPKG3dTEpNxwne6nFKSpFRSzhq7b-vgVXvK4BcirBZhS1aiyv0gWnZ2rKGPW3maqtb61r3TJ1JNDLfcuEzbMHEYEjCuKxjQSnjJPXXTZnX7AnRxsa0AyNTZ9xnPbanm0PRcmKS/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>Relatively good sleep, which helped as we had an early doors start. I think we were awake at 5 and off not too long after. Much of Holyhead cycled and then a return direction headed for.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6uuIFdMGVKukPMazIFD60eSkwoydBXuSscbAtlpH4_5z3tLKDI4q8hCKQ44z8Vb7g1wJ4ggu17DzLRZ-B01Z3eL18JixwKfMIrGkTRQGJjqCd-aufR1xdQMiVWJtZqnx-eoezt_sI3Iz/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6uuIFdMGVKukPMazIFD60eSkwoydBXuSscbAtlpH4_5z3tLKDI4q8hCKQ44z8Vb7g1wJ4ggu17DzLRZ-B01Z3eL18JixwKfMIrGkTRQGJjqCd-aufR1xdQMiVWJtZqnx-eoezt_sI3Iz/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>Much of the return route was a busy menace A5 road. I daresay, it would have been quiet if we didn't camp and travelled back at night. However, we did experience some delights along the way. One such delight was cycling through Llanfair.... the longest place name in Wales! We also passed a stone circle (not sure which one, not sure if historic or modern, but do know it was in/near Bangor and Garth) and a rather fancy pier which reminded me of my trip to Weston.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg9vemgLy-xoargd_gpjBAbgzAcfJKGCzUNSXiLfOcO_wdlIlYhq7NQYWF8xSmaaCr7H0GZvWqrkVlO-PqEMM9oLAkFvTbuEhTZCE0As7br6SD_DIfyAzCJ3SigC9ejot1BrEC_ahqaPy/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg9vemgLy-xoargd_gpjBAbgzAcfJKGCzUNSXiLfOcO_wdlIlYhq7NQYWF8xSmaaCr7H0GZvWqrkVlO-PqEMM9oLAkFvTbuEhTZCE0As7br6SD_DIfyAzCJ3SigC9ejot1BrEC_ahqaPy/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1N7Ozg5v0XuqtfnANJPS4ELaLJgIL-bGXUOkKFUhxgu5v879weK-YS7MzkHKXrVkET5ePV-6VK5VZFWxfmvdEOHqXhSqMZ4bOr3sUjjpQG53wiDJ6IzjnlSDRrD4VALd2NneOXKsi92n/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1N7Ozg5v0XuqtfnANJPS4ELaLJgIL-bGXUOkKFUhxgu5v879weK-YS7MzkHKXrVkET5ePV-6VK5VZFWxfmvdEOHqXhSqMZ4bOr3sUjjpQG53wiDJ6IzjnlSDRrD4VALd2NneOXKsi92n/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Relatively fast pace took us back to the start. Jamie was racing against time to ensure he could pick up his son and I was racing to get a Burger King. All in all, a great trip and good preparation for the King Alfred's Way which we start after just 1 day of rest.</div><div><p></p></div>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-83707013906928119992021-07-03T09:22:00.003-07:002021-07-03T09:26:58.118-07:00Brum 200 2021<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaN4CC0NF-R6HGdwGP9sDcJEHEb6Bbe9ATSJNdHDKYoe4UrJYOiH3suWb34-LYCv4MFbun85SwkhPrfeB07KWziE-y8y8BpXmAru9cq_dlCNO6kdcYtIqLHOyATRaHQnm2dEKWp6tdgJD/s2048/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1927" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaN4CC0NF-R6HGdwGP9sDcJEHEb6Bbe9ATSJNdHDKYoe4UrJYOiH3suWb34-LYCv4MFbun85SwkhPrfeB07KWziE-y8y8BpXmAru9cq_dlCNO6kdcYtIqLHOyATRaHQnm2dEKWp6tdgJD/w400-h376/9.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0000ee; font-family: inherit;">Sometime back in June, I cycled a wonderful cycling event called the 'Brum 200'. I had cycled this event at least once before, however, previous time(s) were 'permanent' events as opposed to this 'calendar' event. Certainly remember cycling the event back in 2019 with Louy and Toll. Louy was super fast and Toll was super sick. The lovely yellow patch from completing that event is stitched to my saddle bag. I thought I had cycled it another time solo too but I'm struggling to recount any details. Hmm. Anyways, this latest rendition was cycled with my buddy Ron and his niece Catalina. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDesCB3WGBK65dMbbTPoym8Ipe2maL_At9HiWxhWMUCz-CM8-AP-ccbaXXLaRLyXSNkk69Nrj37qkhIzlpcx6yqa9m4RJ2IkmDv-RHJvkQecCaS7fNtEDRHVDFNVWF_o96uATT682XlIxa/s1024/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="862" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDesCB3WGBK65dMbbTPoym8Ipe2maL_At9HiWxhWMUCz-CM8-AP-ccbaXXLaRLyXSNkk69Nrj37qkhIzlpcx6yqa9m4RJ2IkmDv-RHJvkQecCaS7fNtEDRHVDFNVWF_o96uATT682XlIxa/w336-h400/5.jpg" width="336" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0000ee; font-family: inherit;">The event started (and finished) in Balsall Common. The trip was a circular route and visited Cannock Chase, Iron Bridge, Kinver and Balsall Common. Essentially keeping Birmingham in the centre and ensuring we stayed far away. Ha!</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-nIPF8uRvtZ2hRylChN5gJgW7PQB0fOjoPhwc_gyTw1ZbyD4dCNXMNFTPTVCCGIXZ6CAJhIZlDxMi8Wxpw4Wovk8-uP-GJ4RSiGVSlbWChn7KiTxQihEwRlj9O45mEYhrR4n0Q0BY_mo/s1600/4.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-nIPF8uRvtZ2hRylChN5gJgW7PQB0fOjoPhwc_gyTw1ZbyD4dCNXMNFTPTVCCGIXZ6CAJhIZlDxMi8Wxpw4Wovk8-uP-GJ4RSiGVSlbWChn7KiTxQihEwRlj9O45mEYhrR4n0Q0BY_mo/w400-h300/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0000ee; font-family: inherit;">Covid had prevented this event running earlier - it was planned for 2020. A wonderful pink badge was awarded for completing the ride - this was to originally match the day the Giro was decided. I wonder if other colours will become available?!</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN5Ahl4okHVqbSVdTaiFfQ-6cJvNxZHVOUUr5XhoACkq3qsfUsTjiWL3gnYM5uYU1LHJpW_F1LWxqSWNyGBNRU4JMuyRdj4OBvXhBCIR_YhSi81FZRrEgkkGUOHWGHGEhct0sCCOPee_H/s2048/2.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1974" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN5Ahl4okHVqbSVdTaiFfQ-6cJvNxZHVOUUr5XhoACkq3qsfUsTjiWL3gnYM5uYU1LHJpW_F1LWxqSWNyGBNRU4JMuyRdj4OBvXhBCIR_YhSi81FZRrEgkkGUOHWGHGEhct0sCCOPee_H/s320/2.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoZrHEFGe-GNIy7BUAuETnjdq-1L6UyD0C5618D-sEe53jlX0Sf0fCk8g47rg9gBFdb2a_pN5sJDwBL5jOcFkDoyI0ulVG7eiYqfkUomhKJ6jmBgCLJAK05F-p8bxwwEeKuXbNmvJsfWt/s875/6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="618" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoZrHEFGe-GNIy7BUAuETnjdq-1L6UyD0C5618D-sEe53jlX0Sf0fCk8g47rg9gBFdb2a_pN5sJDwBL5jOcFkDoyI0ulVG7eiYqfkUomhKJ6jmBgCLJAK05F-p8bxwwEeKuXbNmvJsfWt/w283-h400/6.png" width="283" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0000ee; font-family: inherit;">High-lights from the day included the fact that Catalina's club mates got 'chicked'. These club mates set off fast and stated they would like to complete in '6-8' hours. They didn't, and Catalina beat them back easily (with Ron and I). The chips at Iron Bridge were lovely. It was a super hot today and cycling outside of rush hour was a bonus as little traffic hogged the roads. Was nice to meet the organiser, Paollo at the start. Was also great completing a 200k event on my new Kinesis steed.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_dWetI5f_0ZyWXsSog-F83uQH67-r9xcGoH6tnKD_iTP8QKFuCfVilp2lzjiTTInpV5p68cYNk4_SGLjAtHX3cfyRTDbJRrSTVVR-wwrJJO9WLdcxr_LB22VuwNzXE72_KVz346Xpu9s/s1600/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_dWetI5f_0ZyWXsSog-F83uQH67-r9xcGoH6tnKD_iTP8QKFuCfVilp2lzjiTTInpV5p68cYNk4_SGLjAtHX3cfyRTDbJRrSTVVR-wwrJJO9WLdcxr_LB22VuwNzXE72_KVz346Xpu9s/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG7-8gYsllF8p2JUC7MwqfdnK3joQF6PSn5Ke3U9dqF08Y8iHyxjgMfC4doyjkxAdA53Fcqmc2WVFBCfYxwq5w6q8SV-Lxf8l7zQYHAM_MpYdKVr_XrrF6vGME892v05PwpZW55BuQSAK/s2048/7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="2048" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG7-8gYsllF8p2JUC7MwqfdnK3joQF6PSn5Ke3U9dqF08Y8iHyxjgMfC4doyjkxAdA53Fcqmc2WVFBCfYxwq5w6q8SV-Lxf8l7zQYHAM_MpYdKVr_XrrF6vGME892v05PwpZW55BuQSAK/w400-h259/7.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0000ee; font-family: inherit;">Job Done!</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-67136173036021912752021-06-06T01:32:00.001-07:002021-06-06T01:32:06.967-07:00April to May (Something in the way)<p>Whoa, haven't blogged in a while but taken part in much adventure. Was getting a bit frustrated with this blog platform to be honest and toyed with the idea of creating a new blog. However, for now at least, have decided to stay put. This blog platform is free and despite the others have many improved features, they all charge fees for blog hosting etc and despite talking about monthly fee's what folk to pay up annually. Pah!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c_awm-EDzhyphenhyphennLFDjjw0BQHUrJBlt3y2fEML-IgsVhDdTh5F9uvO8Ve0XE0F0XVeVxmA2zkDQI_8glRvHwTmYPBDnT2eB0_pQ9iFkBonF2QfIHsQK2WtWhUO5m92MH89ZmUkf3CodKy77/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1628" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c_awm-EDzhyphenhyphennLFDjjw0BQHUrJBlt3y2fEML-IgsVhDdTh5F9uvO8Ve0XE0F0XVeVxmA2zkDQI_8glRvHwTmYPBDnT2eB0_pQ9iFkBonF2QfIHsQK2WtWhUO5m92MH89ZmUkf3CodKy77/w318-h400/3.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naff pic, great badge</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQSmGPZG6Sy0KXJJ8p7n8L_c9ImCbgfbP2Qek9HuGWr0WNU_XPzOYcUU2g3TWP00KMwsAKetJTdFEJGUxsudDwHp89w8Wf575UzHoz-RHqXpM1Gg6phLcuBByYX9TAw0MMw46DsrTj8lv/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQSmGPZG6Sy0KXJJ8p7n8L_c9ImCbgfbP2Qek9HuGWr0WNU_XPzOYcUU2g3TWP00KMwsAKetJTdFEJGUxsudDwHp89w8Wf575UzHoz-RHqXpM1Gg6phLcuBByYX9TAw0MMw46DsrTj8lv/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron the Phantom</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAXvZr4nLy0Cvacx3eQBRpi7pE-aIXINoWAvNCEEspJ1O-E4LPliRpTX1ngak0EXqUrZXDT3WCyLQIoI3fkwP5OopmX3iSvBNrmpTSDAjD49x1GTtemKSfTXqlbThj9zFrI4JIi4Zcndw/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAXvZr4nLy0Cvacx3eQBRpi7pE-aIXINoWAvNCEEspJ1O-E4LPliRpTX1ngak0EXqUrZXDT3WCyLQIoI3fkwP5OopmX3iSvBNrmpTSDAjD49x1GTtemKSfTXqlbThj9zFrI4JIi4Zcndw/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our trusty steeds</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Ok, so what have I been up to since my last post? Well, the first kinda cool thing I did was to cycle to Dynamic Cycles and collect my 'A Day in Hell' pin badge. I collected one for Ron too. Hmm, this means I'll have to cycle this event with Ron one time. Ha!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3TUVPAJjG917n81HtGDcp2cNI0ijT668nzs5iZXowYYgTbozkvcY7OCSi2iJ2h2B9OxUe54-PuzvagbZARmC1mH3n4UBiWRiVx0DVbFZmuwY6eGP4UY7g-kipAoX4OjZ2ZtDdElhIdwn/s1024/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3TUVPAJjG917n81HtGDcp2cNI0ijT668nzs5iZXowYYgTbozkvcY7OCSi2iJ2h2B9OxUe54-PuzvagbZARmC1mH3n4UBiWRiVx0DVbFZmuwY6eGP4UY7g-kipAoX4OjZ2ZtDdElhIdwn/w300-h400/5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiUQF0PPkaZYsZcqM9bpP63towplJdUMpvxNMyMKbMtk35c130DPkegwuwT_TlXFqFZmqp8Sjla6HoGYYRDeSGmBOPi3eyUABG8-Durtg2MZBArZebJp9J2gx2UMCMEFzCzlzoQTDAbji/s2048/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiUQF0PPkaZYsZcqM9bpP63towplJdUMpvxNMyMKbMtk35c130DPkegwuwT_TlXFqFZmqp8Sjla6HoGYYRDeSGmBOPi3eyUABG8-Durtg2MZBArZebJp9J2gx2UMCMEFzCzlzoQTDAbji/w400-h300/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYWw-y7kU0aDMJ7e4akKgbIGXUUMYjk0E3lhyGbSnccG0VjpCrRQ2zLHiQw78sntPNyvnWA98hWrXJE1Y8B7TGd0yjSPpFeUljHWkRYIE65tV1mF8jla62KCXo_e1xWj2PaQlC2lnk7Nn/s1600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYWw-y7kU0aDMJ7e4akKgbIGXUUMYjk0E3lhyGbSnccG0VjpCrRQ2zLHiQw78sntPNyvnWA98hWrXJE1Y8B7TGd0yjSPpFeUljHWkRYIE65tV1mF8jla62KCXo_e1xWj2PaQlC2lnk7Nn/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdJqpcBmkaf0QxPGgYD3H2oiQ5Xfd00lAzF1kpZUB4Z-vUySDW4KZPSwM0i4IntkhBT1bKU-ukU9c-GT1onnQac5xCD4aI7tVrQQr7nnrwLp9pBRWQGjTKaiyGLb_lPmWsaOCif1P-M9t/s1024/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdJqpcBmkaf0QxPGgYD3H2oiQ5Xfd00lAzF1kpZUB4Z-vUySDW4KZPSwM0i4IntkhBT1bKU-ukU9c-GT1onnQac5xCD4aI7tVrQQr7nnrwLp9pBRWQGjTKaiyGLb_lPmWsaOCif1P-M9t/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ0uCuAjUg9ZQgZi4MMKCkK_dgHXb2x-TZzV1urb48JnYKct_DXo-Hzz3b-YblnyCaJ5aU2z2bRgOyrwYfLgsPawDcnGCVdT4DXdsttVCENIZpkJov6gTjvQVPBKbbKhPOkPFhScgFhuk/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ0uCuAjUg9ZQgZi4MMKCkK_dgHXb2x-TZzV1urb48JnYKct_DXo-Hzz3b-YblnyCaJ5aU2z2bRgOyrwYfLgsPawDcnGCVdT4DXdsttVCENIZpkJov6gTjvQVPBKbbKhPOkPFhScgFhuk/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEXn6nYU4HPE5Qw6BLSOLUaVmXgTXbDkzkCtfSHQaIkWdrdmnQyKierJmZon9x_danDtEXZvilJbxkQC2-ebhwz3S9hsKU2-AjWgq4qxTtK7ug9Fp_2PaeVIRw5CpfqIW76thYkUONP6M/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEXn6nYU4HPE5Qw6BLSOLUaVmXgTXbDkzkCtfSHQaIkWdrdmnQyKierJmZon9x_danDtEXZvilJbxkQC2-ebhwz3S9hsKU2-AjWgq4qxTtK7ug9Fp_2PaeVIRw5CpfqIW76thYkUONP6M/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeQbA-IxkeXNn8ZPD2P_f5Q5leODcU7Jxrg6qQOaaRzjJr2ne-g3GLRK4jKQ_gf96EnsfjDg-km4AAW5_EifCJvRJSzcT1jwNrzEkS6h8orK85MH2NLGy6UFtu3UaGC3kHBvV8UapFfFR/s1024/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="767" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeQbA-IxkeXNn8ZPD2P_f5Q5leODcU7Jxrg6qQOaaRzjJr2ne-g3GLRK4jKQ_gf96EnsfjDg-km4AAW5_EifCJvRJSzcT1jwNrzEkS6h8orK85MH2NLGy6UFtu3UaGC3kHBvV8UapFfFR/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBxTS_7gGSD3KF2qlsYBiCyGwZH4JKe6khLLUIkjD0zNPIrgNiDfy7dnODe1eoc_IttzbGJZI8MBUooEcqGYyKyJH6fIvC6i3BMfGLbedmoIcY8-4Pdj3X-Mzty-m1CO4Rh8A0Zs_VqKU/s1024/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBxTS_7gGSD3KF2qlsYBiCyGwZH4JKe6khLLUIkjD0zNPIrgNiDfy7dnODe1eoc_IttzbGJZI8MBUooEcqGYyKyJH6fIvC6i3BMfGLbedmoIcY8-4Pdj3X-Mzty-m1CO4Rh8A0Zs_VqKU/w300-h400/4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPxS-pQXOALD8PW4eVyZ6luM9ZfzZ5pj5mIvwEuf6C-JQCLP2hwippa2CRXYu7QTw3pMycrqx6hTe3sp2OQBbZgPcl6QTYM-PNnA5LiJiFPFHmdNrX6EmZABa3VUCF95EMpjnkQnYvjLU/s1024/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPxS-pQXOALD8PW4eVyZ6luM9ZfzZ5pj5mIvwEuf6C-JQCLP2hwippa2CRXYu7QTw3pMycrqx6hTe3sp2OQBbZgPcl6QTYM-PNnA5LiJiFPFHmdNrX6EmZABa3VUCF95EMpjnkQnYvjLU/w300-h400/5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lWM9GTWRmz5nkI-5m8QlITUb_Pu0x26U7mJBcb13U3Iqop_vBuvpy7uJTE-qlO2aSsaU9Enq-d62niDrgMZcNlVPaZiPhUVfgRpC8SzkUShxACL6vvK5CdO8rUI-0e1IshSFGibxOZRV/s1024/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lWM9GTWRmz5nkI-5m8QlITUb_Pu0x26U7mJBcb13U3Iqop_vBuvpy7uJTE-qlO2aSsaU9Enq-d62niDrgMZcNlVPaZiPhUVfgRpC8SzkUShxACL6vvK5CdO8rUI-0e1IshSFGibxOZRV/w300-h400/6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIZIJF-ONKGw4fESCahf9GMqfiUx0wH9FGp9tngQAMoVH6VVADggTZj25PLK21s-vLeEqMOoFjvkE4Y-CFuLFNPS7MuCWb02n_Lbk70g0ODYlQCmlPtXvizH09RkRXxmf3SpsJ9DbCmQZ/s1024/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIZIJF-ONKGw4fESCahf9GMqfiUx0wH9FGp9tngQAMoVH6VVADggTZj25PLK21s-vLeEqMOoFjvkE4Y-CFuLFNPS7MuCWb02n_Lbk70g0ODYlQCmlPtXvizH09RkRXxmf3SpsJ9DbCmQZ/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEf5zQ9wkzVRsDMStnvez8SIv6gUoVcj-0FmvR4K_6JOwgqpzLN7SN268u8qGYFy4xiYjdXo5JHe3tz4ReKtdkfrlG_zYlvOl5EGLZBM_cZ6UUCxQDzRbaHCRL9KeLrVuKnDdkagNNt09/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEf5zQ9wkzVRsDMStnvez8SIv6gUoVcj-0FmvR4K_6JOwgqpzLN7SN268u8qGYFy4xiYjdXo5JHe3tz4ReKtdkfrlG_zYlvOl5EGLZBM_cZ6UUCxQDzRbaHCRL9KeLrVuKnDdkagNNt09/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Next awesome adventure was a 200k audax event. I've since lost most of the info about this ride but let me tell you what I can remember. It was an event titled 'Goats Head Soup' and was about 160k long. I cycled this event with Ron, Jamie and Kay who was cycling her brand new bike. We passed through 2 tunnels including the longest tunnel in England at just over a mile long. Amongst the wonders of the day was a stone circle in or near Compton Martin. We cycled a long stretch without food. It was a lot of fun. This was the first Oliver Ile's audax that any of us had cycled.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOMoLIOc7LgNcymLapQbd1TChMmSapXhzYAISZjaCAoos5Ib4hw4FQ1JUBPrcS_ZzU7w03WgIHNVHQwf6rsLwCL3eSLWJkio7XQUygnBPRDRRLBOk_n-U6i1BMYfG-luxBZj02hL4KxKx/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOMoLIOc7LgNcymLapQbd1TChMmSapXhzYAISZjaCAoos5Ib4hw4FQ1JUBPrcS_ZzU7w03WgIHNVHQwf6rsLwCL3eSLWJkio7XQUygnBPRDRRLBOk_n-U6i1BMYfG-luxBZj02hL4KxKx/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubqlnsi9OSPIc9oi2ZWTmKV408VB0r_bp7v5unBJB_RzfoZbQW9m8BjrVV6J1rTLpCfLUqUQa1Q6UIz9d6-2gNXrRscul-Zun9OvpL96JNfbuQF6EuzC5f_GemngzArcXeT7nSds-aycf/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubqlnsi9OSPIc9oi2ZWTmKV408VB0r_bp7v5unBJB_RzfoZbQW9m8BjrVV6J1rTLpCfLUqUQa1Q6UIz9d6-2gNXrRscul-Zun9OvpL96JNfbuQF6EuzC5f_GemngzArcXeT7nSds-aycf/w400-h225/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa8caIT-95tIj2r7NAIaljyB50Rzf_MAc99Qki9NMaWEfkQFP8H5JTMVqTz3r-rUuzXlzpNBYmGYWICUVJ1JV_s0qa18aUnSZN4VaPZ4lAy-heEcRNkKJ450LSRSqzt7NQX5qaxZSi-Ko/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa8caIT-95tIj2r7NAIaljyB50Rzf_MAc99Qki9NMaWEfkQFP8H5JTMVqTz3r-rUuzXlzpNBYmGYWICUVJ1JV_s0qa18aUnSZN4VaPZ4lAy-heEcRNkKJ450LSRSqzt7NQX5qaxZSi-Ko/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjUyDHbA8XOTRRynJR66zGrGMro3tbj3LDihX_z-rcY94mjkE4zdKKqC_h2bg_f_5FGR66uhbbEsre4Gl7dJLP-gN1UN7U7pDRrZOL_4sYPgBOEoDLo-cxRxd2n4zK5HaO0JZ9lsKY6zy/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjUyDHbA8XOTRRynJR66zGrGMro3tbj3LDihX_z-rcY94mjkE4zdKKqC_h2bg_f_5FGR66uhbbEsre4Gl7dJLP-gN1UN7U7pDRrZOL_4sYPgBOEoDLo-cxRxd2n4zK5HaO0JZ9lsKY6zy/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNFBaMIs3mYU9ZnQEzdn_9eWBGUrQD9k8YDebYytkBLfD4PhjcRlSCnDpyFvXEGDu9i0nOqPGUXMGTaW090MXf9JTgZnjkdJKkUdm6ktrj4JKcvimPHGbplb1-wna5zLs8Y0CXDeV56u6/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNFBaMIs3mYU9ZnQEzdn_9eWBGUrQD9k8YDebYytkBLfD4PhjcRlSCnDpyFvXEGDu9i0nOqPGUXMGTaW090MXf9JTgZnjkdJKkUdm6ktrj4JKcvimPHGbplb1-wna5zLs8Y0CXDeV56u6/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1guVr5XqdWeV_1F0jwox6l7tCiTllucdg2TWL1zbdRkyv-T1EUbwIyffO6oeyAcXtv40ZLcjHxFlhcFvPYHRq7D-7W0XjBEEiXA6w66CdpGMDBhsse3nXs14c9nAfX3qwFG9JKHaK4cM/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1guVr5XqdWeV_1F0jwox6l7tCiTllucdg2TWL1zbdRkyv-T1EUbwIyffO6oeyAcXtv40ZLcjHxFlhcFvPYHRq7D-7W0XjBEEiXA6w66CdpGMDBhsse3nXs14c9nAfX3qwFG9JKHaK4cM/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbw_f_vnb4WWtUOq00hYS6P-8QRPhhQWiJ0vScN2NswxPIZhuSSnN_a58ktNGEVAVIyu55Q45NY59UOx6F3FULLLRl-xSNTGucQ3VlzyHNAE9GXBFnnFGcV1hExdL1jvykmhEQZgIdrbW/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbw_f_vnb4WWtUOq00hYS6P-8QRPhhQWiJ0vScN2NswxPIZhuSSnN_a58ktNGEVAVIyu55Q45NY59UOx6F3FULLLRl-xSNTGucQ3VlzyHNAE9GXBFnnFGcV1hExdL1jvykmhEQZgIdrbW/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The 1st May was the night of the Big Brummie Campout. My girls both wanted to camp initially so we all snuggled into my little 2 man tent in the garden. All was well for about an hour and then the girls decided to abandon camp and go back indoors. I went back indoors too, but only to get Ernie. Ernie and I had a boys night out. At least a few quids were raised to help the homeless.