tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91008254668343636372024-02-07T07:44:10.626+00:00My Mad Life - Mainly Cycling - but other bits too!This blog will follow my rides along with more general cycling stuff, along with other bits and bobs! sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-22706967083950525942020-11-04T08:01:00.002+00:002020-11-04T08:01:39.223+00:00Halloween 2020 - Covid Edtion <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Halloween, maybe my favorite time of the year! This year, 2020, it was set to fall on a Saturday, with the Friday before also being a Critical Mass ride... the fun we had planned!.... then along came Covid-19.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We did still plan to have a Mass ride, but kept the "promotion" low with the rule of 6 in mind, we did read that protests could still take place, within the current "social distancing" guidelines, but we decided that we would avoid causing any "bad press". This, as it happened was the right decision, as as of Midnight on the Thursday, we were placed into the higher tier 2 restrictions and so really should not have been meeting at all! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As it was the core group of our Critical Mass group turned out and we had 9 riding a short city based route, ending up on top of the one of the City car parks where we planned to have a play with some smoke bombs, purely for the photo opportunity! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As we had a quick chat, we where taken aback by a visit from the local Police!, as it turned out after a photo for their "social media"! - taking little interest, if any, in the fact there where 9 of us! - we did wonder what would have happened had they arrived 5 minutes later when we were drinking beer and riding with smoke bombs!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Saturday, in line with tier 2 restrictions was a quiet day in comparison to a usual Halloween, taking the rickshaw on a ride into town for a coffee at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/melbourneinlichfield" target="_blank">Melbourne in Lichfield</a> and then a swift pint, or two, at <a href="https://www.bittersuite-micropub.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bittersuite-micropub</a>. The ride home was a long one as I stopped at the numerous requests for a photo!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here`s to 2021 and a more normal Halloween - the planning has already begun! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92yFvccwyVvD28zC8C9Rwi-GAdMbM99X-9LVIdZcvLM3DEmjTduLrNuD-9xANfhYCM9NnxxYk2U_AjsfotXpcoDpWZB1F914KCt-PhHcyqE2eCHye7wcam6GMVu4BsYdBfxRe3MHDn_BK/s960/123088116_10157858721821304_1054047112749152782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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So, as Autumn is in full swing and the evenings are getting a little darker, I decided to take a twilight ride around <a href="https://www.chasetrails.co.uk/xc/" target="_blank">Follow the Dog</a> on Cannock Chase, easy for me as just a 10 minute drive away!</p><p>My closest parking spot means I join the route just after the first section, as dusk was approaching, I was surprised to see so many others seemingly just setting off, finishing the first section at least, even more surprised that I was catching and leaving most behind, I gave them the benefit of deciding they had done "other" routes or 1 lap or already!</p><p>Good lights are needed and I must get some! I use two "Cree" ones off Ebay, cheap and cheerful and on the road commute are great, on the lumpy Cannock Chase routes, well they move about a little, meaning that constant adjustment is required! </p><p>Now, I am not the most skillful mountain biker and even a small descent down rocks can cause me to un-clip, but in the fading light, you don notice some of the obstacles and so riding them without "fear" is easier, or fool hardy?, any way I do think that it also helps with confidence and improving skill. </p><p>On my own and in the growing darkness, owls hooting, occasional red eyes picked out by my lights, it does bring out a certain primeval feeling and the heart beat does rise... but its great fun - and I must do more of the same..... see you on the Trails!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMgMoPn5P52OMCQ1ivLeel7XDO7sxXhQX13HQcdo_G9OUnvDA4JH8R5GOsYPuaJ4zF4ijTpzVxmQOXu532h30Rrk56TmqD59lELh48ZM7YRr4IsnYjGbvWBBoZ3v3F1nshQtHzNgeOiDU/s960/122803284_10157843094796304_873837235798132777_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMgMoPn5P52OMCQ1ivLeel7XDO7sxXhQX13HQcdo_G9OUnvDA4JH8R5GOsYPuaJ4zF4ijTpzVxmQOXu532h30Rrk56TmqD59lELh48ZM7YRr4IsnYjGbvWBBoZ3v3F1nshQtHzNgeOiDU/s320/122803284_10157843094796304_873837235798132777_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsCoIVijbUqPn_VbSJ56XdsNJqfuEubVSnFCTqYRaJgfG209GGsA2x5nJGLIHrm0UfFmHt5qWtm0uUri9d_5y4XAwEHg2_N3pHaD1sfBR4HBFOSPq6mVPTKYL1HJlfTpsWbvn649Wr_NZ/s960/122780886_10157843094881304_5008743415381973655_n.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/AVvXsEhfsCoIVijbUqPn_VbSJ56XdsNJqfuEubVSnFCTqYRaJgfG209GGsA2x5nJGLIHrm0UfFmHt5qWtm0uUri9d_5y4XAwEHg2_N3pHaD1sfBR4HBFOSPq6mVPTKYL1HJlfTpsWbvn649Wr_NZ/s320/122780886_10157843094881304_5008743415381973655_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HRkr7VdzloUICqyd3ErQFJiT-ZlDW1XISrGXteD8TpN7dCSG_lzj-M24a33VZjmB0baTD2JIuTne_6i3NF9mha6gNbQoYyh9FArdYyHZ9mJ88vTN7TGn-l5GDWjxywA-xr1PcOf98hP6/s960/122885624_10157843094726304_4163039946702940091_n.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/AVvXsEg1HRkr7VdzloUICqyd3ErQFJiT-ZlDW1XISrGXteD8TpN7dCSG_lzj-M24a33VZjmB0baTD2JIuTne_6i3NF9mha6gNbQoYyh9FArdYyHZ9mJ88vTN7TGn-l5GDWjxywA-xr1PcOf98hP6/s320/122885624_10157843094726304_4163039946702940091_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-46759812445566383852020-10-12T14:32:00.005+01:002020-10-12T15:18:45.028+01:00Christine Bottrill Cancer Research UK 4.3TT<p><span style="font-family: arial;">For the second year running we attended the <b>Christine Bottrill 4.3TT</b>, a 4.3 time trial organised by Christine`s son Mark, hosted by <a href="http://www.coalvillewheelers.org.uk/" target="_blank">Coalville Wheelers</a> and run on their 4.3mm TT coarse.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Fun is the aim, alongside raising funds for <a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/donate?gclid=CjwKCAjw_Y_8BRBiEiwA5MCBJv8IYgK6uJiZFtdxoHw2Uqq02FINKlxmNYjB_Nc7UwDOXJxDtEEPjxoCfgEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Cancer Research UK</a>, 2020 was the 4th year for the event, with a sum just short of £3,000.00 raised, a total over the 4 years of just short of £10,000.00 - you can donate <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-bottrill1?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1SWATlV8KZU82PuUFzxSpIgst2GcGoNGUPFHmS7eg9re2RnQcfzDysRkY" target="_blank">Here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Last year, the Wheelers clubs house was full to overflowing, tea and cake in plentiful supply and lots of "banter". We were not sure of what to expect, a full on TT or madcap fancy dress event, in the end it turned out to be somewhere between the two, so me on my "tall bike" and James riding the Shopper "swing-bike" fitted in well and we were welcomed, and questioned about our choice of "rides". Not sure if there is a World Record for a 4.3 mile tt on either bike, we maybe should have checked. We enjoyed ourselves enough to place the date on our 2020 calendars. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Along came Covid, events cancelled here, there and everywhere, but with some Covid guidelines and sensible planning the ride was cleared to go. 11th October dawned, following the wet and miserable day before, bright and sunny, as it was last year. Bikes packed and then the short drive to Griffydam and Coalville Wheelers Clubhouse, staggered arrivals and the Clubhouse being closed (apart from the toilet) might have made for a more subdued event, but laughter was in the air and the various fancy dress outfits made for a great morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">James was dressed as a "courier" on his "fixie", myself Elliot and ET with a Halloween theme! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I also removed my 1980`s Coalville Wheelers jersey from its (picture) frame and managed to fit in to my "costume". </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A great event, and one already on the Calendar for 2021.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf34uB1m1VI5mXssGjMAcbw2wbSpJa0u9uaORiIirsIF2UykqVMK93EQt6M78dVD7zr_mEE8lzafVKzql5o4e59P6VD-76w79a03byEV0ssLBPQz1Sz_OlJPsjZTWbkOj-zA4v8JEytzsF/s960/121440248_10157814325746304_2158142207601377074_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="707" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf34uB1m1VI5mXssGjMAcbw2wbSpJa0u9uaORiIirsIF2UykqVMK93EQt6M78dVD7zr_mEE8lzafVKzql5o4e59P6VD-76w79a03byEV0ssLBPQz1Sz_OlJPsjZTWbkOj-zA4v8JEytzsF/s320/121440248_10157814325746304_2158142207601377074_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t3l6dpmFYNfyXPAeOXzpP8kMk5pzkrRTLNBA-GTABpH4vJP8p6m2R88FJyUIQYNkz64v657sSzt7FqmwOsoB2GWfswqiWdil91UEJQkZYq48RI_Eeh3ySjb1OgIMW8tj-1gFUMbEJ1Rt/s534/121463515_10157814325796304_5123878405131827455_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="483" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t3l6dpmFYNfyXPAeOXzpP8kMk5pzkrRTLNBA-GTABpH4vJP8p6m2R88FJyUIQYNkz64v657sSzt7FqmwOsoB2GWfswqiWdil91UEJQkZYq48RI_Eeh3ySjb1OgIMW8tj-1gFUMbEJ1Rt/s320/121463515_10157814325796304_5123878405131827455_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuuazjzd6mFHvNJSYPEy3foUmePNOfwLgeFlbZb2xWcM83VNyvnIGh87P55J2un39pWjaRIy0yR_KSeNjvhoK4Hx2Xvm4n47dbbLKc0fUC-EqqMumvpdVF4uYJDw3ggjP09DX3AWaGUV_/s2048/50452679092_9d51bdafa3_k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuuazjzd6mFHvNJSYPEy3foUmePNOfwLgeFlbZb2xWcM83VNyvnIGh87P55J2un39pWjaRIy0yR_KSeNjvhoK4Hx2Xvm4n47dbbLKc0fUC-EqqMumvpdVF4uYJDw3ggjP09DX3AWaGUV_/s320/50452679092_9d51bdafa3_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oCTi27nvz8_Ns9Opq8nV4SepseGh8w2JClGiV4MVGJLlWpb9JhqLhUsRWEcRBRsXOEK_3n0-arMfchLxKf_fk3WpMyhXFnVfHTuARc2kKO2T4vEQa0KKtzETIiS-dice6_QM9fEHosBI/s960/121487604_10157814325841304_1707262291757605021_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oCTi27nvz8_Ns9Opq8nV4SepseGh8w2JClGiV4MVGJLlWpb9JhqLhUsRWEcRBRsXOEK_3n0-arMfchLxKf_fk3WpMyhXFnVfHTuARc2kKO2T4vEQa0KKtzETIiS-dice6_QM9fEHosBI/s320/121487604_10157814325841304_1707262291757605021_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLthEGi7B75gnO02kIbQvn2t6xtHtkgciFh0OkwKOf1PZ6jJs6Z68oKagoQpig2lzSFNDBHcMH8RneuFNcY9obN8sfOfp96-rvTztkUfJjPK4ujjxzlVVaWziBGp9GAX7-1FWZrgXumhC/s960/121484853_10157814326261304_4387376149290977398_n.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/AVvXsEhsLthEGi7B75gnO02kIbQvn2t6xtHtkgciFh0OkwKOf1PZ6jJs6Z68oKagoQpig2lzSFNDBHcMH8RneuFNcY9obN8sfOfp96-rvTztkUfJjPK4ujjxzlVVaWziBGp9GAX7-1FWZrgXumhC/s320/121484853_10157814326261304_4387376149290977398_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p><p> </p>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-46553395992326015422020-09-24T20:58:00.012+01:002020-10-06T13:12:31.430+01:00Bicycle songs... songs about bikes, bicycles......<p> As a cyclist, i often am in need of putting together a "play list", usually for one of the rides i help with, and am amazed at how few they are, actual songs about bikes, cycling, ..and for the record, <b>Katie Melua</b> doesn't count! although you can listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHQG6-DojVw" target="_blank">here</a> if you must!</p><p>There are some others that spring to mind, <b>Queens Bicycle Race</b>, watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2lT4oE4DxE&has_verified=1" target="_blank">here</a>, (oh, parental guidance advised!), is another that should be in the list, but.... ok then, the video is ok i guess! The list of "cover" versions of Bicycle Race is vast, so if you don`t like Queen, i am sure you will find an option!