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxly59XrDSN_7YDfreYJgrdiBME-3nW_h8kFOMRFx2WoegF6hlEckQTgATB1J_UuJ_Dv50kxDw4Wdyh1gQLT3mhORMlLLQpXEzacUiKmzfPlmotwue98X_bmJEzp2DO__WwnRtJT_47VRD/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxly59XrDSN_7YDfreYJgrdiBME-3nW_h8kFOMRFx2WoegF6hlEckQTgATB1J_UuJ_Dv50kxDw4Wdyh1gQLT3mhORMlLLQpXEzacUiKmzfPlmotwue98X_bmJEzp2DO__WwnRtJT_47VRD/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely views on Gospel Pass Skivers</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ53nUsnCzZfvyYvkbIuuOwq0z8V8zS8iQtVCds-ENviVT-JUC5mTM0N6Kar1Kailqq1Y7q-JLrhLooH68Vck5RgqhpRxRaPEe5MKtCjTZFL0nqt8rYu2e6l_1erdTtBOhSLcc66hF3tX7/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ53nUsnCzZfvyYvkbIuuOwq0z8V8zS8iQtVCds-ENviVT-JUC5mTM0N6Kar1Kailqq1Y7q-JLrhLooH68Vck5RgqhpRxRaPEe5MKtCjTZFL0nqt8rYu2e6l_1erdTtBOhSLcc66hF3tX7/w225-h400/2.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fed this horse a locket as had no polo's</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoXatnMDotUkxarB3Ery7YT41HYzs1c3v0ewvX7IhKoMj04FFqC8Mu2eMzlVMyzpSgad8wmQP3ZcB2rs7irx0YrEo7ElnOJXvFBDe6-c18Ve6hyphenhyphenid18ZtaUdvzHOzaZ7ILeU6wWBfgfdI/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoXatnMDotUkxarB3Ery7YT41HYzs1c3v0ewvX7IhKoMj04FFqC8Mu2eMzlVMyzpSgad8wmQP3ZcB2rs7irx0YrEo7ElnOJXvFBDe6-c18Ve6hyphenhyphenid18ZtaUdvzHOzaZ7ILeU6wWBfgfdI/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Dash's last trip</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;">The Gospel Pass Skivers was a further 200k audax that was completed in April. This was an interesting ride and was Rainbow Dash's (my Specialized Roubaix Comp) last trip. Relatively unusual for an audax to start on a Friday morning. This was not the first time I had cycled over the Gospel Pass, however, cycled a different route round. Cycles a stretch with this fella called Frasier who was an interesting guy - though he dropped me when the serious climbs kicked in. Small stretcg cycled with Phil Whiteman (organiser) and about 25% cycled solo style. A nice, relatively tough route (about 3,000m climbing) with Ankerdine Hill (freshly gravel surfaced) proving to be the final sting in the tail.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnjpFBIpP1MLV6iT10-hMGys_mpsabOM8wLE-T902Im-2rvMm7sQFGK4Q5OA5yrdgbu2DkuwAPQdK_bOBafEIBqEzUa9Z8PufHVSoROOtgZR9m8O96mLc7OcZ-4iLh8QaLX32_L4u-gNc/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnjpFBIpP1MLV6iT10-hMGys_mpsabOM8wLE-T902Im-2rvMm7sQFGK4Q5OA5yrdgbu2DkuwAPQdK_bOBafEIBqEzUa9Z8PufHVSoROOtgZR9m8O96mLc7OcZ-4iLh8QaLX32_L4u-gNc/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GerTruDe</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rainbow Dash had seen a number of adventures, however, decided to retire her. I was not happy with the 'suspension' for the front bars and felt it knocked the geometry out and essentially made the bike less comfortable. My previous Roubaix (which I still use) feels way more comfy. Anyways, I had ordered a MTB via the cycle to work scheme but delivery wasn't expected to next year. So, I cancelled the order and replaced with a nice shiny new titanium frame. Yup, I've gotten my hands on a Kinesis GTD ('Go The Distance') V2 frameset. Rainbow Dash's guts (groupset) was used to build up my Kinesis. Welcome GerTruDe, am sure you're gonna be an awesome ride!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKatstFDFruv5X5IRGNkfhLlcnQhU1wCt86wpUSwM_pNnSCRyiM-gvOhYZY5txSMiZsvxzSh8yQGIEgL9lI0tAsSYakftuUvZNy6ZYHeROvaEc5iZ0f6BCucRHaxUUeAFSrS4UY4F0r7VK/s1334/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKatstFDFruv5X5IRGNkfhLlcnQhU1wCt86wpUSwM_pNnSCRyiM-gvOhYZY5txSMiZsvxzSh8yQGIEgL9lI0tAsSYakftuUvZNy6ZYHeROvaEc5iZ0f6BCucRHaxUUeAFSrS4UY4F0r7VK/w225-h400/1.png" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cbam1xPyy1SW7ZbEydoSjp04P_7QmLly1H-ESHILSuNu034upPGp3KjvDI-5uggtgtHHmZRR2Qd0GYY4u_qXJsrplkmEcrg4kk-xsNjZCEJM7qvtox94zT2wZfhSPasEjNKyR8Vwktfd/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cbam1xPyy1SW7ZbEydoSjp04P_7QmLly1H-ESHILSuNu034upPGp3KjvDI-5uggtgtHHmZRR2Qd0GYY4u_qXJsrplkmEcrg4kk-xsNjZCEJM7qvtox94zT2wZfhSPasEjNKyR8Vwktfd/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVVFe2kry0I4j1Y90poGgDRa98n1icpdNw5wgirq2NxrJxIOtBrAuS1gbYj9Fpen8T3fjSASSz6A-PTjgPIO02-6_iURtamJTVtmlRpuJZrZLkrSKEj1rrnZxogCjobr-sjlMDap7felb/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVVFe2kry0I4j1Y90poGgDRa98n1icpdNw5wgirq2NxrJxIOtBrAuS1gbYj9Fpen8T3fjSASSz6A-PTjgPIO02-6_iURtamJTVtmlRpuJZrZLkrSKEj1rrnZxogCjobr-sjlMDap7felb/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWxXOO46PI24auNcHKuAMNXgZHjEmE3FBg6Xq8WH76aswxNLB7Uveybvk8_sjJoP49noWDPYAUudWOMt4_wRUJEAZui0vftCsU2T_oxu8LlT_MH8XuUDpIJ28PqG0SVK9cLkhyphenhyphenWLRuFSq/s2048/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWxXOO46PI24auNcHKuAMNXgZHjEmE3FBg6Xq8WH76aswxNLB7Uveybvk8_sjJoP49noWDPYAUudWOMt4_wRUJEAZui0vftCsU2T_oxu8LlT_MH8XuUDpIJ28PqG0SVK9cLkhyphenhyphenWLRuFSq/w400-h300/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbs8ML9ckjvrLAzVn5Tq5mO_q4IXMdBegDQqmenmj1d43XC_wkhMD_wQw1E8OuoWwf_nUfhAUpw6n6v6N5GtjXqyVG0Tlkh4KchHpKhPD8Eau6HnK-45rGJFfpdVM64jYVhwk8KEaUjNY/s2048/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbs8ML9ckjvrLAzVn5Tq5mO_q4IXMdBegDQqmenmj1d43XC_wkhMD_wQw1E8OuoWwf_nUfhAUpw6n6v6N5GtjXqyVG0Tlkh4KchHpKhPD8Eau6HnK-45rGJFfpdVM64jYVhwk8KEaUjNY/w300-h400/5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before the month of May was out, I was able to combine 2 great adventures into 1. Rob, Ron and I went for a wild camp and I used this as part of my Gravel Union Doorstep Challenge. The wild camp was fun, despite it raining from start to pretty much finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJEeChUofh8bpY5SiZA9HOJH1ScYVm9l9GgHO9aCORkxdBdc6CNGpH3QrTFxqUNj840HdMEYD7K4_v_Ebx1DulFYKA9tkGhIfY1D28-Yazw6EMqVkD3qJWixo232n2FvM-dw3GIpPg9KI/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJEeChUofh8bpY5SiZA9HOJH1ScYVm9l9GgHO9aCORkxdBdc6CNGpH3QrTFxqUNj840HdMEYD7K4_v_Ebx1DulFYKA9tkGhIfY1D28-Yazw6EMqVkD3qJWixo232n2FvM-dw3GIpPg9KI/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE-nFDUMoTCB1bvbhkD65_JRhqypZLFMfHN30LAP-Ov59GFYM3Y5PWpg5CYhu9jnjFA8FXjDfxPxs1Lk2P7uWZ0mvk0ApFNxIWCZgeu86mj1B6v59ypvKxEgGy5Bhihq4g19zXAHJnnUs/s2048/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE-nFDUMoTCB1bvbhkD65_JRhqypZLFMfHN30LAP-Ov59GFYM3Y5PWpg5CYhu9jnjFA8FXjDfxPxs1Lk2P7uWZ0mvk0ApFNxIWCZgeu86mj1B6v59ypvKxEgGy5Bhihq4g19zXAHJnnUs/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrANgAGERhKRg4URZ_JYARh-TtdhZI1u7etrDho2wALiPFENIm9yFUlqVLs5guW2ci119hiArJWFaUr3Rpvjh6DWD85-WtzZN-RCvqDITPIS0VsX15U_dCghj2E7nnpjExMtJxVSmw3Gc/s2048/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrANgAGERhKRg4URZ_JYARh-TtdhZI1u7etrDho2wALiPFENIm9yFUlqVLs5guW2ci119hiArJWFaUr3Rpvjh6DWD85-WtzZN-RCvqDITPIS0VsX15U_dCghj2E7nnpjExMtJxVSmw3Gc/w400-h300/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YSOpZSz8ThqRZZCUSGXq-AaWTJKdZMll94HosQTGt_V-6WrvTVtrdtvPJjtrmTba9Mp36xto4LIEn8p4bGw2KTh_C2VEgsVh3QEyyLdAO4786gHwb2AuQVYzyxH_nlaZ1upOaEoqn-jX/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YSOpZSz8ThqRZZCUSGXq-AaWTJKdZMll94HosQTGt_V-6WrvTVtrdtvPJjtrmTba9Mp36xto4LIEn8p4bGw2KTh_C2VEgsVh3QEyyLdAO4786gHwb2AuQVYzyxH_nlaZ1upOaEoqn-jX/w300-h400/4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW7PCyYryDHIbgZbXcdzCZVKmS-ygBWM-b-5F8G0h6eGH21vpIGeUhEauqzZ1dvaaC-9TAc8puPSa3S6W-qY6NcYRPTMPtAcbFDvjFWjzeNCpBD6aAzh2sJmHTwElwFs63XSqxS7vwd1c/s2048/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW7PCyYryDHIbgZbXcdzCZVKmS-ygBWM-b-5F8G0h6eGH21vpIGeUhEauqzZ1dvaaC-9TAc8puPSa3S6W-qY6NcYRPTMPtAcbFDvjFWjzeNCpBD6aAzh2sJmHTwElwFs63XSqxS7vwd1c/w300-h400/5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDR_KhyphenhyphenNteNJQOkey_7A_tmXNVAZ3N3rLisSerhnmIdsysI8YKBLvE90g_VtdSZggD6nOyohSwjfiPg6sV50eUYxTPGn0-G0s2VDAcuHMV7U3SDuNf-icDyv-fS_nGGkkNc4Ju6TdKcT8/s2048/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDR_KhyphenhyphenNteNJQOkey_7A_tmXNVAZ3N3rLisSerhnmIdsysI8YKBLvE90g_VtdSZggD6nOyohSwjfiPg6sV50eUYxTPGn0-G0s2VDAcuHMV7U3SDuNf-icDyv-fS_nGGkkNc4Ju6TdKcT8/w300-h400/6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UrlYP_jw6nQAPpZRMqLfdxnCkhHhxfD63OLWo_pCGU5f-qUTtY3u6yeSdInaBeYgOBd4bghjqc8OFZVyLa7l5JzyMPn2w-vSLZUZVTyGDnXMsO81nRhQ54wnK__6V3nes3lcV3GWDG2j/s2048/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UrlYP_jw6nQAPpZRMqLfdxnCkhHhxfD63OLWo_pCGU5f-qUTtY3u6yeSdInaBeYgOBd4bghjqc8OFZVyLa7l5JzyMPn2w-vSLZUZVTyGDnXMsO81nRhQ54wnK__6V3nes3lcV3GWDG2j/w300-h400/7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Gravel Union Doorstep Challenge was a lot of fun. It was a good excuse to pedal a few local miles really and take a few random photo's. I doubt my entries will win a prize.</div>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-40258219699342717832021-04-11T09:15:00.002-07:002021-04-11T09:24:50.772-07:00Hare and Tortoise Run /A Day in Hell<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px;">The </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700;">Hare</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px;">, one day, laughing at the </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700;">Tortoise</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px;"> for his slowness and general unwieldiness, was challenged by the latter to </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700;">run</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px;"> a race. The </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700;">Hare</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px;">, looking on the whole affair as a great joke, consented, and the Fox was selected to act as umpire, and hold the stakes. The rivals started, and the </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700;">Hare</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px;">, of course, soon left the </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700;">Tortoise</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 18px;"> far behind...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5Im1BW4OiXIQOxz6HKfKvgy6jp7sAFXNalf56I-XgotSRa_YJLg7wh04YyxNAM727D-8Az6Cxkv2CWes1M47Lj6Wjw7FmBAqiWy8MAXS_snmohenkuzBe1Iuhr3mrUoEyawhVJFXh0B-/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5Im1BW4OiXIQOxz6HKfKvgy6jp7sAFXNalf56I-XgotSRa_YJLg7wh04YyxNAM727D-8Az6Cxkv2CWes1M47Lj6Wjw7FmBAqiWy8MAXS_snmohenkuzBe1Iuhr3mrUoEyawhVJFXh0B-/w400-h240/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5th April 2021 saw me complete a 'Tortoise and Hare' Easter run. This was a 10k affair and a 'virtual' race. In view of the virtual nature of this event, I didn't race it at all and neither won nor lost. I'm pleased to inform I completed my run and await a lovely 'Tortoise and Hare' T-shirt to be posted out to me for completing same. I'm not sure if I'll get a medal.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq4cawB8ATdhU5nFeJsYya9e4Z94Lsjt5XGWx1wLRWKKGf5cDusnPUM1ZWtdtiw4mJ4fwTYfIs0Tj1Pen0hV5bbWl7fERexQpx3Ev5iW7e6y9WjmE5r_ArE5a32-Z84rSJl7CRditodLK/s1500/ADIH_web-header-logo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq4cawB8ATdhU5nFeJsYya9e4Z94Lsjt5XGWx1wLRWKKGf5cDusnPUM1ZWtdtiw4mJ4fwTYfIs0Tj1Pen0hV5bbWl7fERexQpx3Ev5iW7e6y9WjmE5r_ArE5a32-Z84rSJl7CRditodLK/w400-h225/ADIH_web-header-logo.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>10th April 2021 was the day that I cycled my first ever Rapha event. The event was entitled 'A Day in Hell'. With such a monstrous title, figured I'd cycle this one with a bunch of buddies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ca8jEjTsCKrXoH-8NbIqmnfhhUjnKN7IwHWf9fAtTeY7lfaFAsTfMXffh8c149COSG_u_O3pCczQscys36wWBGNXgi3eOMHSsMMJSX1Hb3Q0kjIAZmOWLopYKVwEs_8Ugx5tEfEFlGgg/s2048/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ca8jEjTsCKrXoH-8NbIqmnfhhUjnKN7IwHWf9fAtTeY7lfaFAsTfMXffh8c149COSG_u_O3pCczQscys36wWBGNXgi3eOMHSsMMJSX1Hb3Q0kjIAZmOWLopYKVwEs_8Ugx5tEfEFlGgg/w400-h300/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The basic plan was that we would all meet at the start and cycle as a small group. This was the first time in ages that Covid restrictions 'allowed' a group of 6 cyclists to pedal together. I cycled to the start and was the first in our group to get there. Toll was a no-show - I think he thought Louy B might have been joining us - ha! It's about time Toll did join an event and proved cycling doesn't make him sick! (Sick last 2 outings not that I'm counting). Phantom Ron had to cancel too - he was celebrating his mother's 80th!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMKJImcvaeB4nKnt9bMBb5dopU_b1CaR9oLDUbDFVMShr_hyphenhyphengDN-e5rr-nNsdBPF8sTyaU5ZqJpvhXtT3cVNxuXNEpcAjAtnGJYBLDDpNH8Ry-wC6VAEzLG36w2wusaREzWIEAF5TM2xb/s2048/5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMKJImcvaeB4nKnt9bMBb5dopU_b1CaR9oLDUbDFVMShr_hyphenhyphengDN-e5rr-nNsdBPF8sTyaU5ZqJpvhXtT3cVNxuXNEpcAjAtnGJYBLDDpNH8Ry-wC6VAEzLG36w2wusaREzWIEAF5TM2xb/w300-h400/5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Jamie, K and Chris all rocked up, pretty much together. So nice to see these guys, we hadn't seen each other for donkeys. Jamie had a new van to show off and Chris a new job to talk about plus the fact he's got 2 little ones on the way. All lovely stuff, nothing hellish at all.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65IfiACnALbu9FNUxhiJX1lmAT-cSIBF20_B1L0nO2RlUnvnEmfe9MKriSK2KbqLk6pJ6K1dkySiHv6mY36h84NMzuyHzNnvekffOxzSFMVD1nyRDwz9khqgUtdjg6f0JhDNmGwyXSQja/s2048/4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65IfiACnALbu9FNUxhiJX1lmAT-cSIBF20_B1L0nO2RlUnvnEmfe9MKriSK2KbqLk6pJ6K1dkySiHv6mY36h84NMzuyHzNnvekffOxzSFMVD1nyRDwz9khqgUtdjg6f0JhDNmGwyXSQja/w300-h400/4.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'twins'</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Then the ride started. It was chilly. Then hail was thrown down from the sky. Followed by snow. Ha! The weather was all over the place, however, it was a lovely day really and no 'real bad' weather. No menace climbs, muddy off-road or navigation issues. The day was a nice pleasant jolly and this event felt like a mini audax.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPFybb1Gg5MWBbygtb6xdAvBTYe0k-iSTMoy4GDR_Sl_i-_lMZs3Ce_aTG8WDcDV2yEQWuojhzN1PvFGkpBXHKusPnaNWnNgYB_Im6x7xDvjemKiB4q4fU_gqAqaCCIqAWxQXnLyDanVz/s2048/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPFybb1Gg5MWBbygtb6xdAvBTYe0k-iSTMoy4GDR_Sl_i-_lMZs3Ce_aTG8WDcDV2yEQWuojhzN1PvFGkpBXHKusPnaNWnNgYB_Im6x7xDvjemKiB4q4fU_gqAqaCCIqAWxQXnLyDanVz/w300-h400/3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div>We went into, out of and back into Meriden. Meriden was marked by the rather wonderful folly pictured above with Chris. The plaque reads 'In remembrance of those cyclists who gave their lives in World War II 1939 - 1945'. Chris's grandfather was a keen cyclist and thankfully didn't lose his life during World War 11. Sadly, his bicycles didn't fare so well - they were tucked away in a spare room of his family home which took a direct hit in the Blitz. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnfkWIHW6pZiUlv-K0WArOhXf4nZyfOlHeL8sUaZNGBmVk2tdYfMBDTKmk-bNV-a3T484VKZxlIAdcm5ytOpJtbLO0MNd177APVA-LnO6zeDpqf3XMMvNEe8cPLLuPu4W-zMf9TeJq5y0/s1600/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnfkWIHW6pZiUlv-K0WArOhXf4nZyfOlHeL8sUaZNGBmVk2tdYfMBDTKmk-bNV-a3T484VKZxlIAdcm5ytOpJtbLO0MNd177APVA-LnO6zeDpqf3XMMvNEe8cPLLuPu4W-zMf9TeJq5y0/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>It was nice having Chris on the ride, especially as he kindly got me a rather fancy Rapha 'A Day in Hell', cycling cap. 3 of us were donned in these rather special caps as can be seen in the picture above. Chris also gets hungry and likes to eat on cycle adventures and that's great too as I'm constantly in search of food. Was ace that Jamie and K were cycling with us - they kindly shared their lunch - tasty cheese and chorizo baguettes. I hade a great day - my mates all rock!