</p><p>One of my favourites, watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLUX0y4EptA" target="_blank">here</a>, is <b>Handlebars</b> by <b>Flobots</b>, although apart from "handlebars" being the title, the song has little to do with bikes! Another we need to add is <b>Pink Floyd</b>`s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPMXt9Me_Fo" target="_blank"><b>Bike</b></a>, a little dated, but in the main is about a bike!</p><p>The list of musical genres though, for such a small list is vast, from the "folk" of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1obGSfv2x8" target="_blank"><b>Beryl</b></a> by <b>O`Hooley and Tidow,</b> "heavy rock" in <b>My White Bicycle</b>" by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNXBQCsU_QQ" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Nazareth</a><b>,</b> through to<b> </b>electronic (?) from <b>Kraftwork - </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTe7U92ecX8" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Tour de France</a></p><p>I have pushed the boundaries a little,<b> <a href="bombay bichttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwlgC-jSPTkycle club luna" target="_blank">Bombay Bicycle Club</a></b>, i picked <b>Luna</b>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7wntm7QVXQ" target="_blank"><b>Critical Mass</b></a>, no sorry it has nothing to do with Critical Mass, by <b>Nuclear Assault</b>, makes the grade as i couldn't find another song referencing Critical Mass!</p><p>I would like nothing more than for you to suggest more titles, please!, and as i find more i will add, but here you go - Hope you enjoy and please pop back to see if we have manged to find more!</p><p>31 9 Million Bicycles - Katie Melua</p><p>30 Tandem Bike - Emma Jayne - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpuUOEx1Tuo&ab_channel=EmmaJayneVEVO&fbclid=IwAR01fUFXq8q80LEHiKFBS5b_3aKUS58peEeyCwpQLzVIzzrCLifeagNfSL8" target="_blank">Listen Here</a> <i>(new entry)</i></p><p>29 Bicycle Race - Queen (plus 100 covers)</p><p>28 Luna - Bombay Bicycle Club</p><p>27 Daisy Bell - Harry Dacre</p><p>26 Riding on my Bike - McBusted </p><p>25 Critical Mass - Nuclear Assault <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7wntm7QVXQ" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>24 Handlebars - Flobots</p><p>23 Bicycle Built for Two - John Fahey (many other versions!) </p><p>22 The Bike Songs - Grave Architects <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAO95Q5IiYY" target="_blank">Listen Here</a> (great video!)</p><p>21 I like my Bike - Kimya Dawson <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1lTeMTdM3g" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>20 Pushbike Song - Mungo Jerry</p><p>19 Physics of a Bicycle - Clouddead <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0EnU4LPscY" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>18 The Kickstand Song - Darren Hanlon <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dpev6uN3ZY" target="_blank">Listen Here</a> (another that is growing on me!)</p><p>17 Bike - Pink Floyd </p><p>16 Terry Keeps his Clips on - Vivian Stansall <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfcnoJd6V0U" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>15 Pedal Pusher - Abdominal <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTVxqXbjbCM" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>14 Bicycle Wheels - Ugly Kid Joe <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSAAQf8xqIg" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p><i>13 in true cycle racing tradition - we don`t have a 13</i> </p><p>12 Boy on a Bike - Stereophonics </p><p>11 Death of an Bicycle - Rosebuds <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGdvIfI5f6s" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>10 Yellow Bike - Pedro the Lion <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQik6WpwRug" target="_blank">Listen Here</a> <i>(the more i listen the more i like!)</i></p><p>9 Bike Ride to the Moon - Dukes of Strastophere <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1ubJ2xdb8k" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>8 Bicycle - StVincent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A26AxexQ9gA" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>7 A Lilac Harry Quinn - Half Man Half Biscuit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92Gx0MEEIYo" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>6 My White Bicycle - Nazareth</p><p>5 Beryl - O`Hooley & Tidow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1obGSfv2x8" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>4 Tour de France - Kraftwork </p><p>3 Bicycle Song - Red Hot Chilli Peppers <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL9ZVz7Mm7E" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p><p>2 The Bike Song - Mark Ronson <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVELTxKRoHA" target="_blank">Listen Here </a></p><p>1 Bike Rider - Mungo`s Hifi <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oUxPWnrXNk" target="_blank">Listen/Watch Here</a></p><p><br /></p>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-31225513525684890352019-05-07T12:42:00.001+01:002019-05-07T12:42:45.584+01:00Cowhorn Capers<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday 4th May. and over to Northampton for the Cowhorn Capers "klunker" ride. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't know what to expect, apart from the unexpected!, meeting near the "racecourse" a small number headed North, stopping for supplies at a local supermarket, which also gave shelter from the heavy rain which suddenly appeared! After a few minutes we braved the remnants of the storm and a short ride saw us at the "race" site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my head this was a flat field, a short coarse, but no, rough and hilly and quite a bit longer than I had guessed. Numbers had grown and the racing was soon in full flow, great to watch and with some liquid refreshments, much fun was being had. I made it to the semis, and was up against Richard, Bill and Morgan in the second "semi". A good start I thought, pushed by Pete who was filming, following me on his electric stead, I guess we must have been close but nearing the finish, I went head over handle bars and with that went any chance of a final!.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morgan beat Bill and in the final Richard won out, a great afternoon, finished with a go on the bumper cars this followed by a few beers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iaHUf7qCH4">Semi Final Lap</a> - my fall at about 1.35!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nBvHovV3KA">Drone footage</a> - Thanks to Pete Cobbe!</span><br />
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sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-46938047884184746182019-04-29T09:00:00.000+01:002019-05-13T10:43:29.277+01:001,000 Miles in May<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And were off -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Total to date - 270 miles with 10,921 feet climbing - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">27th April - So rain and 40mph winds are not really what I wanted today! 21.7 miles / 21.7</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">28th April - Damp and still a bit breezy but better than yesterday! 55.7 miles / 77.4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">29th April - Rest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">30th April - Foggy Morning ride! 18.4 miles / 95.8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">30th April - Steady ride home 17.3 miles / 113.1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1st May - To Work - extended 21.3 miles / 134.4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1st May - Commute home 17.3 miles / 151.7</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2nd May - To Work - extended 23.3 miles / 174.9</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2nd May - Wet and windy ride home 17.3 miles / 192.2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3rd May - Rest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4th May - Cowhorn Capers - Not counted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5th May - Short ride 23.25 miles / 215</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6th May - Longer ride out - 6am start! 58.00 miles / 273</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7th May - Rest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8th May - Wet (very) and windy commute 19.1 miles / 292 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8th May - Commute home 17.3 miles / 309.3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9th May - Rest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10th May - Long ride to work - nice morning </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10th May - Another wet ride, hail, thunder, wet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11th May - Quick Blast 12.1 miles /</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12th May - Late in the day ride (should have been much more today!) 41.6 miles / </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-miller1000?fbclid=IwAR08KCMEO-wmKotr-h7IPYd8WFeiewu3F9vVRQRoa35xFFnNq7NkLWFjySM">Donate Here </a></span>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-5921512708304600462019-03-25T07:41:00.002+00:002019-03-25T07:41:30.976+00:00Mixed Weekend.....<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A mixed weekend, the Lichfield Re:Cycle project held its AGM on Friday evening, so as a nice night I took the "Tall Bike" for its first trip of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, again as a nice day, decided to dust the canoe off, and spent 40 minutes paddling, quite nice it was too, Saturday evening, another trip to "town" on the "Tall Bike"!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday up early and a ride of the Ride Lichfield Sportive "long" route, at just over 60 miles the longest ride of the year, at 14.6mph average, a nice ride in good weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was followed by a 6 mile walk....... roll on Monday and a rest!</span><br />
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sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-59196275289765867712019-03-18T08:05:00.001+00:002019-03-18T08:05:22.768+00:00Busy Weekend <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A rather busy one -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly a "rush" on Sponsorship, taking me to 15% of my target, many thanks to all who have donated so far - if you've not yet donated - please look <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-miller1000?fbclid=IwAR03uUg7_kRxXzZBzwIny_8kqIiPxLCGIGtcFOuKBLPDBi5utxdvL09kkGE">Here </a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Longest ride for some time on Saturday, 51 miles, as I joined around 20 riders for the Run & Ride Spring Challenge. Rain and wind where forecast and so unfortunately the numbers taking part where a little lower than had been expected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rain held off, but not the wind! Gust of 40 miles plus had been in the forecast and on a couple of occasions side winds made for a "exciting" ride, but the last 8 or so miles where in to a horrible head wind, this and me "suffering" a little, saw my average drop from 14.6mph to 13.8.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the help of another rider for this last bit for which I was most thankful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The route headed out over Cannock Chase, hitting a top speed of 44mph on the Stile Cop hill!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Longdon, Rugeley, Great Haywood, Hixon, Abbots Bromley, Hoar Cross, Barton and "home" to Lichfield.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to the staff at Run & Ride and the other riders - I think I returned as 6th rider back. </span><br />