</div><div><div><br /></div></div>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-51456366969937509802021-03-31T03:45:00.001-07:002021-03-31T03:51:27.250-07:00Mad month of March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpDJCJD2R8wQr6LCusWzu-lS6HoDgUH2bOfeTCHxfON-l9tksz6wb9JFNEPwQu8Qw4rYkDVv7y9ryRCDjFpsNjhoazgrnN1OxpSsLwb48ohcHEn_3LKW4YjqQ7TdA7itJXJwSAULTypoS/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="2048" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpDJCJD2R8wQr6LCusWzu-lS6HoDgUH2bOfeTCHxfON-l9tksz6wb9JFNEPwQu8Qw4rYkDVv7y9ryRCDjFpsNjhoazgrnN1OxpSsLwb48ohcHEn_3LKW4YjqQ7TdA7itJXJwSAULTypoS/w400-h310/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>March is my birthday month. Much madness happens in March. Maybe that explains why I'm so mad. This mad month of March was also the month that I was gifted with my medal and running shirt for completing my 2nd 'Retro Run' for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. This was specifically the '00's Retro Run' where I ran a whopping 10k.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e_UeMrff6UDG-d74VunEuRsd5NNYBPots3Sl3OX-R8aWGdSCXvSsW6cqyCwoFIRd_fB-3hFLJ89R-L8Ynd-mX1F_ermkCETCl0DoLp8yvyiozhUWA_m6mrrk4ouiNwKA4B1TKpvA6hIJ/s1752/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1752" data-original-width="1454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e_UeMrff6UDG-d74VunEuRsd5NNYBPots3Sl3OX-R8aWGdSCXvSsW6cqyCwoFIRd_fB-3hFLJ89R-L8Ynd-mX1F_ermkCETCl0DoLp8yvyiozhUWA_m6mrrk4ouiNwKA4B1TKpvA6hIJ/w333-h400/3.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n49B2meXY4KSp8-Dr5bklF3B0F8Hi6X8eQvlI668eGVO4AXMyM48PwHlrclYkcCi4aBYGFnP8pa3FbmqnzlXGstRY8fLFILVj7DZeU_Ej_BEUREzBOb0A_d5PZIv_iGdK1QEb35xLO_0/s2534/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="1241" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n49B2meXY4KSp8-Dr5bklF3B0F8Hi6X8eQvlI668eGVO4AXMyM48PwHlrclYkcCi4aBYGFnP8pa3FbmqnzlXGstRY8fLFILVj7DZeU_Ej_BEUREzBOb0A_d5PZIv_iGdK1QEb35xLO_0/w196-h400/2.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDuU472MPemDvRdrr5wcDEtNb-YLjsAXvB6amX03ivVmo-0ZaEQCXTxAlXUuxwYEuWaNg5_KfIqaVyGDFES7AWGnhSynWqEN6LXCHWVrtvQRXWq_HFN6ySx0b9p1sxUqcCqqwDezEGjN-/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1713" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDuU472MPemDvRdrr5wcDEtNb-YLjsAXvB6amX03ivVmo-0ZaEQCXTxAlXUuxwYEuWaNg5_KfIqaVyGDFES7AWGnhSynWqEN6LXCHWVrtvQRXWq_HFN6ySx0b9p1sxUqcCqqwDezEGjN-/w335-h400/1.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><p></p><p>Anyways, among the mad adventures I had in March were numerous Zwift cycles, a couple of work commutes, a tandem jolly, the 'Faux Drop', the 'Mad March Hare', a Newsletter dash, the 'Mad Summer Hare' and a few runs and walks with family members and Ernie dawg. Hard to believe Covid and the lockdown still exist with all this fun.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W5pReqmpLMj6tvwKGtOGSphP4o00fn5iNKkuDnQHNtngwn-v1ZDQfHQa8iOOmZr022yIzCfq91bNdHf2DBYSj47DyMMxn6fap-jhjNfY3Q1-5dRg88YIYDmlXUyMo6uvp2mFyQxCEY0m/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W5pReqmpLMj6tvwKGtOGSphP4o00fn5iNKkuDnQHNtngwn-v1ZDQfHQa8iOOmZr022yIzCfq91bNdHf2DBYSj47DyMMxn6fap-jhjNfY3Q1-5dRg88YIYDmlXUyMo6uvp2mFyQxCEY0m/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bridge without a troll on my commute</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Felt kinda weird commuting to work just because I hadn't done so for so long. I took quite leisurely routes to work and cycled some new ground (sometimes ending at a dead end). Small sections of my route were off road too. Was nice to 'read' once more again too - I was listening to audio books whilst I cycled.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR16PFKozhKZZ5BjxqoTb1yK7zxRJi9FNczp0R3Bt69_A0JvUXdPVJlIkmDi5EJRYAF2PBfHKuYmvuGQkowhNAr1cHmtCWLnGzFE6m2J6yBRYrgw8HefB0gttGKpIAly1tVqy6gGp_tvwL/s1000/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="738" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR16PFKozhKZZ5BjxqoTb1yK7zxRJi9FNczp0R3Bt69_A0JvUXdPVJlIkmDi5EJRYAF2PBfHKuYmvuGQkowhNAr1cHmtCWLnGzFE6m2J6yBRYrgw8HefB0gttGKpIAly1tVqy6gGp_tvwL/w295-h400/1.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><p></p><p>Was super nice to cycle with Roger on a tandem jolly. The Phantom joined us too and was great cycling as a trio. I'm guessing this wasn't against the current Covid rules - as only 2 bikes were out together?! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRs5xH1EXi4octdV-fw2rao_KnFJg5AbihsfF1pAOJn32pFFVLaWv_VSQdtAk6PSN1slpVwZfRgY3B7OwnVGfcmoj21So_8FhgSc1BHIOd-ZWrA1mgBw34JdUM1KErwxCMsQtiQ-XDa0XV/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRs5xH1EXi4octdV-fw2rao_KnFJg5AbihsfF1pAOJn32pFFVLaWv_VSQdtAk6PSN1slpVwZfRgY3B7OwnVGfcmoj21So_8FhgSc1BHIOd-ZWrA1mgBw34JdUM1KErwxCMsQtiQ-XDa0XV/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alpkit bag did not like being mounted on the seat tube</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vLVmTi6hLRyWgFPzinnyn8EC68Jxfe2RCum_R0NY0pzKxKdDZpbgBrybDIo3DKTAhp0d8xabFBK92MMsVeJ2YNw3qjrx3jVzhahDsUGZ3q6wywwASTVyhRfSM8X9nyb-O5T6AqkUJCyg/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vLVmTi6hLRyWgFPzinnyn8EC68Jxfe2RCum_R0NY0pzKxKdDZpbgBrybDIo3DKTAhp0d8xabFBK92MMsVeJ2YNw3qjrx3jVzhahDsUGZ3q6wywwASTVyhRfSM8X9nyb-O5T6AqkUJCyg/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Phantom and I decided we would cycle a rendition of the classic 'Snow Drop' audax route, that Jamie dubbed the 'Faux Drop'. The Snow Drop is a lovely audax that I like to cycle each year - it wasn't running this year due to Covid. Cycling our own version of the event allowed us to start from home which was great and cycle 'Pig Hill' earlier into the ride. Our first stop was the awesome Whitlenge Tea Rooms but damn blast - all closed due to Covid.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4dWx9KKVciXgSPR3u_T8YPsl6R5Frn0tN1JlN1HsTJwahYj-n5XrYJjdrYJ4QfgQRqqPH1ey16TsOIPNesevUZkjfRhGfZUHlu0L1gvsLO_aVO-QPCS8tO8N_lbwswQfMHQN44lc3DSB/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4dWx9KKVciXgSPR3u_T8YPsl6R5Frn0tN1JlN1HsTJwahYj-n5XrYJjdrYJ4QfgQRqqPH1ey16TsOIPNesevUZkjfRhGfZUHlu0L1gvsLO_aVO-QPCS8tO8N_lbwswQfMHQN44lc3DSB/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Phantom</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>One of the wonders of this Faux Drop was that we saw a herd of deer all lying down. I wondered if they were sleeping? I've never seen such a sight before and am sure I read somewhere that deer only sleep for 7 minutes a day?! Sounding so mad, I decided to Google it, and this is what I read: De<span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 16px;">ers never sleep. They have evolved a simple coping mechanism which means that they can stay awake </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700;">24 hours</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 16px;"> a day if needs be. However in times of high stress and long periods of alertness they occasionally sleep. This sleep pattern is so fast and efficient that 1 minute of deer sleep is the equivalent to 2 human sleep hours.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNXZREO2M7rUfl7kv7sO6XTU4e24SKiGOeN1e2VUw5RbVHIQJx-Ys4y0P31C9cilNrR03kPRPNtNx1Z7YGF5XxbmAwI1DxLX3kiAQZTQZjurxGOU23fDUN4-T-I0Ucd7e7WPuaYmifYIh/s1024/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNXZREO2M7rUfl7kv7sO6XTU4e24SKiGOeN1e2VUw5RbVHIQJx-Ys4y0P31C9cilNrR03kPRPNtNx1Z7YGF5XxbmAwI1DxLX3kiAQZTQZjurxGOU23fDUN4-T-I0Ucd7e7WPuaYmifYIh/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyzmmt8ElBXfZVWwbtlMFWgk4Y5mnUJwtxamkGaYr_lKgsrORSGZ-UyjVgU0KGpIhAw6WAXm5SdnaCmxQO70Qq4xIK1lzB9DdfPfnarLwVng89XBrh_YdndsyyJyeSfNZ5-HAohyphenhyphenN6nVz/s689/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="689" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyzmmt8ElBXfZVWwbtlMFWgk4Y5mnUJwtxamkGaYr_lKgsrORSGZ-UyjVgU0KGpIhAw6WAXm5SdnaCmxQO70Qq4xIK1lzB9DdfPfnarLwVng89XBrh_YdndsyyJyeSfNZ5-HAohyphenhyphenN6nVz/w400-h160/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Upton provided a nice place to stop. We fuelled here on tasty pastries and sat on a bench enjoying the sun shine. Last time we cycled here we were cycling on major flooded roads. Crazy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuA-eswoI8y7oIrbZKosuZrOaNxxDdzFrbJZKhqkO-41ShPN7RDZ1rOpXd66LmX3qQKXKVX8p4cjbD-SgyKesMrnIqr4F_KXo86nMBXqOz_gcSpD8tm8E8PdOyz6waT1jBmzZBbBIQegZ/s1024/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuA-eswoI8y7oIrbZKosuZrOaNxxDdzFrbJZKhqkO-41ShPN7RDZ1rOpXd66LmX3qQKXKVX8p4cjbD-SgyKesMrnIqr4F_KXo86nMBXqOz_gcSpD8tm8E8PdOyz6waT1jBmzZBbBIQegZ/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following the awesome Faux Drop, I cycled another lovely route next day. This was the Mad March Hare, or at least my rendition of it. I didn't really know what to expect, not having cycled this one before. I had Garmin issues this day and hence my route didn't match the official - maybe have to cycle this another time. For whatever reason, once about 3/4 way around the course, my Garmin was just re-routing me and sending me home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYgmX6almiPgvIYdKvL3-pLBNWAP0lI02oXDC47l8AQoz-px0npC0D51mtI4exNafDmwnzi7gzIx-jrudlPXv07L3iRhUZ4BBnkjkxn7aVtK-Xmf0d4TYIRRsqna6j3pIJizuTxV0nnvs/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYgmX6almiPgvIYdKvL3-pLBNWAP0lI02oXDC47l8AQoz-px0npC0D51mtI4exNafDmwnzi7gzIx-jrudlPXv07L3iRhUZ4BBnkjkxn7aVtK-Xmf0d4TYIRRsqna6j3pIJizuTxV0nnvs/w400-h300/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWOu7bJSJJZ8Pfv0qXovPkIUSvu67PJshxBqWYWlMv1xiTm4EAAJgy1K9pn_sxSIyHwgpTvvdUAhOSQTML1xfhJ_7G_BbV5VBWESvcHI1Y-kgaOFMpAAfiniSOVg-kwaddT9T8XWIgRHp/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWOu7bJSJJZ8Pfv0qXovPkIUSvu67PJshxBqWYWlMv1xiTm4EAAJgy1K9pn_sxSIyHwgpTvvdUAhOSQTML1xfhJ_7G_BbV5VBWESvcHI1Y-kgaOFMpAAfiniSOVg-kwaddT9T8XWIgRHp/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As predicted, much madness happened on this route. First off, there was the navigation issues. Then, I was looking for somewhere nice to purchase food stuffs in Welford, but only found a general stores. I purchases a lousy sandwich and crisps and sat down munching same wishing I had found a pasty shop or similar. Whilst munching, I spotted a couple of folk opposite drinking tea and eating pastries. D'oh, I had missed the butchers that sold said pastries. The most madness had to be the fact that I had put on my bib shorts inside out! How ridiculous. I wasn't expecting this route to go up Saintbury Hill, but it did, and so I decided to stop at St Nicholas Church and make sure my shorts were no longer outside in! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHcfQJEzQ8-lG69yuzqXDr4jvHXJODzit8vfuWQH5ucmkz7wKv4psgXCXG2GVQwxMYnE5_RfZk-hMgHezdquAPEx-a5FI5LdQjCDv0W5ZYGNsdruuNCbky3_MuLVhpa4FLOruRog40-1p/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHcfQJEzQ8-lG69yuzqXDr4jvHXJODzit8vfuWQH5ucmkz7wKv4psgXCXG2GVQwxMYnE5_RfZk-hMgHezdquAPEx-a5FI5LdQjCDv0W5ZYGNsdruuNCbky3_MuLVhpa4FLOruRog40-1p/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty roof in Welford</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My return route took me back through Welford. This was ace because I was able to at last buy a cup of tea and a tasty pasty from the butcher's shop. All is well that ends well and this ride ended just swell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtyIMsf7PRVXb7PiVMhV6XlnXLiNMTsDfO_12yl5HegRLpXAJz20zMjNFGzWkMSHMXt_565Wi-NjYnvMDjn6tKAfGJvyKoloNi9XGnwdjJZLsCd8zN7l8hnxM_sbIJfcdGr5IpsSv_whO/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtyIMsf7PRVXb7PiVMhV6XlnXLiNMTsDfO_12yl5HegRLpXAJz20zMjNFGzWkMSHMXt_565Wi-NjYnvMDjn6tKAfGJvyKoloNi9XGnwdjJZLsCd8zN7l8hnxM_sbIJfcdGr5IpsSv_whO/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my cycling jollies saw me post our newsletters for my ecclesia. I felt like a proper messenger, what with my fixie bike and messenger bag. Ha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew3W8Yrds3EhbQa_Tbil-J7v3UbIXpbMfPEe4XxPcrre4S2yXLDt-WJJ5umuwhpbf49ZdRqujh2t4fYMfGFsbKjrai61fdYebMzJhqXFsby8qP1qYvJiteIxosD4KExL8kqDiR1fSxXkE/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew3W8Yrds3EhbQa_Tbil-J7v3UbIXpbMfPEe4XxPcrre4S2yXLDt-WJJ5umuwhpbf49ZdRqujh2t4fYMfGFsbKjrai61fdYebMzJhqXFsby8qP1qYvJiteIxosD4KExL8kqDiR1fSxXkE/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbMFoSJAOQjHZGnTawiYzlw6OC6d_329b0KdT8rMWcqwEUCzRPdx-f8aFE8h06rleqMvicyxFeG8ajlhOKVFMl24JHvVYK7LN9rhTKfQjRm1RHnoAEJi3kmm90VYGBCDMb05Gu6-5fTXT/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbMFoSJAOQjHZGnTawiYzlw6OC6d_329b0KdT8rMWcqwEUCzRPdx-f8aFE8h06rleqMvicyxFeG8ajlhOKVFMl24JHvVYK7LN9rhTKfQjRm1RHnoAEJi3kmm90VYGBCDMb05Gu6-5fTXT/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVjmZJnrZNd6U7my0JDI_t3vH66oaMs1ptpPSLTMZnw7vbJGH-cYGJFwVWh2MqlgpoWvXy_6eB3d1X64K8cgd3v3BDom9XDQBa2peEULJdO0GWeoGjr5YtyW6dW3KQRwlzf-Z2jJOcp2x/s2048/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVjmZJnrZNd6U7my0JDI_t3vH66oaMs1ptpPSLTMZnw7vbJGH-cYGJFwVWh2MqlgpoWvXy_6eB3d1X64K8cgd3v3BDom9XDQBa2peEULJdO0GWeoGjr5YtyW6dW3KQRwlzf-Z2jJOcp2x/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amongst the many walks I undertook with Ernie was one that went to a secret wild camp spot from yester-year. This camp spot was now more of a quagmire. Ernie loved it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mf1r795hdCBvsb9knLmyhWL1Chuu22Iro-EyYr7G2_2WWz2ClLo4jzBRiRjhCNKZZi9Vmu-qa6Q6BJqxucr8Y80BDxhk-SGugPzdV_kbt3HiuvcmF-8WJp7g4-iXFStZ4rIYOuBRsFHM/s4608/DSC04143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mf1r795hdCBvsb9knLmyhWL1Chuu22Iro-EyYr7G2_2WWz2ClLo4jzBRiRjhCNKZZi9Vmu-qa6Q6BJqxucr8Y80BDxhk-SGugPzdV_kbt3HiuvcmF-8WJp7g4-iXFStZ4rIYOuBRsFHM/w400-h300/DSC04143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Too add a wee bit more madness to the month, I also cycled the Mad Summer Hare (in this Spring season). This was a really hilly affair and Snows Hill, Saintbury Hill and Dovers Hill were all climbed plus another whose name I didn't catch. I had never cycled this event before but may well cycle again. My first stop came at around the 70k mark. I could smell a wonderful smell - the smell of cooked pasties and it belonged to Fladbury Pies and Sausages. I was most disappointed when I entered the shop - only a small selection of pies were on sale and all cold in a refrigerated counter. The steak and red wine pie would have gone down much better if hot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F14ak3o4TppMF77g4VVgCIDTLBgSCt22eV3kovWRMq7w4qSRdK6aVAYo-FoN_KCnI6EUtyL0HyPjqgElZo9I8ppOHW9m0gcLfpaMUzo_PoSCKq-AOpk2BoP7qB-MUxbPfHSO_fOFaabw/s4608/DSC04144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F14ak3o4TppMF77g4VVgCIDTLBgSCt22eV3kovWRMq7w4qSRdK6aVAYo-FoN_KCnI6EUtyL0HyPjqgElZo9I8ppOHW9m0gcLfpaMUzo_PoSCKq-AOpk2BoP7qB-MUxbPfHSO_fOFaabw/w400-h300/DSC04144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3m5-sfFCo01Rpcrswh7sdpbZHH6t8XwGakKeZ3nqgrERPffSbhqlhKMsjxffjXMio6f6cI0qRCRakZzrAMeh77VxV7FH6t1mw8qIexNUNzRwAQqf3LwzsBG4Ws-Z2h2_iRKjULGBHAMms/s4608/DSC04145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3m5-sfFCo01Rpcrswh7sdpbZHH6t8XwGakKeZ3nqgrERPffSbhqlhKMsjxffjXMio6f6cI0qRCRakZzrAMeh77VxV7FH6t1mw8qIexNUNzRwAQqf3LwzsBG4Ws-Z2h2_iRKjULGBHAMms/w400-h300/DSC04145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My next stop was at the base of Dovers Hill. There is something nice about stopping at Church locations. Especially when they provide seating!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heading for home, I stopped at a local store to top up on Vimto. Whilst in the store, I heard a voice calling my name. It was Lee - a fellow audaxer that I cycled the Giants Tooth 500 with. A small world indeed. The last thing that made me a little mad was that I stopped at the lovely butchers shop in Welford, just like I did on the Mad March Hare - only this time it was closed. Oh well, a great route none the less.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6rdQnCkcEJJ40oX5pGN37Rr6DY-JGAWrcZANZwUqYilfTukXoVHfd1gh7qj6wjmr-d9rP4VmV4oG0wNuOQdUtQ2yjCSbX4M7V4_ZlfPAL1I1icQdxUbRFPhyOQALRULCL3Crz738vihy/s353/th.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="353" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6rdQnCkcEJJ40oX5pGN37Rr6DY-JGAWrcZANZwUqYilfTukXoVHfd1gh7qj6wjmr-d9rP4VmV4oG0wNuOQdUtQ2yjCSbX4M7V4_ZlfPAL1I1icQdxUbRFPhyOQALRULCL3Crz738vihy/w400-h203/th.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambitious or mad?!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This mad month also saw Jamie and I sign up for the Rapha Ambitious 220 event. Essentially, we are ambitiously cycling (at least) 220 miles over the weekend of 26-27 June 2021. We decided to enter this event as our plans to complete the TransAlba race have been shelved for a second year running (due to the Covid menace) and we wanted to do 'something else' relatively awesome. As part of the package we are hoping to raise £220 for the Ambitious about Autism, Autism West Midlands and Dogs for Autism charities. Please help us to reach this target by clicking this link <a href="https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/AdVeNtUrEsQuAd">here</a> - imagine how awesome it would be if we reached our target. That really would be the dogs bark.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ended the month with a cycle. In actual fact, a doubly whammy. Yup, cycled a short distance fixed and indoors. Farewell oh mad month of April!</div><p></p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-86950935756602562922021-03-06T06:13:00.001-08:002021-03-06T06:15:31.998-08:00The good, the bad and the what the Dickens<p>The good news I have to report is the fact that I've managed to complete another official run and an official cycle event too. The run was only a 10k affair. The cycle event, can you believe, saw me cycle outside!