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sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-16222000501723719472019-03-05T11:05:00.001+00:002019-03-05T11:05:40.110+00:00Mixed day.....<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, after taking part in the Cannock Chase Park Run, 3rd "race", 3rd "PB"!, we decided to catch the train to Birmingham for dinner, a pizza and pint at <a href="https://digbrewco.com/">Dig Brew</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First though we would stop at Erdington for the Cycle Jumble, snowed off last year so I as keen to do a little rummaging..... much to my disappointment, as we arrived, everyone was packing up. Still, around the corner is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Cobble-Cycle-Cafe-220925905455085/">Cobble Cycle Cafe</a>. A great little find, good coffee, great cake and very friendly - we will be back! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, on to Brum, BrewDog, The Pint Shop, Dig Brew (their Pizzas are the best!) with a last one in Clink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We happened by the lights "festival" - <a href="https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/attractions/2019/03/03/festival-of-light-comes-to-birmingham-with-video/">Festival of Light</a>, bit of fun, with a bike challenge..... we had to have a go!</span><br />
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sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-80950053261548070782019-02-15T07:33:00.005+00:002019-02-15T07:33:49.474+00:0031 years with stickers!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its 31 years today since I started at Secura Labels! See the full Linked in <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/31-years-secura-labels-simon-miller/">Here</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />15th February, is the anniversary of the day I first walked through the doors at Secura Labels. While 31 years may not be a regular anniversary to celebrate, and thanks for all the good wishes!, it does somehow feel a "milestone".<br /><br />Back in 1988, I joined Secura at their Ashby factory, following 6 years as a coal miner. I took the number of employees to 7, and in those days it was truly was a family concern. David and Kay, David`s Father, Bernard, along with, Andrew, Peter, and another who`s name escapes me! Each day, 12.00 O`clock prompt lunch was always taken together, and always fish and chips on Friday!<br /><br />Going back over the years, I have worked with 66 individuals, the shortest period 2 1/2 days, the longest 27 years and counting. Among these, and also among suppliers and customers, I have found lifelong friends, and count myself lucky to have worked with some great characters down the years! In the 31 years we have moved four times and the team has grown to 14 in total, but I hope we have maintained some of the "family" feel.<br /><br />We have, in my time here, sometimes been at the forefront of technology! When I first joined, "artwork" was set with "letraset" & "linotype", and then posted out for approval, posted back once approved. It seemed then a good idea to invest in a fax machine, so we could fax "proofs" and have them faxed back, saving 2 -3 days..... the fax duly arrived - great - unfortunately few of our customers had faxes, it took around 5 weeks before we could actually use the machine for the purpose it was brought for! We also had Thermal Transfer long before many had even hear of it, still a main part of the business today.<br /><br />We also have been instrumental in the growth of several competitors - Paul left to Form/Join Charnwood Label Craft, Andrew Davis to form Acre Labels (Jenacre) and Andrew Hough to form Trent Labels.<br /><br />Over the years we have also helped others with Press advice, indeed OPM`s relationship with Nilpeter followed a day spent with us after we purchased our first Nilpeter F240. Chris Ellison, his Father and some of the OPM team spent the day putting the press through its "paces" - a day where we also learned a lot!<br /><br />There have been some challenges during the 31 years, moves, change of ownership, along with the "daily" ones, but I still get up looking forward to each day, another 31? that would make me 86, so why not? With the continued backing of the "Board" and the "Team" here anything is possible!<br /><br />(Those with good memories may be thinking, "its only a couple of years since his 25th?", I took a couple of weeks "broken" service to further my professional portfolio (selling sandwiches!) and on my return, had to "re-start")</span>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-81654267135168903492019-02-12T07:18:00.002+00:002019-02-12T07:18:43.649+00:00Re:Cycle Valentines Ride 2019<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although a little damp, a small but perfectly formed group set off on our Re:Cycle Valentines Ride.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past two years we have had to cancel this ride due to the weather, so we were quite happy to get out this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coffee and cake where enjoyed at Mabel`s Cafe at Curborough. </span><br />
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<br />sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-26219904589040648872019-02-06T15:00:00.000+00:002019-02-06T15:00:37.634+00:00HS2 Cycle Path<h1 class="content__headline" itemprop="headline" style="background-color: white; color: #121212; letter-spacing: -0.02rem; line-height: 2rem; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.5rem; padding-top: 0.375rem;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Scrapped HS2 bike path 'five times better value than HS2 itself'</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, you drive to work, the ice and rain making the cycle option less attractive than usual!, listening to the impending doom on the radio of not reducing CO2 emissions, the fact that obesity, especially in the young, ought to be classed as a health epidemic, to then see that the proposed HS2 bike path, is to be scrapped! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Read more </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2019/feb/01/scrapped-hs2-bike-path-could-have-reaped-five-times-more-than-hs2-itself?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR2OLfKCJrMP1URNcTq6EgBgWqbwUpH0gAKYiLQ1Kr22ex5bMgJ-nI9U5F8">here</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, to me, it would not appear to be "rocket science" that the bike path could be massive in helping the two issues of emissions and obesity, and i can only see this as a massive opportunity missed.... looking at how to address would not seem easy, I have contacted our MP, HS2 and others, but get the feeling that this is one project that will be lost, saving, in the grand scheme, pennies, but letting pass an opportunity to improve health, reduce emissions and so much more to help all of our futures!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just over ten years ago, I cycled across the Sinai Desert, rising funds for the British Heart Foundation, it was a great trip, one I often look back on, sleeping under the stars, climbing Mt Sinai to watch the sunrise........ </span></div>
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sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-65665511405186192802019-02-04T16:45:00.001+00:002019-02-04T16:45:23.889+00:00Back talking bikes and trying to get money off you - <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, back to blogger, as is usually the case, basically as I am fundraising again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time to help out Charlie & Freddie - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Charlie and Freddie are aged 4 from Stone in Staffordshire. They made a surprise early arrival in 2014 born at 30 weeks gestation and spending the first 7 weeks of their lives in NICU.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Charlie was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (quadriplegic) soon after birth, while Freddie was diagnosed (diplegic) shortly before his 2nd birthday. Coming to terms with the prospect of having a disabled child is daunting but then the shock of having disabled twins was something we were not prepa<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">red for.</span></i></span></div>
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There is no cure for cerebral palsy but hopefully we can do everything we can to improve their lives now and in the future.</div>
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Freddie has recently been approved to have Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery at Alder Hey Children’s hospital and with your donations for Just4Children we can pay for additional physiotherapy to supplement the NHS sessions and buy equipment to use at home. We would also love to make adaptions to our home which will benefit both boys and make life easier.</div>
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Charlie and Freddie are such happy determined boys. We will not let cerebral palsy beat us.</div>
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You can sponsor me <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-miller1000?fbclid=IwAR2Qhbf_k0_ygCAQ5oXEN8JeC34-iGuq4XG5n6YG6HVw0HK2lqZnGQi4-EM">Here</a></div>
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More to follow, but please did deep and pop back to see how I am doing! </div>
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sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-63408554034765705972015-09-08T08:57:00.003+01:002019-04-23T16:38:59.197+01:00Training Diaries <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>An occasional scribble!</b><br />
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<b>23rd April - </b>Commute - 34 Miles<br />
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<b>21st April - </b>44 mile ride<br />
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<b>20th April - </b>3 Mile run (Park Run)<br />
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<b>18th April - </b>Commute - 34 miles<br />
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<b>16th April - </b>Commute - 34 miles<br />
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<b>7th April</b> - 3 Mile run (Durham Park Run)<br />
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<b>26th March 2019 -</b> Commute - 34 miles<br />
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<b>24th March - </b>61 Miles (rode the "long" Ride Lichfield Sportive Route)<br />
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<b>21st March 2019 - </b>Commute - 34 miles (a nice morning)<br />
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<b>19th March 2019 - </b>Commute - 34 miles + 3 Mile Jog (!) A Duathlon?<br />
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<b>16th March 2019 - </b>51 miles cycle - Run & Ride Spring Challenge - VERY Windy ride<br />
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<b>14th March 2019 </b>- 3 mile jog<br />
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<b>12th March 2019 - </b>3 mile Jog<br />
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<b>10th March 2019 - </b>a 3 mile jog and just a few miles on the mountain bike (well it was windy!)<br />
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<b>5th March 2019 - </b>Commute - 34 miles<br />
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<b>3rd March 2019 - </b>40 mile ride, a spin around the <b>Ride Lichfield</b> sportive "short" route, just ahead of Storm Freya!<br />
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<b>2nd March 2019 - </b>Park Run, my 3rd run at a Park Run, great fun, and my 3rd "PB"!<br />
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<b>26th Feb 2019 -</b> Commute - 34 miles<br />
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<b>24th Feb 2019 - </b>47 miles, Abbots Bromley, Walton, Stafford, Brockton, very foggy ride, this a a road closure which saw me ride around 4 miles on the canal bank, didnt make for the quickest of rides!<br />
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<b>21st Feb 2019 - </b>Commute - 34 miles<br />
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<b>17th Feb. 2019 - </b>40 Miles - up a little later than planned but a steady ride, 14mph Ave.<br />
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<b>10th Feb. 2019 - </b>A steady ride of 17 miles.<br />
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<b>A Gap</b></div>
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<b>8th September 2015</b> - A real Autumn commute - Foggy, damp.. but no wind!</div>