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dxrTolSCd0ENC5cZ3XaGt7-J-_fZRQin8mb84JaWiwN3qaW32ggKHcDm4IyMCrB3GPRfjj6bIopLY3T8Ixwz5uoJnbl-uyBaVGmQ1XlZ_5xb9BMLwDOTTKzJ5T6_HwA4Yh71xLxfzUL-/s960/00s-Run-1920x1080-General-960x547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="960" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dxrTolSCd0ENC5cZ3XaGt7-J-_fZRQin8mb84JaWiwN3qaW32ggKHcDm4IyMCrB3GPRfjj6bIopLY3T8Ixwz5uoJnbl-uyBaVGmQ1XlZ_5xb9BMLwDOTTKzJ5T6_HwA4Yh71xLxfzUL-/w400-h228/00s-Run-1920x1080-General-960x547.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The run I completed was the 00's Retro Run supporting the Roy Castle Lung Foundation. I didn't challenge myself too much and just entered for a 10k distance. I'm yet to receive my bling - a rather fancy medal and running top. Was great a few folk sponsored me and helped raise an additional £30 or so for this charity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3gQshMxRLrBU_BvMJ8UG8T_GNZU-b7EMVlkXvi3_PdLkU3NrWYagOjtNG9CxL9VNGYQT7iJ2AVthJpZeCQE1aTu8vHFEf4Y1991AaEnJg1YsPL49TE_-T5YWOX6Jql6jYr8_MHXMoTIf/s1334/sd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3gQshMxRLrBU_BvMJ8UG8T_GNZU-b7EMVlkXvi3_PdLkU3NrWYagOjtNG9CxL9VNGYQT7iJ2AVthJpZeCQE1aTu8vHFEf4Y1991AaEnJg1YsPL49TE_-T5YWOX6Jql6jYr8_MHXMoTIf/w225-h400/sd.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>My cycle event was entitled 'THE (SOCIALLY) DISTANCE(D)'. This was a quirky event and suitably named during these Covid times. The organisers of this event basically sent out a task card (as pictured above) with a whole bunch of buzz words. Each rider would have to plan their own ride (no matter how short or far) using the Komoot cycling app and cycle same taking photo's of buzz words on the task card. The task card worked in a 'Blockbuster' style and boxes had to be connected by joining the blocks together in diagonal lines. Simples.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wBgsuRhWFLYZL4wUm9FhIXuhw9eyK3NXWq9rqzU64H3aTZiBR-zhMIduAlyy9EU2cbEzc3eln0k3unIrhP-Y4RPMKwWsyyeBg-guGgp8pPebchPlkRdyv1gzN_RR1s-YiVY2FF2FwXyV/s1334/sd2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wBgsuRhWFLYZL4wUm9FhIXuhw9eyK3NXWq9rqzU64H3aTZiBR-zhMIduAlyy9EU2cbEzc3eln0k3unIrhP-Y4RPMKwWsyyeBg-guGgp8pPebchPlkRdyv1gzN_RR1s-YiVY2FF2FwXyV/w225-h400/sd2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>I cycled this event with Ron the Phantom and we used this ride to not only take snaps of the buzz words but to also post newsletters to members of our fellowship. What a great idea eh?! Ron made a such a wonderful photographer. To add a bit of further quirkiness to the ride, I decided to ride my super funky fixed bike.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixrKZmbvbgNHd0BTyH08mczPD6D95dQIFXkO1VWo8IQCBSK3gT0keJKG2j-V0q7qrCBHSWEAyVwlS4zULTVCipjISKtCKLPiCQPCsKWl8t5JpTzhumZXUiFLoXrxX70rv6oFQ729BiWyr/s1024/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixrKZmbvbgNHd0BTyH08mczPD6D95dQIFXkO1VWo8IQCBSK3gT0keJKG2j-V0q7qrCBHSWEAyVwlS4zULTVCipjISKtCKLPiCQPCsKWl8t5JpTzhumZXUiFLoXrxX70rv6oFQ729BiWyr/w300-h400/7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tjWQ9Y_L5IIqlOEjKf2-EJyaxD9NVRSkV1KV9WklVjOdVia04aAc45FOPOvHqwx3bs490I5Vyv1mVfvd_DTpmFIzB5HYOlG2Ki6sNLe0HtzZSVpR4OW0aQ4XfuKTmz9Ms2ljEFX4qah_/s1024/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tjWQ9Y_L5IIqlOEjKf2-EJyaxD9NVRSkV1KV9WklVjOdVia04aAc45FOPOvHqwx3bs490I5Vyv1mVfvd_DTpmFIzB5HYOlG2Ki6sNLe0HtzZSVpR4OW0aQ4XfuKTmz9Ms2ljEFX4qah_/w300-h400/5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMhm6JdhDbl5hfsomWYj3e5vwp-VE3wtOPLhpetKANYNn1Hh2DA0EL-FLuzjC7x7oO2rno0bTurQhw-mSEWXy0cma7yfPr2IS-1l3gOKG07up-LXd0VudDMIBq2ZTILnAPjZwkYVduU7s/s1024/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMhm6JdhDbl5hfsomWYj3e5vwp-VE3wtOPLhpetKANYNn1Hh2DA0EL-FLuzjC7x7oO2rno0bTurQhw-mSEWXy0cma7yfPr2IS-1l3gOKG07up-LXd0VudDMIBq2ZTILnAPjZwkYVduU7s/w300-h400/4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7BD0dgaDThCtFqTe3FWo89ZEJPaDSiND9ZtPdyw7WRnTUSAI8P-vUlduUiGVwXEWYL2woNgV-xzWSAHpM84gfx50_ZhD8xvoMkLiYGUbzmFDyU7ZH06v3MZRBs6mC_cUL-7le-TN25rh/s1024/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7BD0dgaDThCtFqTe3FWo89ZEJPaDSiND9ZtPdyw7WRnTUSAI8P-vUlduUiGVwXEWYL2woNgV-xzWSAHpM84gfx50_ZhD8xvoMkLiYGUbzmFDyU7ZH06v3MZRBs6mC_cUL-7le-TN25rh/w300-h400/3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlYf_xwSX6eiYD-_yTYNQoFSMmhgAxndSMrbhSbAwfFSRAETtY6a-U-iJUEZk-Hcg1Dm8qAljCfR_3XOyqn3OuguR-YvW8eYPuogh7faZI-isB83JALbSayAQAM9NMLRu95kXbIS838Vz/s2048/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlYf_xwSX6eiYD-_yTYNQoFSMmhgAxndSMrbhSbAwfFSRAETtY6a-U-iJUEZk-Hcg1Dm8qAljCfR_3XOyqn3OuguR-YvW8eYPuogh7faZI-isB83JALbSayAQAM9NMLRu95kXbIS838Vz/w300-h400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_uEOZLRCFKFPnZmjtv_hV8lY0jnRMlMaqRKusZ5l8bjgbySO3gCInzkDxupR6m07D5vCnXXGxz72aiDFZrFYzWw3-CgLSjA_3QDo1F1L1yon6qL7ZMAiQcz70Rp_1d3P66ZgjAGvQoqX/s1024/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_uEOZLRCFKFPnZmjtv_hV8lY0jnRMlMaqRKusZ5l8bjgbySO3gCInzkDxupR6m07D5vCnXXGxz72aiDFZrFYzWw3-CgLSjA_3QDo1F1L1yon6qL7ZMAiQcz70Rp_1d3P66ZgjAGvQoqX/w300-h400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Collecting the necessary photo's was a lot of fun. Cycling outdoors with Ron was also super fun. Other friends of ours were cycling this event too but we never saw them because we were socially distanced. We did however, bump randomly into people we knew. People of note were Brenda - she was just walking to her home after we had posted a newsletter and John C who had a surprise newsletter posted through his window. Ron's niece, (I forget her name), was the most random meet though. Ron was just talking about how super a cyclist his niece was and then, wham, bam, our wheels were facing hers! Bizarre!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYPp1KTP0cjAnjivdaX3KRoBmlWeaxPbuIgUO-mHP1SGgg-aX6EGor9ti5sfLgS8Dq9niUWEziBvffo9nkXMO6YyH0ssrajF8-MXkkQAHhmcyTuc9cgI3rGpzi__7-OQfV2dfwYsKfFAa/s1024/b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYPp1KTP0cjAnjivdaX3KRoBmlWeaxPbuIgUO-mHP1SGgg-aX6EGor9ti5sfLgS8Dq9niUWEziBvffo9nkXMO6YyH0ssrajF8-MXkkQAHhmcyTuc9cgI3rGpzi__7-OQfV2dfwYsKfFAa/s320/b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EBBZl1cSmnkXBvVxtLGyXcK4JT6SNkyjz8H4pg-Nqz3H79GBAiz-FKmDaBiLdIcv2kDPH9sHxpc40yGGVGGH0vAoi07NGTcU9eKxWM47-Ym0EMFknkxQoazxhfgQmzvjPlaj571n7Q1n/s1024/a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EBBZl1cSmnkXBvVxtLGyXcK4JT6SNkyjz8H4pg-Nqz3H79GBAiz-FKmDaBiLdIcv2kDPH9sHxpc40yGGVGGH0vAoi07NGTcU9eKxWM47-Ym0EMFknkxQoazxhfgQmzvjPlaj571n7Q1n/w300-h400/a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Following the event, all the photo's were uploaded to Instagram with the @thedistance tagged and #thesociallydistanced in the post. Didn't include the photo of the 3 of us obviously and the 'Dogbut Lane' pic was omitted too. That would have made a great strange place name photo. The route we cycled was also uploaded to Komoot. Wonder if I'll win any prizes?<p></p><p>The bad news received this month was the very disturbing confirmation that the TransAlba race I was hoping to cycle this year (and last) had been postponed again - now scheduled to take place in 2022. Slightly frustrating! </p><p>As February ended and March began, the Audax website advertised that entries for planned cycle rides were opening again. I've entered the 'Goats Head Soup', 'Brum 200' and 'The Kidderminster Killer'. What the Dickens?!👽</p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-33324648158076025482021-01-30T08:59:00.000-08:002021-01-30T08:59:02.334-08:00Jolly Jan into Fantastic Feb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFfCcryK0XgmCtm0S2TEwUF8hVFbICm5ZK7vJ_NLmSWFMc_6dI4vHtj_u8H6Xhn3hnSuhIE7t2mm0JsypEFu6ll1bQc1cDgJpdy_-zKXScCSvlBQTMlPY5bXKvKnMp0GechaYND2W52wM/s2048/rc1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFfCcryK0XgmCtm0S2TEwUF8hVFbICm5ZK7vJ_NLmSWFMc_6dI4vHtj_u8H6Xhn3hnSuhIE7t2mm0JsypEFu6ll1bQc1cDgJpdy_-zKXScCSvlBQTMlPY5bXKvKnMp0GechaYND2W52wM/w293-h400/rc1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><p>Oh man, it's the end of January and will soon be February. England, like many other parts of the world is still suffering with a crazy Covid pandemic. Currently in a lockdown and trying my best to be jolly and optimistic...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FPOuNqI0G5Rrn4rABzAWyKaGGMVjFTYTGrJz9JNFuX9-YQOlI3fqra2xqEkG-l4qz3U3yQxd2cYprEy_pANGmMhafvjFjv8Nek8eMXb8OjNNuTB8H0AiVQvBPIxPIrEgf-FdqdH-6rE5/s1920/2021-01-28_1933091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1920" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FPOuNqI0G5Rrn4rABzAWyKaGGMVjFTYTGrJz9JNFuX9-YQOlI3fqra2xqEkG-l4qz3U3yQxd2cYprEy_pANGmMhafvjFjv8Nek8eMXb8OjNNuTB8H0AiVQvBPIxPIrEgf-FdqdH-6rE5/w400-h205/2021-01-28_1933091.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>On the training/challenge/exercise front, not much took place in January. Actually, that's not true. A lot of activity took place but it was all indoors. Yup, have turned into a bit of a recluse (just like the rest of the nation due to these 'lockdown' rules), however, have cycled lots indoors. I've really become quite an indoor cyclist and am very much enjoying Zwift. Despite all the indoor miles, I have not cycled outside once this year and have not ran at all - indoors or out. The rules don't prevent me from going outside, however, we're not allowed to exercise in groups and all exercise has to be local. The weather has been unkind too - lots of rain and snow. Thankfully, it does not rain indoors!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQE737gNnsNe2YVYldjrkRUPs38KCpoSZDxqAWB_qUUxg34W7ZHO5PWYYxRGlZaXXGXfwDfjie265Ssqbmp7lVmOHqq4WSGLggxJaj-Ayos0r_4JO0MdQDaJ_yJeRrV24wkhX-U5JkU32l/s2048/rc3+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1228" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQE737gNnsNe2YVYldjrkRUPs38KCpoSZDxqAWB_qUUxg34W7ZHO5PWYYxRGlZaXXGXfwDfjie265Ssqbmp7lVmOHqq4WSGLggxJaj-Ayos0r_4JO0MdQDaJ_yJeRrV24wkhX-U5JkU32l/w240-h400/rc3+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>On my last indoor Zwift cycle in January, some kinda weird things happened. I was cycling with my mates Jonny, Steve, 'other' Steve, and Ron the Phantom. After so many K's, Steve complained that his 'turbo trainer felt lumpy'. He carried on cycling for a spell and then realized that his tube had deflated. Not so weird one might say, however, on same ride my chain snapped. Grr, I had 'won' a couple of sprints and put the power down in an attempt to win a third and snap, crash, game over - snapped chain. Hmm, I figured I must be becoming mighty (I wish). Just before I could start cursing, my daughter came running up to me and handed a parcel that had just been delivered. I opened the parcel and wow, it was a beautiful medal I had won for completing the Roy Castle 60's Retro Run (1/2 marathon) last year. Aces! Better yet, the parcel contained a really funky running shirt and buff. Maybe it's a sign that I should move my butt outdoors and start running and brave the conditions on my other bikes?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSaxecz7QF_L8Lk3iZmVn8IZQct1MIYmHwktitUTaCtBsxpzLiZ3jslLiN-PKWJfuazqFKExz5jGCrffbLTofeBmo9U-cHKOgquxq17l_69UMQZx27KgDEQKyA7GNxwyS5DnDaLSSG-pC/s2048/rc2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1457" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSaxecz7QF_L8Lk3iZmVn8IZQct1MIYmHwktitUTaCtBsxpzLiZ3jslLiN-PKWJfuazqFKExz5jGCrffbLTofeBmo9U-cHKOgquxq17l_69UMQZx27KgDEQKyA7GNxwyS5DnDaLSSG-pC/w285-h400/rc2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><p></p><p>I have a feeling in my waters that February will be fantastic!</p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-2674661785995071352021-01-09T09:34:00.005-08:002021-01-09T09:58:33.982-08:00Happy New Year 2021! (So long, farewell 2020...)<p>Happy New Year! It's 2021! I wonder what's in store for all this year?! Whatever, I hope you all have a year that blows your socks off! (I know last year and the beginning of this have been described as 'naff' by the masses, however, I will attempt to add hope, humour and optimism).</p><p>2020 ended on a pretty good high for me, mostly because it ended - ha! I managed to complete the Rapha 500 challenge, exceeded my cycling distance goal for the year and completed a half-marathon during the Winter Solstice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0LgDlt1slFDvvyh_QucI0JjYI9OW_IpfGWGsNW47iMjfsqZ3kraaK8-aCSArtIX5qJ4mExWeD5d5giUyv2J83sVwp10W5-b7zjV24veeDlUfzNAEn1jyphS7sSI8oHYK3SIvPAtcyffy/s201/2128-logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="201" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0LgDlt1slFDvvyh_QucI0JjYI9OW_IpfGWGsNW47iMjfsqZ3kraaK8-aCSArtIX5qJ4mExWeD5d5giUyv2J83sVwp10W5-b7zjV24veeDlUfzNAEn1jyphS7sSI8oHYK3SIvPAtcyffy/w400-h400/2128-logo.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Every Winter since 2010, Rapha has held their 'Festive 500' challenge. This is a challenge to cycle 500k between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. I've completed this challenge a few times to date - 2013, 2014, 2015 and now 2020 too. Prior to 2020, Rapha awarded a rather fancy roundel for those who completed the challenge. The 2020 edition of this challenge was a bit naff to be fair - Rapha no longer award those finishing with a fancy roundel and 'virtual' rides were accepted. I was pleased I was able to complete this whole challenge virtually, however, it was hardly a challenge because of this. 500K outside in winter is challenging, indoors it's a whole lot easier, quicker and warmer. So sad not to get a roundel. On a brighter note though, I completed the challenge and my avatar on Zwift is now able to wear a Rapha Festive 500 jersey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FAMhckCSlnbbauyCfBMxmrKJENXWIXmJFWb0_aV9auXfubQQytHon0pjQ-4e-0cOPTgQayHkdAEoQAC-PIziCyM1QmJl-urTqgxSgutLFw6wRCNhvUFUWn0N45Yq40W78yE4HH5jpefE/s385/Screen+Shot+2021-01-09+at+17.01.06.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FAMhckCSlnbbauyCfBMxmrKJENXWIXmJFWb0_aV9auXfubQQytHon0pjQ-4e-0cOPTgQayHkdAEoQAC-PIziCyM1QmJl-urTqgxSgutLFw6wRCNhvUFUWn0N45Yq40W78yE4HH5jpefE/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-01-09+at+17.01.06.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The 1/2 marathon I finished was a bit of a menace. It felt fine for the first 10k and felt painful for the remainder. It was a 'hard day's run' - ha! At least I raised a few quid for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. I'll be awarded with a rather fancy retro 6o's medal for completing this run which features a nice shiny yellow submarine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaJuM6HV3f9eDz_O-KNkuf1hejR4v04iqgtdITVAceikUtwr-FyfCBfygotMvWjpZZPEdjL-ddG9UESVJcxfG-jsPf5AVBq6oS_GeFav1KmbknwCRBoO8lGPWvSf-1ka7hECb66NT_kGN/s1024/60s-Running-Shirt-Display-1024x576.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaJuM6HV3f9eDz_O-KNkuf1hejR4v04iqgtdITVAceikUtwr-FyfCBfygotMvWjpZZPEdjL-ddG9UESVJcxfG-jsPf5AVBq6oS_GeFav1KmbknwCRBoO8lGPWvSf-1ka7hECb66NT_kGN/w400-h225/60s-Running-Shirt-Display-1024x576.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I always like to reflect on my annual cycling and running distances at the end of a year and the beginning of another. Below is a list of my distances since I started recording same back in 2009. The distances are in km (followed by mile equivalents in brackets). Some of my 'big events' are high-lighted in red and may take you to an account of the event should you click (as it's a link).</p><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">2009 - 5,086 (3,160) LEJOG 2009</span></span></b></span></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><b><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">2010 - 8,509 (5,287)</span><span style="color: blue; line-height: 19.5px;"> <a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/reflective-thoughts-on-lejog-2010.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Paris to Geneva Cycle 2010</a><a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/reflective-thoughts-on-lejog-2010.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">/LEJOG 2010</a></span></span></b></b></span></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">2011 - 8,378 (5,207)</span><span style="color: blue; line-height: 19.5px;"> <a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/pbp-2011.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">PBP 2011</a></span></span></b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">2012 - 6,935 (4,309)</span></span></b></span></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><b style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">2013 - 12,498 (7,766)</span><span style="color: blue; line-height: 19.5px;"> <a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/london-edingburgh-london-lel-2013.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">LEL 2013</a></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">2014 - 9,253 (5,750)</span></b></span></div></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">2015 - 5,531 (3,436) and Ran 1,170 (727)</span></b></div></div></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">2016 - 6,515 (4,048) and Ran 1,204 (748)<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/ironman.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Iron Man (Bolton) 2016</a><a href="https://challengemenace.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/the-1st-torino-nice-rally-2016.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">/TNR 2016</a></span></b></div></div></span></b></span><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">2017 - 8,940 (5,555) and Ran 514 (319)</span></b></div></div></b><span><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">2018 - 10,958 (6,809) and Ran 417 (259) <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://challengemenace.blogspot.com/2018/06/transatlantic-way-cycle-race-day-1-and.html" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">TransAtlantic Way Race 2018</a></span></span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">2019 - 8,034 (4,992) and Ran 484 (301) Bivy-A-Month 2019</span></b></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">2020 - 10,082 (6,265) and Ran 466 (289)</span></b></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: left;"><span face="-webkit-standard" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">So, all in all 2020 wasn't so bad. I managed to complete one goal and cycled over 10,000k, wahoo! Sadly, none of my over goals were completed and Covid 19 was the major reason why! Ok, I could have ran a further 24k and completed my running distance goal. I didn't bivvy-a-month, hmm, maybe I could have but the rules were 'stay at home'. No chance of completing a ParkRun each month as there was no Park Runs after March I think. My major planned event, the TransAlba Race was cancelled. So many Audax events were cancelled and hence there was no way of completing a Randonneur Round the Year. Oh man, 2020 really was a year of non-happenings.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: left;"><span face="-webkit-standard" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Goals for this year? Is it worth making any with this Covid 19 still hanging about? Hmm. Let me make a few and see what happens. My goals for 2021 are as follows:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Complete the TransAlba race. This is an event that was cancelled last year. Do I really want to cycle a 1,000 miles self-supported around Scotland and climb 50,000+ metres of climbing? You bet I do! Am hoping Mr McLeod joins me on this adventure too.</li><li>Cycle 10,000k and run 500k by end of year.</li><li>Enter a cyclo-cross event.</li><li>Cycle around a velodrome.</li><li>Cycle a Tron bike on Zwift. </li></ul><div>Perhaps I should challenge myself to be a better person? I'm sure if I try and produce 'fruit of the spirit', that would be beneficial. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control (Galatians 5:22-23).</div></div></div></span>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-73106312804970149002020-12-19T06:52:00.001-08:002020-12-19T06:59:34.371-08:00Covid calamity continues into Dec 2020<p>Covid concerns continue. Much menace. Tier 3 restrictions currently in place where I live.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kvSuuZMxHq6v3DKpGf7MbBjEOCOqvryTJfZ2KhPXUH0aqDM8RJ6Z1gnW3MPPIbcxh9x1xMfiHsJPLOSqeBC7pj6Ia6Rbe0pTKAl4fO38H-rvShgjeRIIp8h_ZaW3img4erc4x4p-2AeZ/s843/Screen+Shot+2020-12-19+at+14.49.55.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="843" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kvSuuZMxHq6v3DKpGf7MbBjEOCOqvryTJfZ2KhPXUH0aqDM8RJ6Z1gnW3MPPIbcxh9x1xMfiHsJPLOSqeBC7pj6Ia6Rbe0pTKAl4fO38H-rvShgjeRIIp8h_ZaW3img4erc4x4p-2AeZ/w400-h226/Screen+Shot+2020-12-19+at+14.49.55.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Hmm. Figured we could all do with a bit of cheering up and what better way than a reflection on <i>past</i> events. Yes, the past contains many adventures and I'd like to quickly share 3 past events. These are Zwift FTP, a Tour of the Black Country and a Wild Camp in December.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6dupLQG8_CIUXIQFGEV63efE5InCr6a0iY712Hghwbzh7k6I2D2pNfFZ0LFF3YCE1eUoc8q2SgXW9Ax4Wf3ZsU-Kj805Z192CYIE63bAefjA-L62hWeFddFR0Mzr_9Ld40FqYJhcwuhP/s465/Screen+Shot+2020-12-19+at+14.11.33.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="465" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6dupLQG8_CIUXIQFGEV63efE5InCr6a0iY712Hghwbzh7k6I2D2pNfFZ0LFF3YCE1eUoc8q2SgXW9Ax4Wf3ZsU-Kj805Z192CYIE63bAefjA-L62hWeFddFR0Mzr_9Ld40FqYJhcwuhP/w400-h291/Screen+Shot+2020-12-19+at+14.11.33.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Ok, first off, FTP - Functional Threshold Power. I blogged about Zwift previously and reported that following a certain test I had a FTP score of 245 which I understood to be pretty average. I was pleased that it had increased from 220 though. Better yet, I recently entered a race on Zwift and my FTP had increased to 260. Not quite so pleased after realising I was disqualified from the race for cycling in the wrong category (had entered as category D and power suggests I should be C and had finished third until DQ).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5y2PuidB_Le3ISk7rNML8Dmy9gUV0JKglF94ZmBH0FwAckc_hF9ysC_JoFRqQygjSLL89LKI6ZUQftfxSXom_FwAJV55LINTH73TznvIiqwf14menlRTKmhnoEVCr7ArmuivJzI_Qv0IA/s1024/fd23e115-d9c8-410e-b2b0-bc042c6a4acc.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5y2PuidB_Le3ISk7rNML8Dmy9gUV0JKglF94ZmBH0FwAckc_hF9ysC_JoFRqQygjSLL89LKI6ZUQftfxSXom_FwAJV55LINTH73TznvIiqwf14menlRTKmhnoEVCr7ArmuivJzI_Qv0IA/w300-h400/fd23e115-d9c8-410e-b2b0-bc042c6a4acc.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqG3_JdSYKmDWZm35HXovIuSXgt182rksgnWwUjdvsZAG-2jUgcOwYSQ-uHnkGtHXhxthjGQusm2VLvSU5KJpeuGX_37X113S9Q3wkWTFsFMwlPKFxleijAdBbnEiHlSUoFVzBoaJsmwd/s1024/6240eb16-89d6-49f2-90b4-0a5933242532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqG3_JdSYKmDWZm35HXovIuSXgt182rksgnWwUjdvsZAG-2jUgcOwYSQ-uHnkGtHXhxthjGQusm2VLvSU5KJpeuGX_37X113S9Q3wkWTFsFMwlPKFxleijAdBbnEiHlSUoFVzBoaJsmwd/w300-h400/6240eb16-89d6-49f2-90b4-0a5933242532.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLttjxzkP_VRrlmzg3dFbzUTg1NqzjvyGx_Fpl8LDkLUX6fLgj1IwlELBTDvJMB432FJRECjXcGULVRtCVdQBWmIxRe5uCVyY61hPK4ZTvjQFQK1aXMK39R9IUcbhtScUb9Pd6sVaGT23r/s1024/3c7ea1f9-04c6-4f79-8bd8-4b7ae40203e3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLttjxzkP_VRrlmzg3dFbzUTg1NqzjvyGx_Fpl8LDkLUX6fLgj1IwlELBTDvJMB432FJRECjXcGULVRtCVdQBWmIxRe5uCVyY61hPK4ZTvjQFQK1aXMK39R9IUcbhtScUb9Pd6sVaGT23r/w300-h400/3c7ea1f9-04c6-4f79-8bd8-4b7ae40203e3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtfAkltEPEF9vI9uTNkyIAze53OjE-qnmWG6ImMAcqda0d4FoohhZMl1cT30YnLoRe7Q4TEMyyu89rsUBklHbJSNYVG16mdtlLtuZAVDxkH2RIN6BZL7AHyYBUu58-MBI0z8NaYn13O3v/s1024/2c4bcc6f-741f-4074-be08-d4ba2e2c000e.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtfAkltEPEF9vI9uTNkyIAze53OjE-qnmWG6ImMAcqda0d4FoohhZMl1cT30YnLoRe7Q4TEMyyu89rsUBklHbJSNYVG16mdtlLtuZAVDxkH2RIN6BZL7AHyYBUu58-MBI0z8NaYn13O3v/w300-h400/2c4bcc6f-741f-4074-be08-d4ba2e2c000e.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgoUvPpkRya0gZUIsYrrbiBCkrSzsQQVuY50KOXkACnkRCt6XBc6nWUhE6qjnevDH5LZeLqqQZIXDSTHndbxcik4_VhQmHrD5WFKonSZdxbvSzbI-hjQokaztsK-niAoblTE0cKdkczo8/s1024/1f45739e-ee55-4f82-a5f5-7bba7cd84ca1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgoUvPpkRya0gZUIsYrrbiBCkrSzsQQVuY50KOXkACnkRCt6XBc6nWUhE6qjnevDH5LZeLqqQZIXDSTHndbxcik4_VhQmHrD5WFKonSZdxbvSzbI-hjQokaztsK-niAoblTE0cKdkczo8/w300-h400/1f45739e-ee55-4f82-a5f5-7bba7cd84ca1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Tour of the Black Country is a great ride and to date have cycled this 3 times. My latest adventure was with Chris and Ron. This particular version was 20k longer than the previous times I had cycled. The things I remember most about this ride were the lovely chips we ate in or near Wolverhampton - they were orange and probably cooked in a different type of fat - most delicious they were (cheers Ron). The tough hill didn't prove to be as tough as I remembered, however, there were certainly more hills than I remembered. We cycled past a bridge which Ron's company had built. We all managed to cycle a lap of the Velodrome which was pretty cool too. Great day with great friends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0BxOIObgmYG4xa_Y5xdJQNJoBQ8cseh4QwMJCObhAuXEhHoaTwxcpmbQCKpsLeZ7mnKJe1K1rxm2FQ8BtDdydt6vW9Puwmp8LbJHfMEQWDVMKw1Rh-UdnUAz21xemuQaA6zyjnJ3jNNQ/s2048/IMG_2272.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0BxOIObgmYG4xa_Y5xdJQNJoBQ8cseh4QwMJCObhAuXEhHoaTwxcpmbQCKpsLeZ7mnKJe1K1rxm2FQ8BtDdydt6vW9Puwmp8LbJHfMEQWDVMKw1Rh-UdnUAz21xemuQaA6zyjnJ3jNNQ/w400-h300/IMG_2272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFLr9sHt09bVBApKe0muIArr4YOZA7Fw0lBvkfHoFTmgWdHOHrYzNUITWY4mTqYVb1LWwUaf7HjLTLUMduUrtL8CLAqPnSZyfGfb1gtTAstHImJeOxERbCNvAm6WznQYbuY6-EIPJzd9m/s2048/IMG_2271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFLr9sHt09bVBApKe0muIArr4YOZA7Fw0lBvkfHoFTmgWdHOHrYzNUITWY4mTqYVb1LWwUaf7HjLTLUMduUrtL8CLAqPnSZyfGfb1gtTAstHImJeOxERbCNvAm6WznQYbuY6-EIPJzd9m/w400-h300/IMG_2271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2RBNiLAeV1GMbjqIXCOQab0KWyiUopcWpNCmUi277t7nCdswRQgwV4xOgd2dWpjfflhsoHefeFJ2EoH6pvXu2IQzwLpR4aYDm6NyNcdn2VAgYMqcYXdnVz77LNqzt8msNpKqnwD1oJb7/s2048/IMG_2270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2RBNiLAeV1GMbjqIXCOQab0KWyiUopcWpNCmUi277t7nCdswRQgwV4xOgd2dWpjfflhsoHefeFJ2EoH6pvXu2IQzwLpR4aYDm6NyNcdn2VAgYMqcYXdnVz77LNqzt8msNpKqnwD1oJb7/w400-h300/IMG_2270.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The last thing I'd like to bring back into mind is a lovely Wild Camp that happened one December. All my camps have been really rather wonderful and this one was no exception. On this occasion, Ron, Chris, Jamie, Rob and my good self all cycled to a new secret location (chosen by Ron). We quickly set about setting up camp. Ron, Jamie and I had hooped bivvy's, Chris a hammock and Rob just a regular bivvy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTzKUZqU2csx_1uoTDNJ_qD4e12FuLUa4hj0ynoSKVNb9pbbYJ8409CQajs21UpQM_LdSTXUmjNS4xsaz5jXvxtCj-HhAlhC6C7XTTJWmLX0BssDv-xL7HPIeKnT72Kjes-M49fYWPQj2/s2048/IMG_2274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTzKUZqU2csx_1uoTDNJ_qD4e12FuLUa4hj0ynoSKVNb9pbbYJ8409CQajs21UpQM_LdSTXUmjNS4xsaz5jXvxtCj-HhAlhC6C7XTTJWmLX0BssDv-xL7HPIeKnT72Kjes-M49fYWPQj2/w300-h400/IMG_2274.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1BYwqr5Kg8ronAUb8Na4ay76ZqZ5CmFzWLjAo8tlEy88Bm-v5GIVSA0IwL6FTcmjfUugsKYeZVWnfkfRHCUOpLRXfSGu_TkkdD17-Yy83hRr2N1CRaHM3yGnNjCa3qhPLpzXktAk2t9n/s2048/IMG_2273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1BYwqr5Kg8ronAUb8Na4ay76ZqZ5CmFzWLjAo8tlEy88Bm-v5GIVSA0IwL6FTcmjfUugsKYeZVWnfkfRHCUOpLRXfSGu_TkkdD17-Yy83hRr2N1CRaHM3yGnNjCa3qhPLpzXktAk2t9n/w400-h300/IMG_2273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrpaaKQwSaZJYAC84D_0DAT6ecsksVrds1gaahwu9jtSXSnA7jH1YOI5YX1HzPWCFIpIRKWkJwud9Jy2_vM36Xmi_G6pm9sKiCpnlk3wuNfi8Y2vIqHqs1HQ6HPrswQflKyuv2l-PW-vm/s1600/67c37385-4af0-4497-be48-936e5e67467f.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrpaaKQwSaZJYAC84D_0DAT6ecsksVrds1gaahwu9jtSXSnA7jH1YOI5YX1HzPWCFIpIRKWkJwud9Jy2_vM36Xmi_G6pm9sKiCpnlk3wuNfi8Y2vIqHqs1HQ6HPrswQflKyuv2l-PW-vm/w225-h400/67c37385-4af0-4497-be48-936e5e67467f.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>As well as having different sleep set up's, we all had different bikes too. Ron and Rob were on mountain bikes, Jamie and I were on cross bikes and Chris was on a Brompton! Our collection of food was also varied too - we had sausages, eggs, bacon and burgers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvto51sTIajJRvY0CxAY8o06bemyr4jTXyHyULDPlV4liHe_reEEKyVhLZipwiHZTOcUZJzGVueyubLbQIi5h8pCOPCm_eMZGKi_2mSOr94uiM6NPgSnoENPV0KxumHRb1W6w2I1Fimbur/s1600/a435a0d4-70fe-4113-ac39-0af771ee7ac3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvto51sTIajJRvY0CxAY8o06bemyr4jTXyHyULDPlV4liHe_reEEKyVhLZipwiHZTOcUZJzGVueyubLbQIi5h8pCOPCm_eMZGKi_2mSOr94uiM6NPgSnoENPV0KxumHRb1W6w2I1Fimbur/w400-h300/a435a0d4-70fe-4113-ac39-0af771ee7ac3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jqoYe-Wf-0NdShWLk04mpft7QmH3ugpS_DAhOAZmgjpkgNm9O8d__D6dzB1RmvSYsOKXsLQNAd79WvKiCHqXBFmuEZm9poUK-6CfspD8xrSdz3ijP5W22-EMLg2JYzoVgAJHqrTty-2H/s1024/871828f0-322f-4de6-aa2a-a51bd92cc18e.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="822" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jqoYe-Wf-0NdShWLk04mpft7QmH3ugpS_DAhOAZmgjpkgNm9O8d__D6dzB1RmvSYsOKXsLQNAd79WvKiCHqXBFmuEZm9poUK-6CfspD8xrSdz3ijP5W22-EMLg2JYzoVgAJHqrTty-2H/w321-h400/871828f0-322f-4de6-aa2a-a51bd92cc18e.JPG" width="321" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWN9RuQ330Ub17GTbnn7wYx723y0xQAiLUhpgeLzHS4hPUh-yEuoSIDujVg2oJ-YKUdlaz4ynZcoX_0ZYV4iAajLWctrgIXsSB7DJjszFmRDLJWmXI7rTjL109-V6kRyzVtT_pBy-xIgs/s1600/0d68793a-a11b-4c5b-aaea-cbcf16908e70.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWN9RuQ330Ub17GTbnn7wYx723y0xQAiLUhpgeLzHS4hPUh-yEuoSIDujVg2oJ-YKUdlaz4ynZcoX_0ZYV4iAajLWctrgIXsSB7DJjszFmRDLJWmXI7rTjL109-V6kRyzVtT_pBy-xIgs/w400-h300/0d68793a-a11b-4c5b-aaea-cbcf16908e70.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Apparently, it was only Ron who had award winning sausages! Ha! All the food tasted delicious to me. I think food always tastes better when someone else cooks it! </p><p>The camp spot was home to many creatures and we heard the hoots of owls. We awoke to the scream of deers. The morning light allowed us to watch squirrels hopping from the tree branches above us. All rather magical.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fqY2iJ8jlPmYXIwvQFdqIzqGb_QElZUamhENYYjq0z7AKeddZQ4cjmSDq6aEamDsRx5ZDPNzbmFJo1MEIboKkjQTgRD_km1GMudxsIjMvXF_Pd3oKPDWQFNEmF2FZu8gYK5fgsTGAIJV/s1024/ea52c236-82f9-474e-9772-bacc1f46c32d.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fqY2iJ8jlPmYXIwvQFdqIzqGb_QElZUamhENYYjq0z7AKeddZQ4cjmSDq6aEamDsRx5ZDPNzbmFJo1MEIboKkjQTgRD_km1GMudxsIjMvXF_Pd3oKPDWQFNEmF2FZu8gYK5fgsTGAIJV/w300-h400/ea52c236-82f9-474e-9772-bacc1f46c32d.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYyOUg7ErkN0_8apdPszmt4x8Vzp7CLl2KH1MAe1X0hhg8CQJxPjj3MxqCz8AEVWet20A0CFKAaST2SyIut8vk3V4DnywI7XkPptC2U7dA2F3lKx5s_9Ml280l7ZZZO2cnKYG221n6frX/s1024/e93e9cb7-544c-4d29-97f0-9832b2c2787f.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYyOUg7ErkN0_8apdPszmt4x8Vzp7CLl2KH1MAe1X0hhg8CQJxPjj3MxqCz8AEVWet20A0CFKAaST2SyIut8vk3V4DnywI7XkPptC2U7dA2F3lKx5s_9Ml280l7ZZZO2cnKYG221n6frX/w300-h400/e93e9cb7-544c-4d29-97f0-9832b2c2787f.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>On leaving the the camp spot, we only bumped into Tony. Y'know the 'window cleaner' and guy who helped teach Rob to drive all them years ago! It's a small world.</p><p>Hoping Covid does one and real soon. If not, just guess I'll have to reflect on past events some more...</p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-43791565976152314142020-11-29T06:58:00.001-08:002020-11-29T06:58:44.220-08:00Winnings, spinnings and trimmings...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM0IztFnGPSFrloiQsk1Kj8PIuzkHv-cewgnK-6qLscD3YKco_FCxPJmMeQcI_ann-UYx_OF8oBWpExSoJVSJnByryGZ9foSsr44lsWQZtadb_fTUcGUPu_1Gf3VLMcus8bUABof_coPr/s960/123965697_828791841249699_6672774672387665236_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="960" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM0IztFnGPSFrloiQsk1Kj8PIuzkHv-cewgnK-6qLscD3YKco_FCxPJmMeQcI_ann-UYx_OF8oBWpExSoJVSJnByryGZ9foSsr44lsWQZtadb_fTUcGUPu_1Gf3VLMcus8bUABof_coPr/w400-h296/123965697_828791841249699_6672774672387665236_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-8WRc4oQUlnxtoc4sqoJEtt94uO_qqCBNqXHqDkcK8pE07OJ9rTi8yZzHL1dARM69wP-0m5ZPPXCpy3cXydqZm8Rt3VTFJeDm4tM5sgeBEok-VfVzFB7YeAfyKhIk8P6Wt2wVHazgb1d/s960/124026591_828791687916381_5687364027798253840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="960" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-8WRc4oQUlnxtoc4sqoJEtt94uO_qqCBNqXHqDkcK8pE07OJ9rTi8yZzHL1dARM69wP-0m5ZPPXCpy3cXydqZm8Rt3VTFJeDm4tM5sgeBEok-VfVzFB7YeAfyKhIk8P6Wt2wVHazgb1d/w400-h310/124026591_828791687916381_5687364027798253840_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Despite the major menace of Covid in recent times, life has been pretty good. It's always good to win, it's always good to spin and it's always good to have doses of adventure. I'm a happy boy.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDtb4UcUsh07fJ2a-708zps1e7pfobyYz_ecGTPsng9LcQyJt32EeBEhEk3_OSu2p2DBqTN3zYmAvPqTAA8ywctEewJnjQDx0eERKAshW07ODIpOk0ZkflvGmgqNcWIfFxZdEWUUpCCRA/s2048/IMG_2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDtb4UcUsh07fJ2a-708zps1e7pfobyYz_ecGTPsng9LcQyJt32EeBEhEk3_OSu2p2DBqTN3zYmAvPqTAA8ywctEewJnjQDx0eERKAshW07ODIpOk0ZkflvGmgqNcWIfFxZdEWUUpCCRA/w300-h400/IMG_2197.JPG" width="300" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTewh63oTWP3BpA7pzZGmbUBhYDdBBQ4VHIFNwmrENuehYPuZuPO0mksDj4QA1W-juzFzQFT6A5NFv4VgZc8fIdl6sMpWg7N0LyGYe4xNU77n3C7vVc3sjxGlCgr5UcNHHLM6_HiW3r-z/s2048/IMG_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTewh63oTWP3BpA7pzZGmbUBhYDdBBQ4VHIFNwmrENuehYPuZuPO0mksDj4QA1W-juzFzQFT6A5NFv4VgZc8fIdl6sMpWg7N0LyGYe4xNU77n3C7vVc3sjxGlCgr5UcNHHLM6_HiW3r-z/w400-h300/IMG_2198.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHtGQbFzWNyZ5QoFzD_jKNhSGXTOANXHlUWpRRL4kKaXvfRfR72AiuHHBVqVpcKdAuIGe6o-aABJxR8T453iDRSJkux1H5-10Wb79_kFJvHiENPBBOnLAf2UUeD5SasgHoit3cWYZYPh8/s2048/IMG_2208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHtGQbFzWNyZ5QoFzD_jKNhSGXTOANXHlUWpRRL4kKaXvfRfR72AiuHHBVqVpcKdAuIGe6o-aABJxR8T453iDRSJkux1H5-10Wb79_kFJvHiENPBBOnLAf2UUeD5SasgHoit3cWYZYPh8/w300-h400/IMG_2208.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>SIKA have been very good to me. They sent me a lovely bottle of champers for being the Lantern Rouge in the SIKA virtual race 2020. Furthermore, they sent me a lovely gym towel just for taking part. Winner!