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What could have a nice ride spoiled by a slow puncture about 10 miles in, the remaining 7 or so miles a case of ride, stop, pump repeat! Ride home was another story, at +17mph and a sub 58 minute ride.<br />
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<b>10th September 2015</b> - Another Autumnal morning, and a steady ride in, quite earry in places as the sun tried to break the mist with great photo opportunity missed as a flock of geese appeared flying through the half-light. Another quick ride home though and at 56.40, the fastest for some time!<br />
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<b>13th September 2015 </b>- St Giles Bike Ride. A steady ride to Whittington, although the day looked to be promising, at 7.45am it was still quite chilly, and coat and leg warmers needed. Signing on done all set for the 9.00 o`clock start. Setting off in waves of 30 or so, I some how missed setting off with Mr. Cox and crew, but soon found a group pedaling at around 17mph, my target speed, so i tucked in, working my way to the front as we wound up to 20mph heading to Barton, a short hill split the group and as others waited up for friends, I found myself trying to catch the next group. And so the morning went on like this, catching a group, then as they stopped or slowed, moving to the next. This was until the final 15 or so miles when i found myself pretty much on my own, unable to hang on to a group and so now struggling to try and duck under 4 hours, as it was 4.00.47 was I guess quite respectable. The event was well organised and signed all round, with a nice route, and even the challenge of Brocton hill enjoyable in the Autumn sunshine!<br />
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<b>15th September 2015</b> - WET! </div>
sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-47620446237586848552015-07-13T13:54:00.001+01:002015-07-13T13:56:25.402+01:00Donate Here!Please follow the link to my Just Giving page -<br />
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<a href="https://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Miller50450">https://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Miller50450</a><br />
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Or Text<br />
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<b>WJNS69</b><br />
<b>£5 </b> <i> (or the amount you wish to donate)</i><br />
<i>to</i><br />
<b>70070</b><br />
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Thank You!sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-37069792324603067262015-07-07T08:05:00.004+01:002015-07-07T08:05:50.838+01:00Training With a good ten Months to get fit for this (?) I will be looking for some other events along the way to help with the training, find them here -<br />
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<b>13th Sept. 2015-St Giles Hospice</b> - Cycle Ride - 63 miles around the South Derbyshire / Staffordshire "B" roads.sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-13702695820611698222013-08-27T10:35:00.000+01:002013-11-14T08:18:10.021+00:00Fifty For FiftySome "possible" highlights -<br />
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"C2C" - the Coast to Coast Cycle - <a href="http://www.c2c-guide.co.uk/">http://www.c2c-guide.co.uk/</a><br />
"The Wall" - A 69 mile "trail" run - <a href="http://www.thewallrun.com/">http://www.thewallrun.com/</a><br />
"A Marathon" - TBC<br />
10k on Stilts - TBC<br />
Nightrider - <a href="http://www.nightrider.org.uk/Night_Rider_London.htm">http://www.nightrider.org.uk/Night_Rider_London.htm</a><br />
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1/2 Marathons - <i>Birmingham - Done 2.03.44 20th Oct 2013</i><br />
- Stafford<br />
- Lichfield<br />
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10ks - <i>Shelton Striders - Done - Tamworth - Done</i><br />
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The list, in April 2013, is still being drawn up, but i will do my best to keep this Blog up-dated with the various "events" as I confirm.<br />
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To add a little, I have set up two "Justgiving" pages<br />
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Regain - <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Miller50450">http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Miller50450</a><br />
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Alzheimers - <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Miller50for50">http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Miller50for50</a><br />
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So, should you think what a great idea this is you can sponsor me too!<br />
<i>(all of the funds will go straight to the Charities)</i><br />
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sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-66375077955000335642013-08-08T07:57:00.003+01:002014-01-21T08:13:07.963+00:00The Not So Secret Diary of Simon Miller aged 49 and.........<b>18th January</b><br />
Bit of shopping, bit of house work and then to the Cycle Jumble at Martin Heath Hall..... not sure what to expect, but actually a good little event, picking up an old Brooks saddle which I think with a little TLC will be quite good! Home, and then walk into "town" for the Winter Beer Festival...... a nice couple of hours in the Guildhall and plenty of ale to go at! The evening rounded off with a quick one in the Duke of York <br />
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<b>17th January</b><br />
First Juggling Club meet of the year.... or was it? the hall is double booked with film club and as 12 - 13 of them and 3 of us we decided not to argue the point! so off to the Queens Head! <br />
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<b>16th January</b><br />
Am sure the neighbors must think I am mad... another evening spent on the drive under spot light working on the MG!<br />
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<b>15th January</b><br />
Work and Bearded Theory stuff....<br />