</p><p>Have cycled quite a bit of late, mostly indoors and it's all been fun. Cycled to the top of Mt Ventoux only yesterday (virtually, on Zwift). Unlikely to cycle 10,000k by the end of the year which was my initial target. It's the end of November at time of writing and I've cycled 8,643k thus far. I would have to cycle 41k each and every day until end of year to reach my target. Tempted to complete the Rapha 500 again this year (500k in 8 days over the festive period), however, feel this event has lost much of the 'novelty' factor. Rapha have stopped awarding folk a woven patch for completion of the event and this year will accept virtual rides (which makes this challenge less challenging). Have started training for my TransAlba race next year and I just hope the event happens. Have also signed up for the Cotswold Cross 2021 event - a cyclocross event, just because I've never entered such an event before and want to tick it off my bucket list.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pBwIFJpAkIbIDie-6i59GlyFYKRAoTU9FwSgNOiLSSJwqjuBZ3ZP3Lefja8P8_D0Szv5wBeNEjil4htllBTZQOzf9ojoBdYn0Xia0WQsFX1V_4K7eN5gIPS-FN2WrouEw8fr5gjfKctD/s1024/e008b998-2883-427f-a659-5d6acdbab713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pBwIFJpAkIbIDie-6i59GlyFYKRAoTU9FwSgNOiLSSJwqjuBZ3ZP3Lefja8P8_D0Szv5wBeNEjil4htllBTZQOzf9ojoBdYn0Xia0WQsFX1V_4K7eN5gIPS-FN2WrouEw8fr5gjfKctD/w400-h225/e008b998-2883-427f-a659-5d6acdbab713.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A much sooner event I've entered is a 60's Retro Run for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. This is a half-marathon affair scheduled to take place on the Winter Solstice. To be fair, it was the yellow submarine advertising that sucked me right in. Should you want to sponsor me and donate to a great cause, you can - just follow this link: <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DooRun?utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_transactional_--_page_launched_--_campaign&utm_content=ef1af230-3c70-4784-824f-8af93c58246e&utm_medium=email&utm_source=postoffice&utm_term=1605452233214" target="_blank">DooRunGood</a>. I best start running again, this event is in like 3 weeks time and I haven't ran at all the last couple of weeks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWujSbgrefpVN42DsxeY1l74t7NlA-UdPSqcSahrgSNvOCxNiEMaLS-boQo7Vc7T7SQqyjsCXVpAvmz3b_yR2WswSZrZgeoMkKcqDj_rr8aehHweFnZhycVVB8Sx1gnFJvkjg4nqNrPvsM/s2048/IMG_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWujSbgrefpVN42DsxeY1l74t7NlA-UdPSqcSahrgSNvOCxNiEMaLS-boQo7Vc7T7SQqyjsCXVpAvmz3b_yR2WswSZrZgeoMkKcqDj_rr8aehHweFnZhycVVB8Sx1gnFJvkjg4nqNrPvsM/w300-h400/IMG_2219.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphPNabdp05oY6AoADE7oJ-qPOC9pLaL2Gh45qDCWvYIvS3jbEChxE5EY9tj-nxeq6XxGqo0U9rBlh1tGnwkkUgULQTDvheSRouuuQpcqZKN0fgL7gst2OiedGMPKcZGfWT12FS02vSLJh/s2048/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphPNabdp05oY6AoADE7oJ-qPOC9pLaL2Gh45qDCWvYIvS3jbEChxE5EY9tj-nxeq6XxGqo0U9rBlh1tGnwkkUgULQTDvheSRouuuQpcqZKN0fgL7gst2OiedGMPKcZGfWT12FS02vSLJh/w400-h300/IMG_2222.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Have been out for a walk or two with Ernie pupster though. He's been a lot of fun and now an established member of our household. Being so young, he can't walk for much over 1/2 hour at a time. His time will come and I'm sure adventure awaits!</p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-70409606853567509982020-11-10T11:19:00.001-08:002020-11-12T10:48:39.365-08:00Winner, winner, chicken dinner<p>Last month was pretty great and lots adventure was had that included running, camping and cycling. I had lost weight and was feeling generally uplifted despite all the Covid chaos. A particular high-light was the SIKA race that I had entered.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03vZyAaKiX6KQsZhUYWF4tp1K6BDcwjacRRGlgEW37jEhCvlstWIvZ5j8GTsKaSw52V8IMg4_HGSgPKo85b5R4ng-DHIguZacPyAL0IgJbWkxl5U5_cyxg2pU9lcMkCj-D61ZcszEuFra/s638/Screen+Shot+2020-11-10+at+18.58.30.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="638" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03vZyAaKiX6KQsZhUYWF4tp1K6BDcwjacRRGlgEW37jEhCvlstWIvZ5j8GTsKaSw52V8IMg4_HGSgPKo85b5R4ng-DHIguZacPyAL0IgJbWkxl5U5_cyxg2pU9lcMkCj-D61ZcszEuFra/w400-h141/Screen+Shot+2020-11-10+at+18.58.30.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This month has started pretty great too. I have won 2 prizes for cycling related events - how cool is that? The first prize won was a pretty naff water bottle courtesy of Cycling Heroes. I started using this cycling app a while back as it helped with motivation. I think I had to cycle 50k, or an hour, or something like that to be entered into the draw.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDdMmnccb-zKOaK1TqszFvmh0vLg5a05YnnnebkGh2f5MFVP6Op_WrufVPnW6UIC3B17gmJ3_Dk_4Zel-FR8Ba-WTdMFge0eRT76chICZvnTr1XHpZH62lpgTwClN6q7Cro-uLsowwEA3/s597/Screen+Shot+2020-11-10+at+18.53.27.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="597" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDdMmnccb-zKOaK1TqszFvmh0vLg5a05YnnnebkGh2f5MFVP6Op_WrufVPnW6UIC3B17gmJ3_Dk_4Zel-FR8Ba-WTdMFge0eRT76chICZvnTr1XHpZH62lpgTwClN6q7Cro-uLsowwEA3/w400-h365/Screen+Shot+2020-11-10+at+18.53.27.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The second prize was better yet, as it was completely unexpected. I've won a prize for being the Lantern Rouge in the afore-mentioned SIKA race. Y'know, the race where my mates dropped me on the climb of Alpe Du Zwift! Ha! Never have I been so proud and pleased as punch to finish last. Zero the hero! (Have no idea exactly what I have won, will reveal all when I know).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8pKbOm7hMFvdsbp9oJKcC7mYbRFVRLJFSsW5lmdfuBnOAif49DDhzbpNwyAEER_Cb114qPKaGw9Kv-nx_F1wvbMfpIHSMxUDWq6CT-o51L2UBPS0arg_KGDrtoGOK6LpByVht66SjDqc/s1314/Screen+Shot+2020-11-10+at+18.55.59.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1314" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8pKbOm7hMFvdsbp9oJKcC7mYbRFVRLJFSsW5lmdfuBnOAif49DDhzbpNwyAEER_Cb114qPKaGw9Kv-nx_F1wvbMfpIHSMxUDWq6CT-o51L2UBPS0arg_KGDrtoGOK6LpByVht66SjDqc/w400-h296/Screen+Shot+2020-11-10+at+18.55.59.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Took nearly 3 hours to climb this beast</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I've been really quite pleased with my new smart turbo trainer. I've not had it long and already it's told me I have a FTP (Functional Threshold Power) of 245. An FTP of 245 is only kinda average but, hey, it enabled me to take a virtual place on the SIKA podium and we all know it takes a special kind of person to be a winner!</p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-12492082296470899642020-10-25T07:18:00.001-07:002020-10-26T06:45:38.664-07:00Wild Camp Oct 2020, Sika Race and Man's Best Friend<p>October's Wild Camp was an interesting adventure during the last week of British Summer Time. The Phantom, Rob Dog and I set off to a camp spot we had previously camped out on, but, do you think we could find it?! The trail was much overgrown and navigating proved difficult. Phantom did his best to locate this spot, however, we had to use Rob Dog's phone (using 'what3words') to find the specific spot. Fair play to Phantom, we were only 20m away.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgssv4viQc1rCVUlN3Me40MNG9YtjbNJ8osiOGoSlezvrojeBsBgnukNY5h8GUEUrikTZMKtJY03t2PsoghgBWn5hxaBzJ_MJVIPT8ObVX_D-sazLjDg1OWEKMOUmjnZJlSYoR3AFwSMfd/s2048/IMG_2064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgssv4viQc1rCVUlN3Me40MNG9YtjbNJ8osiOGoSlezvrojeBsBgnukNY5h8GUEUrikTZMKtJY03t2PsoghgBWn5hxaBzJ_MJVIPT8ObVX_D-sazLjDg1OWEKMOUmjnZJlSYoR3AFwSMfd/w400-h300/IMG_2064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTrbPs-NEoyHl-74p3XuKr6MhPBoZ_Lx4wb2xwFkA9zbvT7ofreSxMTU_6rjGHQfeDcICczLWbdL0VU88oaEaBgRwCvT-RNo0U3hCzABisiHPFx9TIqUPzIBxgh9lraVmdl_9UvaVOgrS/s2048/IMG_2063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTrbPs-NEoyHl-74p3XuKr6MhPBoZ_Lx4wb2xwFkA9zbvT7ofreSxMTU_6rjGHQfeDcICczLWbdL0VU88oaEaBgRwCvT-RNo0U3hCzABisiHPFx9TIqUPzIBxgh9lraVmdl_9UvaVOgrS/w300-h400/IMG_2063.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx26gYEOM-XQfWh-LNrncFPjIVItm2B3LpTc0Op0kGvDdiw8qVWZpIwEnI_F99N5-IaIyiyDqiVPoM_RfjhuO6jSzk_hyphenhyphenFtJ1ihgYTKVqx8rpnZDlRxdSc0GH9HVNDJT3wnprMg-6m3jt/s2048/IMG_2062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx26gYEOM-XQfWh-LNrncFPjIVItm2B3LpTc0Op0kGvDdiw8qVWZpIwEnI_F99N5-IaIyiyDqiVPoM_RfjhuO6jSzk_hyphenhyphenFtJ1ihgYTKVqx8rpnZDlRxdSc0GH9HVNDJT3wnprMg-6m3jt/w400-h300/IMG_2062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHe6NxCwz_quaMbzPtx19mXCs9tpbTpqQNnliLQhFFRcXbAA69hyW7bPHHjh7TaAkACsjpgrmB3wB4cBBRQS2dRdwUV3BeE6zEkLfBIQtyR0bqMWtvpIRfAVzo2P8L4UuqkPhL9ONsx9hj/s2048/IMG_2061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHe6NxCwz_quaMbzPtx19mXCs9tpbTpqQNnliLQhFFRcXbAA69hyW7bPHHjh7TaAkACsjpgrmB3wB4cBBRQS2dRdwUV3BeE6zEkLfBIQtyR0bqMWtvpIRfAVzo2P8L4UuqkPhL9ONsx9hj/w400-h300/IMG_2061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As per usual, Rob Dog set about cooking before he had even set his sleeping quarters up. My bivvy looked particularly camouflaged I thought. Phantom chose to sleep under the pre-constructed shelter. Almost as soon as we were 'camped out', sausage, burger and buns were ready for the eating, Delicious.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyQcEy9x0QYp7uVTgz2Nnn7SCQCAF4-JSt4-sN8hosdwOaYT6JE5lKkPb3KpMdvB72frR5hSjLNV_imKbh1X8q38Em5nrkVfVl2nvdfne9uo_2xKZnm1Ujg5BeodHzs73rVBUsG-cOtJR/s2048/IMG_2060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyQcEy9x0QYp7uVTgz2Nnn7SCQCAF4-JSt4-sN8hosdwOaYT6JE5lKkPb3KpMdvB72frR5hSjLNV_imKbh1X8q38Em5nrkVfVl2nvdfne9uo_2xKZnm1Ujg5BeodHzs73rVBUsG-cOtJR/w400-h300/IMG_2060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJcmP8RLsQImlJ367YRgCHoUH30EF_BanXCLbHgdEnjrmBuDxMqSOhfZA_gr9_6dQQ6OkpJpuwxzA2Mq05rMRGhY6owZR81hbg7aQD8DeZoYYCLLJ7BN1-he6sQlAgS7UIVg4K7kzEq4c/s2048/IMG_2059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJcmP8RLsQImlJ367YRgCHoUH30EF_BanXCLbHgdEnjrmBuDxMqSOhfZA_gr9_6dQQ6OkpJpuwxzA2Mq05rMRGhY6owZR81hbg7aQD8DeZoYYCLLJ7BN1-he6sQlAgS7UIVg4K7kzEq4c/w400-h300/IMG_2059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0lHGS5BgqYCr23-i4jQy35mys5vUg5EvrU41QsBcmO_SpHmno3OTXTnY-u0xdA4NDNJ2XJpuZXSXczUYYxz7dgaXA_lsbBe96zqEP1oQQSYda26J_MJ74zQnEmzS1hV1RwUMsXx0Wbs_/s1600/def3b176-a8f5-4f98-9eb2-f4d3c8c02c31.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0lHGS5BgqYCr23-i4jQy35mys5vUg5EvrU41QsBcmO_SpHmno3OTXTnY-u0xdA4NDNJ2XJpuZXSXczUYYxz7dgaXA_lsbBe96zqEP1oQQSYda26J_MJ74zQnEmzS1hV1RwUMsXx0Wbs_/w400-h300/def3b176-a8f5-4f98-9eb2-f4d3c8c02c31.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once it hard turned real dark, we started to feel fracked out for a stretch of time. We could see lights, like search lights, in the woods below us. The fear set in and we all thought we were part of a major man hunt or something. We were relatively well hidden, Phantom had constructed a shield to hide us further but the fire we had burning might just give us away. Only one thing for it - out came our hip flasks and the fear dissolved. I wonder what the lights were? Poachers maybe? We had seen deer eyes in the dark.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_q69X4Kwe79cSnTuCQFvqcLh7h9h1_pf8GF7TnEe5zsG0zaCwNkL4cnWJrVdvA-lv6TmvnR3QfYBynEkXEgQrYmhID9-qGHK90W6TFzLqqFr2t9AmlreDHfQcdO8jmX1nl1jvl5DGHtu/s1024/b6b7aee6-446f-4014-ab80-45e65b1e23f8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_q69X4Kwe79cSnTuCQFvqcLh7h9h1_pf8GF7TnEe5zsG0zaCwNkL4cnWJrVdvA-lv6TmvnR3QfYBynEkXEgQrYmhID9-qGHK90W6TFzLqqFr2t9AmlreDHfQcdO8jmX1nl1jvl5DGHtu/w400-h300/b6b7aee6-446f-4014-ab80-45e65b1e23f8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAtGM_XGKpQfCjE4HfJk-Kw_K-5tCbVop2Tv51VDyxqx5B7Aff2pnv1JndRGDslvAlAI8eEyE5yZib5hVt6brPCdXJ9hRXyeE_hRTANYLwbmTUmPEAFqLBD9W2EOGXo5NRxRwmLuq5h0m/s1024/9414eb77-a905-4f8e-96f3-60c4bef4cc7e.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAtGM_XGKpQfCjE4HfJk-Kw_K-5tCbVop2Tv51VDyxqx5B7Aff2pnv1JndRGDslvAlAI8eEyE5yZib5hVt6brPCdXJ9hRXyeE_hRTANYLwbmTUmPEAFqLBD9W2EOGXo5NRxRwmLuq5h0m/w300-h400/9414eb77-a905-4f8e-96f3-60c4bef4cc7e.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Had a good night and slept relatively well. I was using my winter arrangement - that is, 2 sleeping bags, one inside another. I felt snug and comfortable.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9lNX-toYrMkZ-JykAdm7RjdAp2XGpZI0z95jtQyhjyV-eceRbvGrHAc03mi0V91GldhlHCq3vJfvCNgJyp6dMsuBQC5OXcfMayLUAELq4mbn2aWxbu9jB3wz3Ca64ps6rcLRpLDskJh4/s1024/57f46932-5611-48b8-b520-51da82e95b95.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9lNX-toYrMkZ-JykAdm7RjdAp2XGpZI0z95jtQyhjyV-eceRbvGrHAc03mi0V91GldhlHCq3vJfvCNgJyp6dMsuBQC5OXcfMayLUAELq4mbn2aWxbu9jB3wz3Ca64ps6rcLRpLDskJh4/w400-h300/57f46932-5611-48b8-b520-51da82e95b95.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZVCitMu3MFkN-CQbdU-hF5TEKGFkXmVsmTRSb3MmAQgACq6drER4s3PIlBtISCBHrNy8Cyr6wO8aS2bhKGTMpUoCMnw729C99Y8wnEdNadiBNVUdv4-4R_qoZU0yLVGn9u_K9LYPNkAQ/s1024/9b085126-b331-4b1c-8d5f-7cace938180e.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZVCitMu3MFkN-CQbdU-hF5TEKGFkXmVsmTRSb3MmAQgACq6drER4s3PIlBtISCBHrNy8Cyr6wO8aS2bhKGTMpUoCMnw729C99Y8wnEdNadiBNVUdv4-4R_qoZU0yLVGn9u_K9LYPNkAQ/w400-h300/9b085126-b331-4b1c-8d5f-7cace938180e.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Was great having another cooked breakfast in the morning. After our delicious food, we packed and left camp and it looked like we had never been there - except for the ashes left in the fire, Phantom had made. Another cool camp!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmCAiZgREzfs0c0n1WpyNuUl2FCO7ufn9pkO8N6hT0c7nD-1H8tgyRwmUUPwH-gh7B-ld95phfcqJ6pQvmCZNwYDBUCxRvLR_g16Dw-NaV7lOu46yqyZzLsymKYu6AmJfOd_CYwZKxKTs/s2048/irh3cyjtYfNVtehTxc-BbJwJZ77ntYIcLvyk36y0FWw-2048x1978.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="2048" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmCAiZgREzfs0c0n1WpyNuUl2FCO7ufn9pkO8N6hT0c7nD-1H8tgyRwmUUPwH-gh7B-ld95phfcqJ6pQvmCZNwYDBUCxRvLR_g16Dw-NaV7lOu46yqyZzLsymKYu6AmJfOd_CYwZKxKTs/w400-h386/irh3cyjtYfNVtehTxc-BbJwJZ77ntYIcLvyk36y0FWw-2048x1978.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Following the camp, Phantom and I took part in a Zwift race. This was the 3R Sika Cycle 2020 race. We were joined by Jonny M and Steve plus a whole bunch of others. Am really liking this Smart virtual world of cycling. This was the first time I had cycled Alpe Duez and to think I did that from the (relative) comfort of my own home. I think this was the longest time I had ever spent on a turbo trainer in one sitting. I cycled a distance of 46.7k in a time of 3 hours and 10 minutes and climbed some 1,710m! Phantom, Jonny M and Steve said 'lets all ride together', which we did for a spell but then they dropped me on the Alpe climb. I think the notion of 'race' got the better of them!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6C8x6MlGPcsRJdgy8U6z-ECKxD6FK0U-hRxqVNmHVVQ8t3vihFyEEs6l6uzDERRGEHNqLjCZPbJB1nmAIPOrd495FVOYpizXz8ZsSGRkw6hmFoImNrLHMPKKhgN31mBACuIwaF_iDKuf/s543/Screen+Shot+2020-10-25+at+14.14.31.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="543" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6C8x6MlGPcsRJdgy8U6z-ECKxD6FK0U-hRxqVNmHVVQ8t3vihFyEEs6l6uzDERRGEHNqLjCZPbJB1nmAIPOrd495FVOYpizXz8ZsSGRkw6hmFoImNrLHMPKKhgN31mBACuIwaF_iDKuf/w400-h373/Screen+Shot+2020-10-25+at+14.14.31.png" width="400" /></a></div>The best thing to happen this week was Ernie rocking up. Yes indeed, we now have a new addition to the family! Meet Ernie, our new little pupster! I'm sure he will feature in many adventures to come.<p></p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-40085770614387291722020-10-18T07:18:00.002-07:002020-10-18T08:37:22.734-07:00Montgomery Madness Audax (200k) and much madness in October 2020.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1i-wpzvyyW5NR-ziK956B9AZQW91uBL0ONT82nf0b6Ds40qO8pDQLFgZlPO3EdLiTeBfrXi-AybiiZg2a4HLkjGIZhTMvsTnmJndi-p5kWYBFMihtyG0_ZNhN9e6crfyuiO_V0tSZQwE/s2048/IMG_2031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1i-wpzvyyW5NR-ziK956B9AZQW91uBL0ONT82nf0b6Ds40qO8pDQLFgZlPO3EdLiTeBfrXi-AybiiZg2a4HLkjGIZhTMvsTnmJndi-p5kWYBFMihtyG0_ZNhN9e6crfyuiO_V0tSZQwE/s320/IMG_2031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>What a mad year 2020 has turned out to be. My own madness demonstrated that when I became focused I could train hard and lose weight. Indeed, last month, I lost 3kg by training hard and looking after my diet. Because I did so well last month, I kinda lost my focus a little at the start of this month. Yeah, I paid no attention to eating, didn't fast and just trained a little. Then I did something mad, well a couple of mad thing really...<p></p><p>First off, I got myself a smart turbo trainer. Oh man, this was fab. I could kinda do the outdoors indoors. Jonny M and Ronnie had convinced me this was a good idea and yup, I agree, it certainly turned out to be. I'm a fan of Zwift now which my 'regular' turbo trainer never seemed to get on with. Will be interesting to see how many virtual km's I can clock up. This years SIKA event is a virtual ride and yup, you got it, it's on Zwift. This ride includes a famous big hill/mountain and I hope to cycle it next week (will blog more if indeed I do).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkwh8hteZLlc2ryXjRi8SvBooXgqlPboTNLxNMOYOQZDIpFx2-t1Q8c6QmeVFoydz0MF1vhemdK8rcWM3UmWngIBsjFT_MOnXPZxobKSHjVNgwC5JmJTPQ_n5424kjKWhGak9gRAa04F6/s2048/irh3cyjtYfNVtehTxc-BbJwJZ77ntYIcLvyk36y0FWw-2048x1978.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkwh8hteZLlc2ryXjRi8SvBooXgqlPboTNLxNMOYOQZDIpFx2-t1Q8c6QmeVFoydz0MF1vhemdK8rcWM3UmWngIBsjFT_MOnXPZxobKSHjVNgwC5JmJTPQ_n5424kjKWhGak9gRAa04F6/s320/irh3cyjtYfNVtehTxc-BbJwJZ77ntYIcLvyk36y0FWw-2048x1978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The other mad thing I did was complete the Montgomery Madness Audax. This event is awesome and I had cycled it before as a permanent event with The Phantom, back in 2011. This time around I cycled the calendar version during Covid times. Covid meant that groups of 6 started off together at staggered times (this wasn't absolute) and we had to be <i>careful </i>in Wales as their 'rules' differed to that of England. So, mad Covid issues and absolutely mad amount of hills on this ride - unrelenting and awarding the cyclist 3.5 AAA points. Montgomery itself was located in Mid-Wales. Mad, huh?!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq0HBa-e0ymjCgD2LCa4xBVTNqRpsZQPeMLxgvHdi3Dqot2bopm6RgM02XLCTwcyBtMxYhzxUiPHlLUDeq4QIq_2gr-C06bYko4XGtNT-CW6g6pX-1IDSDOwdfZ7svUkc0G37mmEwh44E/s940/Screen+Shot+2020-10-18+at+14.57.06.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq0HBa-e0ymjCgD2LCa4xBVTNqRpsZQPeMLxgvHdi3Dqot2bopm6RgM02XLCTwcyBtMxYhzxUiPHlLUDeq4QIq_2gr-C06bYko4XGtNT-CW6g6pX-1IDSDOwdfZ7svUkc0G37mmEwh44E/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-10-18+at+14.57.06.png" width="320" /></a></div>The ride started from the car park at the Severn Valley Railway which was rather nice. Almost as soon as out of the carpark, the road swept uphill. It felt, and probably was, hilly all the way to Bromyard.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vxPTHBDgL92hB0hyphenhyphenScOaLgObIkRQwZglthFw7Cdhc6TxM_8_zgac_egaHSH3pS8TvgzRYET-wor3Ai3NnfCjypw5t43XQCHJignEg9xdMN7o9KmJfdVmJFgY7myjmieG_rX8qiVf9biY/s2048/IMG_2023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vxPTHBDgL92hB0hyphenhyphenScOaLgObIkRQwZglthFw7Cdhc6TxM_8_zgac_egaHSH3pS8TvgzRYET-wor3Ai3NnfCjypw5t43XQCHJignEg9xdMN7o9KmJfdVmJFgY7myjmieG_rX8qiVf9biY/s320/IMG_2023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFVZWqGPeCsTR-90TyvZbg9RPrHCzGtYz-nyaYVaOPLUxyRXiRs8-dGldLC1yHTqgjTwG9cZGIi7mzkeWSUnBcXkrBijlAMcH3FgIqZrNJ6FtQ_i1oJ_nZ9a0CjpLBMkQDpAj5I_KasZ7/s2048/IMG_2021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFVZWqGPeCsTR-90TyvZbg9RPrHCzGtYz-nyaYVaOPLUxyRXiRs8-dGldLC1yHTqgjTwG9cZGIi7mzkeWSUnBcXkrBijlAMcH3FgIqZrNJ6FtQ_i1oJ_nZ9a0CjpLBMkQDpAj5I_KasZ7/s320/IMG_2021.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p>I bounced the first control. I could have bounced them all to be fair because, AUK has 'left the stone age and have decided that GPS track files... can be accepted as proof of passage'. It's always good to stop but controls really can suck time out of a ride. More hills and patches of very muddy road finally took me to the control in Ludlow. It was nice to devour a bacon and egg roll here and wash it down with a cup of tea.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDKRfQiO2gEe6HO_NXme6KxXHc5O98tUNLtYb-D3gfOyY4NFtavRG1OQpiLGTlOdWLbH3JbCCF_D7VqxxwJmVXc2U-h3C09BexBIwU1rb58MFNG6ZoDfM8cqwEPAUZStgWztKhi1ThVKX/s2048/IMG_2025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDKRfQiO2gEe6HO_NXme6KxXHc5O98tUNLtYb-D3gfOyY4NFtavRG1OQpiLGTlOdWLbH3JbCCF_D7VqxxwJmVXc2U-h3C09BexBIwU1rb58MFNG6ZoDfM8cqwEPAUZStgWztKhi1ThVKX/s320/IMG_2025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>More hills, a real big climb and then a dash took me to Knighton. I actually saw the 'welcome to Wales' sign that I failed to see last time I cycled this event. Incredibly pretty sights - God's creation is just awesome.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2P1hw6PU_AlKCzlp_yJ1Dxry-11h1Lo0t7FpAXow_U1sLAYWv5NOgGnHUdCtfyNVXXHYuPmSKS4mEDpZ7o3aJJ8FAcByOs-A-DIqzIrgv0l59tmm7OzLsbqzNeG-s9xlkvEfZpwUoeKB/s2048/62464033603__6E9C052D-729F-4042-BE65-3C2B9B40036E.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2P1hw6PU_AlKCzlp_yJ1Dxry-11h1Lo0t7FpAXow_U1sLAYWv5NOgGnHUdCtfyNVXXHYuPmSKS4mEDpZ7o3aJJ8FAcByOs-A-DIqzIrgv0l59tmm7OzLsbqzNeG-s9xlkvEfZpwUoeKB/s320/62464033603__6E9C052D-729F-4042-BE65-3C2B9B40036E.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Nest stage was all about climbing the Clun hills. Had a super nice descent down The Cwm and finally made it into Montgomery. Madness!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiMnlxPDKLDsr_eHsMotbg8cHWekeCTRO1L3rflZFL72AUmwRy-nLLBUdIqYI02KhyphenhyphenUJoijX_thGUj4StIA4X463yZD7av2euvyKKh0gdMIMnow8ciagTBSt9eaDBPuweKOKETkELXai0/s2048/IMG_2040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiMnlxPDKLDsr_eHsMotbg8cHWekeCTRO1L3rflZFL72AUmwRy-nLLBUdIqYI02KhyphenhyphenUJoijX_thGUj4StIA4X463yZD7av2euvyKKh0gdMIMnow8ciagTBSt9eaDBPuweKOKETkELXai0/s320/IMG_2040.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYov2InEcyvheVR2JvbHPUTe6_lh206dRkBN-yOaoBLx_CLdhk188n5p5f-WHA5ubliS9VHejZIMVod4N9aKq-IKLDUNPwZ5OJy8oUB4dbcZIjBMcNAIU0oKzW7_zRMfn3rKmmPA9_UZDt/s2048/IMG_2038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYov2InEcyvheVR2JvbHPUTe6_lh206dRkBN-yOaoBLx_CLdhk188n5p5f-WHA5ubliS9VHejZIMVod4N9aKq-IKLDUNPwZ5OJy8oUB4dbcZIjBMcNAIU0oKzW7_zRMfn3rKmmPA9_UZDt/s320/IMG_2038.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEp2qWmK7RQsWieD38BppGnd6YlX6WjfAMeY4NWKk3JH7oAbq2SaWTSru12goJrvrla3iyweNUSLYN4ciq4bQspDqHdmY__8QMiHZNF36BqY7_nc4UgG0Ntq4LvYx6nNTHMagv072H6jQ/s2048/IMG_2037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEp2qWmK7RQsWieD38BppGnd6YlX6WjfAMeY4NWKk3JH7oAbq2SaWTSru12goJrvrla3iyweNUSLYN4ciq4bQspDqHdmY__8QMiHZNF36BqY7_nc4UgG0Ntq4LvYx6nNTHMagv072H6jQ/s320/IMG_2037.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p>Lots of climbing leaving Montgomery with ascents of 17%. Passed a place called the Bog and felt obliged to take a comfort break. After some time had a fantastic climb up and over Long Mynd (which The Phantom told me meant 'long mountain') and then a zoomy descent down the Burway. Last time, I punctured down the speedy Burway descent. This time, I was better blessed and saw wild horses atop the Long Mynd.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvPV8hwQ_kH8ZuvuFTIoJaw4aAyarV38eCz4-JlL8bdsNOPsM2-A1j-_Editmotz-bNYtV6YFnjWqXFPOX08syergcLI7IPiJkqUUDMr9eQ6WLelaV9OB04j_ACSdLKuQaJSE0GOsjLCI/s2048/IMG_2041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvPV8hwQ_kH8ZuvuFTIoJaw4aAyarV38eCz4-JlL8bdsNOPsM2-A1j-_Editmotz-bNYtV6YFnjWqXFPOX08syergcLI7IPiJkqUUDMr9eQ6WLelaV9OB04j_ACSdLKuQaJSE0GOsjLCI/s320/IMG_2041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The last leg was homeward bound. Day turned into night and it was dark by the time I reached Morville. A few more ups and downs finally led me to the arrivee. No one to meet and greet on this audax. Mad times indeed. A crazy audax but thoroughly enjoyed. May madness abound!</p><p></p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-67030821221417486422020-09-27T11:57:00.004-07:002020-09-29T00:57:18.500-07:00Plans and Pants (inc Wild Camp Sept 2020)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1v61h5nwEgUI6U_aIW1P2QyP28otx_9WpzPsYyMSdENmPRzEiJDv5-zO6SfhpVhB0IrPPk_hNF0bjpoBLMSBDlZ8KbSB0_Bi97VGIdNhKiTLlNebBtX1mbI8hKUKwnrnj4_ubWP6gtnWQ/s604/20254_477683115373_948420_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1v61h5nwEgUI6U_aIW1P2QyP28otx_9WpzPsYyMSdENmPRzEiJDv5-zO6SfhpVhB0IrPPk_hNF0bjpoBLMSBDlZ8KbSB0_Bi97VGIdNhKiTLlNebBtX1mbI8hKUKwnrnj4_ubWP6gtnWQ/s320/20254_477683115373_948420_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP Cody<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>September was a month where I tried to stick to 'Golden Rules' that I had created recently, in an attempt to feel fitter, happier and ideally lose some weight (fat). The first half of the month went ok and the second went as follows:</p><p>The week beginning 14th September didn't start too great, I felt as rough as boots. I had a mild 'man flu'. It wasn't Covid, I just had the snots. Even so, I pushed myself to complete a run and by the end of the week felt much better. I ran a fair few times and was really quite pleased with my efforts.</p><p>Cycled on a few occasions during that week too and used a number of different bikes which is always fun. Cycled with a few different folk which is always nice. Was good to get cousin Aid out on his bike again, along with Ron.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkS9D_gSbUD3xQcFil02_c-2krMEZoGOhDsqY4zVOW5QO6SS67Y16aCrAzoNxI_DBvH7dQoDJ48ShESEFKLdFJoNHQtL9PUWYhoeGkpuJ2aUYNgSDrI3dNVkJ8-zv1fX8BeKvAjixaqUo/s691/Screen+Shot+2020-09-16+at+17.07.06.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="519" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkS9D_gSbUD3xQcFil02_c-2krMEZoGOhDsqY4zVOW5QO6SS67Y16aCrAzoNxI_DBvH7dQoDJ48ShESEFKLdFJoNHQtL9PUWYhoeGkpuJ2aUYNgSDrI3dNVkJ8-zv1fX8BeKvAjixaqUo/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-09-16+at+17.07.06.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aid and Doo<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8uEzD6HzphUcchSQ549b6LUvDVWCDrAmudqfFHszONjaVuXmnLHy4uI0bZeMIzKXq-H7uGIbaOZVC2Oa9APtM3kfg-b7lEqthQEDvj3tKJFziLniTfU8huWzlnRXeWsaqICqDgpmzZ2k/s694/Screen+Shot+2020-09-16+at+17.07.23.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8uEzD6HzphUcchSQ549b6LUvDVWCDrAmudqfFHszONjaVuXmnLHy4uI0bZeMIzKXq-H7uGIbaOZVC2Oa9APtM3kfg-b7lEqthQEDvj3tKJFziLniTfU8huWzlnRXeWsaqICqDgpmzZ2k/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-09-16+at+17.07.23.png" /></a></div>My poor dog 'Cody' died during this week which was real sad. She had lived with my sister Kim for a number of years, however, this didn't stop me from missing her so. She had quite an impact on all my family. Memories of her will last a life time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbGYo7J1EPmvukeP1eBdKcjlBDdV7Jp0lIipi86CKcWcW-nveggZN89b5jyTChE6a5NL_57PPk3AD75OejXIyF6sWjQqL98qqdo13K6SbSEEivOLqltMDOOycYZWAtWXRs3tmEtfr5VX3/s604/20254_475538670373_2807246_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbGYo7J1EPmvukeP1eBdKcjlBDdV7Jp0lIipi86CKcWcW-nveggZN89b5jyTChE6a5NL_57PPk3AD75OejXIyF6sWjQqL98qqdo13K6SbSEEivOLqltMDOOycYZWAtWXRs3tmEtfr5VX3/s320/20254_475538670373_2807246_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00SgNvFhW8xHP3VNiZ1qkmEwLTrmJCGD_XKcFyXkzKz0FV7LonGBagN9PIMGm9LpKssKC1cLp5u7rOMcs5_RBbKEqc75oLCB8QBPlJptJCwfM4CmO7n0LGEwbGSDzK1hE9kkdgEVkmrVU/s604/20254_477683060373_620222_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00SgNvFhW8xHP3VNiZ1qkmEwLTrmJCGD_XKcFyXkzKz0FV7LonGBagN9PIMGm9LpKssKC1cLp5u7rOMcs5_RBbKEqc75oLCB8QBPlJptJCwfM4CmO7n0LGEwbGSDzK1hE9kkdgEVkmrVU/s320/20254_477683060373_620222_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cody as a pup<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWig8XIdzAqREZh6kL1ocyTz0bqXtoi-nUeEYKmKNQLoZXTSMARCm5CQLLcg1TnKej4YVnSRYQ7am8SeiYKprmrZ4ubd1a7_ScBxXWrvg6-X4Gm203bhVgWPQ2RR_MpkOlFcTqO2o2eBnA/s720/31318_10150186400505374_6604290_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWig8XIdzAqREZh6kL1ocyTz0bqXtoi-nUeEYKmKNQLoZXTSMARCm5CQLLcg1TnKej4YVnSRYQ7am8SeiYKprmrZ4ubd1a7_ScBxXWrvg6-X4Gm203bhVgWPQ2RR_MpkOlFcTqO2o2eBnA/s320/31318_10150186400505374_6604290_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiadcDIhzUYxFxh1sBoPzkAcKmJu4dJNyo3tmlMTKIWLFA7KlNPPVSZOvMfYFROREJ4dWnHeftuhE2AsJuUDjeYBtX4bcT5GIUvtC545XMZNF1TUBoPWIi67OYvk4fD3T1m5tx3p2B9Eg/s720/164314_10150398534555374_6581689_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiadcDIhzUYxFxh1sBoPzkAcKmJu4dJNyo3tmlMTKIWLFA7KlNPPVSZOvMfYFROREJ4dWnHeftuhE2AsJuUDjeYBtX4bcT5GIUvtC545XMZNF1TUBoPWIi67OYvk4fD3T1m5tx3p2B9Eg/s320/164314_10150398534555374_6581689_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SJ, Doo and Cody x<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep58iGqIjGNxzYpF6Ls7Sl_JroJWkt46EO0Mp-jhEoYXMO2lwy6ZxwNxkLiTq9oIIlDesZTXUTEKjTuSsJLw9s0WglFTDYXPlnDFvrqpnd0SQbkRpMCXGsrGi7JVLCY4KsbpHyExMix9b/s960/10407954_10154321361655374_1305420218552575756_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep58iGqIjGNxzYpF6Ls7Sl_JroJWkt46EO0Mp-jhEoYXMO2lwy6ZxwNxkLiTq9oIIlDesZTXUTEKjTuSsJLw9s0WglFTDYXPlnDFvrqpnd0SQbkRpMCXGsrGi7JVLCY4KsbpHyExMix9b/s320/10407954_10154321361655374_1305420218552575756_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming at Charmouth<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This really was a mixed week. It was the first time in a long time that I had cycled over 100k (in one shot) and the first time ever (I think) that I cycled with the 'WT's', a group of cycling friends from the Wythal area. This was a great cycle with Tony and Mark and new (to me) folks - John and Les (who was 69 years old).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMeZcoRJlqlO7NA3XnGd4Y1sXjCKLqWSpDVsrf6B2RqB7igAY4aWHw2w-5-kXo3jd_5WqstTlDwpSKuumO1LIUmCkNbyYt6lsIC-c8j5n8qP8yqBz28WXQqrcFMmTwjo19pWNzJkb0NX1/s1600/1eca760d-7ae6-4e96-9190-8f2f053468c2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMeZcoRJlqlO7NA3XnGd4Y1sXjCKLqWSpDVsrf6B2RqB7igAY4aWHw2w-5-kXo3jd_5WqstTlDwpSKuumO1LIUmCkNbyYt6lsIC-c8j5n8qP8yqBz28WXQqrcFMmTwjo19pWNzJkb0NX1/s320/1eca760d-7ae6-4e96-9190-8f2f053468c2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIZibykBJ_eI7AbJfw1YN2Ue0ULLvmakw7g1_GVlbf1LmAMiEXoTX28w0Op2U28ZBxplSLVl-3heDz4skI9OMVearICwZ169ESpOJOo8sc_9-Xwi2RnQeA-ZumlWdnimdOT0rBaY77h8B/s1600/2e2de836-c04f-4ece-a125-1fa7945225e0.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIZibykBJ_eI7AbJfw1YN2Ue0ULLvmakw7g1_GVlbf1LmAMiEXoTX28w0Op2U28ZBxplSLVl-3heDz4skI9OMVearICwZ169ESpOJOo8sc_9-Xwi2RnQeA-ZumlWdnimdOT0rBaY77h8B/s320/2e2de836-c04f-4ece-a125-1fa7945225e0.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_RCqjh-FV1JHk0Fk22G40Vv8iivZ0xdvU759ZNCutO0KQrNxVe4fFEy6LawuT-mIeMz0X7JF261CdeUsUWLZNwc35lQUYYyCIgA55P7p5dDNvV21xpT6ZgOlsLnlWTqbnJnzYD9sDAw-/s1600/9dcc9f21-db6c-4df8-a686-2cdfd26ccbca.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_RCqjh-FV1JHk0Fk22G40Vv8iivZ0xdvU759ZNCutO0KQrNxVe4fFEy6LawuT-mIeMz0X7JF261CdeUsUWLZNwc35lQUYYyCIgA55P7p5dDNvV21xpT6ZgOlsLnlWTqbnJnzYD9sDAw-/s320/9dcc9f21-db6c-4df8-a686-2cdfd26ccbca.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirxEG5eC0n8fm9fwgAItzFWdUPKiigOdcUy-fyEd_wHW3ECs-PpxX_8CABwrWWBJRcDeu2yTo9RAYtDxAnHbOEWgEX5ylwQmWNP01Ow-ebbQc2CogRIluunbJ96S2lT9suRd32QviA8sd/s1600/058bca65-cedc-4c4b-8a70-b8cc6db1a83c.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirxEG5eC0n8fm9fwgAItzFWdUPKiigOdcUy-fyEd_wHW3ECs-PpxX_8CABwrWWBJRcDeu2yTo9RAYtDxAnHbOEWgEX5ylwQmWNP01Ow-ebbQc2CogRIluunbJ96S2lT9suRd32QviA8sd/s320/058bca65-cedc-4c4b-8a70-b8cc6db1a83c.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwcYyutl1ExmQuE9SsCL-U9JNNUDSTfs6kxdkrG7jERo9n__H__KykSHTgwYhp1u4lCqgy065HsJLbcNshkCBUTDh755e88PlhNUIcFN6RplB4wFNG7pRVXKp4jwln6hH-QbLed-q4Vix/s1600/69db6ee0-b5a2-4606-8362-cba15fbd78fc.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwcYyutl1ExmQuE9SsCL-U9JNNUDSTfs6kxdkrG7jERo9n__H__KykSHTgwYhp1u4lCqgy065HsJLbcNshkCBUTDh755e88PlhNUIcFN6RplB4wFNG7pRVXKp4jwln6hH-QbLed-q4Vix/s320/69db6ee0-b5a2-4606-8362-cba15fbd78fc.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT04TfYQ2zRc10hg8Lv7hlbUtay6zNKWd4wSnvrfoil1lAjJlH9HZ7FQ3gVSoPnQBjNCwOkiqk1y12cmjWPUadAMvlNbQZeg9U8nvL_QNPqFqKRA8W9IFKv_rilpZ1eqBEptg8bUpBNlBx/s1600/a78c7a6d-275c-45f1-9f2a-8c135e7d9ef6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT04TfYQ2zRc10hg8Lv7hlbUtay6zNKWd4wSnvrfoil1lAjJlH9HZ7FQ3gVSoPnQBjNCwOkiqk1y12cmjWPUadAMvlNbQZeg9U8nvL_QNPqFqKRA8W9IFKv_rilpZ1eqBEptg8bUpBNlBx/s320/a78c7a6d-275c-45f1-9f2a-8c135e7d9ef6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybx4-TSqwOH_giBM2fkvfbPRTnw7r_hdYcsF3PCaBmdenX0DhtMI251-FlDwUPz9DMnXL46Hw4wVz-tJTS3TXxXnVBuoJ_nER_i9LKqshyAR9AcaEkc0NbIWaDrqbc0YysOfrMq6jEg-2/s320/c2f7ce17-1956-48cb-83dd-26e12e1d0fba.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztG-kLb6m7ElivTBKpWL7gr1n-YvU9KyVdHvEvdyUnzJEBTLoBLADE9G5ZIU1wi1rElINFn7_AK4wGvtmOlQTZH8Mh-P-OHqAEG7yuaeNf75C2pJnF58ySADHh-Co382yq9wFZ_5Fprh1/s920/Screen+Shot+2020-09-19+at+17.46.03.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztG-kLb6m7ElivTBKpWL7gr1n-YvU9KyVdHvEvdyUnzJEBTLoBLADE9G5ZIU1wi1rElINFn7_AK4wGvtmOlQTZH8Mh-P-OHqAEG7yuaeNf75C2pJnF58ySADHh-Co382yq9wFZ_5Fprh1/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-09-19+at+17.46.03.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgPBIqJUfsp-BAJdiu4thVQD7MSTsJ8L_18hiFOBNcSTehj6NLtK9fRpqAsPaMdo4ip5a3z35-LWLYHYxfUYCfrr68luBvIH-3rFy1VaSOAK2s7qYAVxeM66kJXKT-2R8T2tb-5gecWTP/s912/Screen+Shot+2020-09-19+at+17.46.29.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="912" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgPBIqJUfsp-BAJdiu4thVQD7MSTsJ8L_18hiFOBNcSTehj6NLtK9fRpqAsPaMdo4ip5a3z35-LWLYHYxfUYCfrr68luBvIH-3rFy1VaSOAK2s7qYAVxeM66kJXKT-2R8T2tb-5gecWTP/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-09-19+at+17.46.29.png" width="320" /></a></div>My Diet wasn't fantastic this week, however, it wasn't <i>that</i> bad. I had another intermittent fast. Throughout the week days I ate relatively well, however, once Friday appeared so did the chocolate, coke, wine, chips and burgers. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopxsxNgeGpdRoivrVhyphenhyphenxlGUb_OhLSNliwjQjXhNpWr5cYC3RNc2-b06CN63S_A6hKOSg9WnhNmDaDnQ7yO30si1fQiRVcKilNTQfpINXTIGZHoS-phUT7QnifQ6sfkYzpvl6UcyfK04he/s685/Screen+Shot+2020-09-23+at+08.18.41.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopxsxNgeGpdRoivrVhyphenhyphenxlGUb_OhLSNliwjQjXhNpWr5cYC3RNc2-b06CN63S_A6hKOSg9WnhNmDaDnQ7yO30si1fQiRVcKilNTQfpINXTIGZHoS-phUT7QnifQ6sfkYzpvl6UcyfK04he/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-09-23+at+08.18.41.png" /></a></div>The tail of September was much like the week before - pretty mixed. I was pleased to cycle a few k again (though didn't cycle anywhere near a 100k) and it was good to cycle with Ron and Aid. If only I could add a few more k's.<div><br /></div><div>Running went real well. I ran over 30k in the week and must report that I was super pleased with my Runderwear pants (no chafing) and my new super Garmin Forerunner watch. This watch beeps every k and the face lights up when you turn your wrist to look at the face amongst the many other ace features it has. This watch also plays music and the sound quality appears much crisper than my Tom Tom watch ever did.</div><div><br /></div><div>Diet was mixed again. Began the week quite well, however, was munching fish and chips and kebab by the weekend. I did fit in another fast. Weekend camping saw me consume a little alcohol and eat more fat. Oh well. The awesome thing is, I weighed myself and 89.6kg was what the scales read - woo hoo - I had lost exactly 3kg in a month.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n8ju_Idmgqa7uG2GRwk8YmjDqiLV6lHsc74V6nuPHmuARPNUViN18Ln7iVDyCkXqD0HeU78NH_6bD3wnNcsQ72UFXoIjrfSR3jabePsowx9kuTvb4F4xPrpHxnW-6wA1J7CVj_cNfhzy/s2048/IMG_1930.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n8ju_Idmgqa7uG2GRwk8YmjDqiLV6lHsc74V6nuPHmuARPNUViN18Ln7iVDyCkXqD0HeU78NH_6bD3wnNcsQ72UFXoIjrfSR3jabePsowx9kuTvb4F4xPrpHxnW-6wA1J7CVj_cNfhzy/s320/IMG_1930.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting as we meant to go on<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sXCxd6bTKfnMO4X5KESzOXPfjnZ33vyAhkcC6d7HDCfVupU50pNN50n7G-S437uo6Pv9AZ-qQd9alNyGGaK_HdK0QzhsiS1bYVp-2JJLtQhFeEUQlEmectibdCcQk8KFAGGzzrp57i6t/s1136/IMG_1931.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sXCxd6bTKfnMO4X5KESzOXPfjnZ33vyAhkcC6d7HDCfVupU50pNN50n7G-S437uo6Pv9AZ-qQd9alNyGGaK_HdK0QzhsiS1bYVp-2JJLtQhFeEUQlEmectibdCcQk8KFAGGzzrp57i6t/s320/IMG_1931.PNG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The destination<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaBEBy6CaXtKzFCXWVaUNRl5tO_ommfsFejsjV8XVRHGKTsaKSJ6SBcz7zx1H2yP77n3PpsJh2j3lW0Aaq4iBPuPim09Cha2ihEGmhIyjRXlFNDB5pF5U1ZlyqN1YfzjV5q-ssBo2tSnR/s2048/IMG_1932.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaBEBy6CaXtKzFCXWVaUNRl5tO_ommfsFejsjV8XVRHGKTsaKSJ6SBcz7zx1H2yP77n3PpsJh2j3lW0Aaq4iBPuPim09Cha2ihEGmhIyjRXlFNDB5pF5U1ZlyqN1YfzjV5q-ssBo2tSnR/s320/IMG_1932.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool camp<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Camping was awesome as it always is. It was just Rob Dog and I camping on this occasion. We camped in a brand new spot and had the usual fried delights, alcohol, laughs and chats before falling asleep. I decided to use my Rab bivvy for a change. It was very cold in the night and both Rob and I had some condensation come morning. I climbed out my bivvy in the night and saw an awesome starry sky, an owl and we both saw a badger earlier! We awoke to a frost, not to worry, we soon had a warm tea and a fried breakfast to provide some central heating!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5gdyxft_SOpos_FGm9ewYOtLsbKPoK_ZtSHC5uK3elpjijDVESjNZMLvoy5BOaGRJqCy1GXEQItc8Ds3x8nz8WphmdrN8IHFx7iVj6YQmgdDTkheDDJeWdQ_dPMyVFj9Du9JYyydubKU/s2048/IMG_1938.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5gdyxft_SOpos_FGm9ewYOtLsbKPoK_ZtSHC5uK3elpjijDVESjNZMLvoy5BOaGRJqCy1GXEQItc8Ds3x8nz8WphmdrN8IHFx7iVj6YQmgdDTkheDDJeWdQ_dPMyVFj9Du9JYyydubKU/s320/IMG_1938.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New wheel, chosen to withstand much weight<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8LAfKFHa9EsXgLVqnRA3_qHvx3XK3JB8eInIG0TaEmWyGeaO72xMfoEBidMvRapuy8amRf2ppxl1V-B1K-yotvAtteHptWxd-9kpONFKCIM6bb0eNi6Q2A3im6oiw_OYaMGLd-mLBpJz/s2048/IMG_1935.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8LAfKFHa9EsXgLVqnRA3_qHvx3XK3JB8eInIG0TaEmWyGeaO72xMfoEBidMvRapuy8amRf2ppxl1V-B1K-yotvAtteHptWxd-9kpONFKCIM6bb0eNi6Q2A3im6oiw_OYaMGLd-mLBpJz/s320/IMG_1935.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob Dog aka The Cook<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWuQqR3sQK2TKYc5cetHB-baZwZwEnnAAS-fnyq5CrZmc65medtimF4bsuPQqrI1oQvNZxpoZWCTx8mQ15R_A3HVBpweSDfNo3mWbflJJLK3Qn9DbA8D2HpSLaD-NCnmCjuNVHmCl4Mf5/s2048/IMG_1933.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWuQqR3sQK2TKYc5cetHB-baZwZwEnnAAS-fnyq5CrZmc65medtimF4bsuPQqrI1oQvNZxpoZWCTx8mQ15R_A3HVBpweSDfNo3mWbflJJLK3Qn9DbA8D2HpSLaD-NCnmCjuNVHmCl4Mf5/s320/IMG_1933.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-KAmtCSpyXETTMjcBcW4oNRKJSHHGG6rWqVHCXeeSPtaiv1tVZLoWSaiYQ54nkUjdqxquAWUqjPikKtvIG_RCRgftr8OfpTb9R1OiwFIF6hn9Z4sxWJJ-qF9hzUjg2D7CN5Eup0YbyA1/s2048/IMG_1944.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-KAmtCSpyXETTMjcBcW4oNRKJSHHGG6rWqVHCXeeSPtaiv1tVZLoWSaiYQ54nkUjdqxquAWUqjPikKtvIG_RCRgftr8OfpTb9R1OiwFIF6hn9Z4sxWJJ-qF9hzUjg2D7CN5Eup0YbyA1/s320/IMG_1944.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home with a cuppa, reflecting on a great camp</td></tr></tbody></table>Once home, had time for a nice cup of tea before the next adventure began. Finished the week with a nice walk with the kids and SJ. Croom Court, such a lovely place to visit.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAI1zp-1WPuTNnmL1QWKg7hPnDbZISL2QMhspeIT-5xGLhHisNdqgb5jtbAFJw04dE8OwDLemWG5XrNuFhz9KqNfexwUJYmhbvEjhQQ-FFdZ_B3sqTmwZohKv4S4zqWUFZrm-VQKaUG37x/s2048/IMG_1952.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAI1zp-1WPuTNnmL1QWKg7hPnDbZISL2QMhspeIT-5xGLhHisNdqgb5jtbAFJw04dE8OwDLemWG5XrNuFhz9KqNfexwUJYmhbvEjhQQ-FFdZ_B3sqTmwZohKv4S4zqWUFZrm-VQKaUG37x/s320/IMG_1952.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family - Moo, Spoon, SJ and Doo</td></tr></tbody></table><div>All in all, a great month. Praise and thanks be to God for his great creation. How awesome to be blessed with health, equipped with senses and filled with hope.</div>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3546430180473523592.post-69807599178735719512020-09-13T09:16:00.005-07:002020-09-13T09:16:48.436-07:00Planning the plan. Writing my golden rules. <p>If you read my last post (boring as it was) you'd know that I'm planning a plan. The plan is to create a healthier (not necessarily better, so please don't comment on my morals, behaviours, values etc) me. I'm kinda making it up as I go along and have decided to plan on a weekly or monthly basis. I think I'm going to create my own golden rules as I go along.</p><p>My first rule is '<span style="color: red;">eat healthier</span>'. This does not mean that I am on a diet, does not mean I can't indulge once in a while and does not mean that Mc Donald's is off limits. It means that I have to eat healthier than I currently do. There is a need for me to improve my diet as I'm fat, weigh too much and have high cholesterol. I think I can improve my diet by cutting out a lot of fat and sugars I would normally eat, be more conscious regarding what I eat and by eating cholesterol lowering foods.</p><p>My research has shown that there are a whole bunch of cholesterol lowering foods and I'm eating much of them already. They are as follows:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Avacoda (This appears to be no.1 cholesterol lowering food). I don't like it much but will eat it alongside a poached egg on occasions.</li><li>Almonds and walnuts (which contains Omega 3). Love nuts and will snack on these at work.</li><li>Fatty fish - salmon, lake trout, mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna (all of which contain Omega 3). Am liking fish more and more and tend to eat tuna most days at work.</li><li>Oats and barley. Am eating Alpen (no added sugar) most days for breakfast.</li><li>Fruits and berries including apples, grapes, citrus fruit and strawberries. Am tending to add berries to my Alpen and eat fruit most days.</li><li>Dark chocolate and cocoa. Hmm, don't tend to touch either much but nice knowing I can.</li><li>Garlic. This is good for keeping insects away too).</li><li>Vegetables especially dark leafy greens. I do like my veg and will try to eat more of it.</li><li>Tea. I drink lots (maybe too much).</li><li>Extra virgin olive oil. Ok, let's change my current spread.</li></ul><div>Researching also informed me that fasting had a whole heap of health benefits too. Initially, I thought this would never be an option for me because I love food and can eat several times in a day. However, I also read that there are different types of fasting and 'intermittent fasting' sounded ideal - you can still eat, (lots potentially) just between a certain time frame. It doesn't specify which foods you can eat (I've kinda done that above) but rather when you should eat them. This fasting is clearly not a diet but an eating pattern. This fasting works in different ways and a once weekly (maybe moving to twice if all works out well) daily fast of 18 hours might prove of benefit to me. This fasting is really quite simple and essentially means I stop eating after my tea (say 6 pm) and then skip breakfast and eat again at lunch, effectively fasting for 18 hours. Simples. Apparently, when fasting, many growth hormone levels go up and insulin levels go down as well as genes doing something funky that leads to cellular repair processes. Articles suggest that this fasting may slightly boost metabolism and report its a very effective way to lose belly fat and weight. Better yet, research states that intermittent fasting may reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol and a whole heap of other health benefits (such as brain health, cancer prevention, anti-aging). I'm in - golden rule no.2 '<span style="color: red;">intermittently fast</span>'. I will trial this and will plan to fast just once weekly whilst at work. </div><div><br /></div><div>Research on what may have caused my painful foot led me to create golden rule 3 '<span style="color: red;">warm up before a big run</span>' and golden rule 4 '<span style="color: red;">stretch after a run</span>'. If truth be told, I'm not exactly sure what caused pain to my foot, however, it may have been overload (too much to soon), plantar issue (common injury) or the fact that I didn't warm up and/or stretch. Anyways, my research clearly indicated that by warming up before a run it was 'one of the best things you can do to stay healthy, injury free, and improve your running performance'. Apparently, a warm up will get the blood flowing and loosen up muscles which will help you prevent injury and avoid pain during and after running. I've never tended to bother warming up before because basically have found it time consuming and too technical. A look at 'Running' for Sweets' blog though has provided me with 7 simple 'best warm up exercises for runners' which are simple, quick and quite fun. These exercises are as follows:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Standing leg extensions</li><li>Knee hug to chest</li><li>Forward leg swings</li><li>Lateral leg swings</li><li>Bent leg circles</li><li>Skips</li><li>Butt kicks</li></ul><div>My rule is not implicit but rather a good idea and I will warm up before a big run - these exercises do not take long. I'd like to warm up before each and every run, however, time constraints might not allow and some times I just have to head straight out or risk not running at all. Busy lies and all that...</div></div><div><br /></div><div>As for stretching after a run, well, my research stated 'stretching after running helps to decrease injury... If [muscles are] stretched appropriately... flexibility will improve'. Again, historically I have found such stretches quite technical and time consuming. After scouring the internet, I've found a bunch of quick ('hold for 15 seconds') stretches which in time might prove easy (just mostly unfamiliar to me at present time). These stretches are as follows:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hip flexor stretch</li><li>Thigh stretch</li><li>Hamstring stretch</li><li>Illiotibial band stretch</li><li>Calf stretch</li><li>Lower back stretch</li><li>Buttock stretch</li></ul></div><div>On my previous blog post, I commented about 'Running Heroes' informing that it was a free website and app that rewarded folks for running. Golden rule 5 was easily created '<span style="color: red;">run weekly using Running Heroes as a motivator</span>'. In a similar vein, 'Cycling Heroes' is another free website and app that rewards cyclists for biking with exclusive discounts and prizes. Again, it doesn't matter how good (or bad) one pedals. Golden rule 6 simply is '<span style="color: red;">cycle weekly using Cycling Heroes as a motivator</span>'.</div><div><br /></div><div>With my Golden Rules in place (eat healthier, intermittently fast, warm up before a big run, stretch after a big run, and run and cycle weekly using Heroes app as a motivator), I figured I had a good plan for the week. What could possibly go wrong? Would it all work out well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, Monday started off ok. I went for a 8k run and warmed up before and stretched afterwards. My right foot was still a little painful but no major concern and did not hurt on any following days. Maybe warming up and stretching helped? This run also saw me complete the 3 x 6k runs from the Running Heroes app (carried over from week before). No prizes won. Cycled some distance on my fixed bike later same day which felt nice too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tuesday was a great day. I completed my first intermittent fast with no major issue. My 50k+ cycle commute saw me complete a Cycling Heroes challenge too. No prizes won.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday saw me complete another 8k run which felt good. I didn't warm up or stretch, simply because I forgot, d'oh! Took a short walk up the Malvern Hills with SJ and Melody which was nice. Visited Prezzo's in the evening and healthy eating wasn't so great.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday saw me complete another run. Beginning to find difficulty in remembering warm up exercises and stretches and maybe completed just a few.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday saw me cycle over a 100k on fixed which felt awesome. My Greek lunch wasn't so healthy. Does cycling balance out the eating? </div><div><br /></div><div>Cycled further on Saturday and completed more Cycling Heroes challenges. Sadly, I binged and ate much chocolate pot and drank wine. Argh, so hard maintaining a healthy lifestyle!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday saw me complete another run and hence complete another 'Heroes' challenge. I cycled a little more in the afternoon too. Sunday lunch was nice, however, dessert was probably not the healthiest.</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all I felt I did relatively well. It wasn't flawless, however, I exercised a lot, are better than I have for a long spell and felt ok once the week was out. I nearly added 'lift weight weekly' as a golden rule but didn't - I tried lifting some and ouch it hurt too much. A step at a time, right?!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpAWWxr8xD6nWlI8oIbUSA4LyxnUbaIepl26SZBWH6OUvDd4Is3_mc__8kvkABicNl8rga0mWu292rMjsTyZO4TRyQCWm4e-M_F6MMEccVCMAj4my7dShvpgYeX6CPJSk-ylJXoVkLlzo/s640/IMG_1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpAWWxr8xD6nWlI8oIbUSA4LyxnUbaIepl26SZBWH6OUvDd4Is3_mc__8kvkABicNl8rga0mWu292rMjsTyZO4TRyQCWm4e-M_F6MMEccVCMAj4my7dShvpgYeX6CPJSk-ylJXoVkLlzo/w400-h400/IMG_1881.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of fun, not good for the tum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8vSOcVCsYUqdJF2DMWr5IBDxJhx3AGslASPAMlByZWKedfuHbSzCaXDBheRuFcCfUrrrDi0Kb0ok8abwvewODvWUrEUqdrYowQDLQZoAvKTfobWcCY_RBN471L0gs4FnHymHQbjrVWcp/s829/IMG_1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8vSOcVCsYUqdJF2DMWr5IBDxJhx3AGslASPAMlByZWKedfuHbSzCaXDBheRuFcCfUrrrDi0Kb0ok8abwvewODvWUrEUqdrYowQDLQZoAvKTfobWcCY_RBN471L0gs4FnHymHQbjrVWcp/w309-h400/IMG_1908.JPG" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny Java<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ3otB-p4dj1mattYDgmWhiY71fK3la4oA4xlaTEIEo9H91vsPD8e9p4v5TD8Tjcv_p4LZGHZo6afbfKSCfIrEsORAbdVjb4A5c9Le2PMkJZzG-K00YXN2_vxNZ9peukKvNxfG2EMGbSf/s738/IMG_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ3otB-p4dj1mattYDgmWhiY71fK3la4oA4xlaTEIEo9H91vsPD8e9p4v5TD8Tjcv_p4LZGHZo6afbfKSCfIrEsORAbdVjb4A5c9Le2PMkJZzG-K00YXN2_vxNZ9peukKvNxfG2EMGbSf/w348-h400/IMG_1909.JPG" width="348" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Stan'</td></tr></tbody></table><div>The following week was awful. Mc Donald's called me and forced me to eat (twice). Purity called me too and made me eat 2 burgers and consume 4 pints stating it was the last cycle and drink for a while. I drank more over the weekend too and had fish and chips on both Friday and Saturday. Argh! Epic fail. I cycled little and ran little. I did manage an intermittent fast. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh man, I will try harder over the next few weeks. I will. I'll blog at the end of the month and it'll be interesting to see if any weight has shifted and whether my mood and motivation has improved. Place your bets....</div><div><br /></div><p></p>Doohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414585162048846526noreply@blogger.com0