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<b>14th January</b><br />
.. pretty much repeat of Monday!<br />
Did a little more work on the Bearded Theory "Walkabout" acts, beginning to come together now.<br />
A good garage session and little more MG work.<br />
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<b>13th January</b><br />
A wet Monday in January, dark when you get up... dark when you get home..........<br />
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<b>12th January</b><br />
Up to a "good" frost... Daisy frozen inside and a small drama at the petrol station as the filler cap key broke off! Home for the spare and eventually off to Camper Mart at Telford. It was "OK", more for later models, but a few a tips picked and some nice vans to look at. Home by one and after warming up a walk into town and a pint at the Duke of York.<br />
The evening spent on the settee with Sherlock!<br />
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<b>11th January</b><br />
Saturday, and holiday booking day! The Fjords Cruise with Mum and Aunt Jean, should be fun!<br />
Lunch at the "Olive Tree"... great as ever. Gave Daisy a wash ready for Camper Mart tomorrow, just as it was getting dark and the frost forming!<br />
Tonight was annual visit to Packington and the Bull & Lion, the usual faces and as ever a fun night, just sad that it took what it did to get us to do this.......<br />
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<b>10th January</b><br />
Not a bad day compared to the rest of the week.. or so it looked out of the windows at work!<br />
Quiet evening, with a "wedding" booking for Daisy!<br />
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<b>9th January</b><br />
More rain over night and drive to work was fun with a couple of "large puddles" on route.<br />
Some more MG work as dry, but cold, night.<br />
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<b>8th January</b><br />
Still as wet as ever and more rain on way....... still at least its not snow.<br />
Started "work" today in my "walkabout act" co-coordinator roll for our favorite festival. First e--mails sent and a few responses already<b>. </b><br />
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<b>7th January</b><br />
Well rested and feeling all round much better!<br />
Busy day at work, a new costing programme to "write".... home and an hour on the MG again, hope this going to be worth it!<br />
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<b>6th January</b><br />
Returned from work, promptly vomited, and then slept until 6.00am!<br />
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<b>5th January</b><br />
Woke, feeling a little "fuzzy" but not too bad and after clearing the frost from car headed home.<br />
A busy day, Christmas decorations away, a whole stack of stuff moved to the shed / loft and a trip to the tip as well. An afternoon of working on the MG. The evening spent watching the Hobbit, which I thought was better then the first!<br />
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<b>4th January</b><br />
Up and away for a first bike ride of 2014, a short road ride over to the Chase. A long walk to Lichfield with Sally and then a visit from Sue, Steve and the Boys. A evening spent with the rest of the "Plant" clan at Karen`s, a nice night.<br />
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<b>3rd January</b><br />
Work, calling at Mums at lunch. A wet day with lots of Floods.<br />
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<b>2nd January </b><br />
That work thing! a steady day though and not too taxing! Home and an hour working on the MG floor. A walk with Sally and Beau.<br />
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<b>1st January 2014</b><br />
We have of recent years traveled to Lyme Regis on New Years Day, in fact have taken to going down on New Years Eve, spending New Year in Daisy and then heading to Lyme, not this time. The weather reports were not good and we decided to stay home. To make up we decided to go for a walk on the "Chase" and we got soaked, it throw it down for the whole walk!<br />
So, a quiet afternoon with Tom and Lucy calling for tea.<br />
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<b>31st December</b><br />
I like "free" days... the ones where nothing is planned... As Sally at work today is one. First to take Beau a walk... then a run, I got soaked as no sooner had I started it throw it down. A cycle into Lichfield and a coffee and tea cake at "15". "Crap" tv for 1/2 an hour and then a trip in the MG, top down and hat on.... got some waves and smiles! Upon return spent some time on the floor of the MG, which needs some work before the MOT.<br />
A quiet "New Years" with pizza by Goli... yum yum....<br />
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<b>30th December</b><br />
A sad day... Dexter, one of our cats has not been well and the time had arrived to say goodbye. So a slow trip to the vets. Never nice and Dexter purred to the end.<br />
A wet and windy day again and so the jobs I had planned to do on the MG didn't get done.... although I did manage a few bits on Daisy.<br />
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<b>29th December</b><br />
It's holiday so nice bacon sandwich for breakfast... then when all ready, bikes loaded into Daisy, it was over to Cannock Chase. Although still frosty it wasn't too cold and Henry had a great time on his bike.... while Beau had a muddy walk! Home, baths / wash all round including the bikes. After taking Henry home it was time to hop on the train to Sutton and to meet up with the Team Aura crew for our Christmas meal... a good night while we where entertained by Marc and his magic.... up close, very close his "tricks" where very very good.<br />
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<b>28th December</b><br />
Shopping...... more shopping...... busy day again with Mum. Jean, Henry, Tom, Lucy, Kate and Logan round for tea....... with Henry stopping over. A nice afternoon, and as Henry wanted too see it, a great excuse to watch the Hobbit!<br />
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<b>27th December</b><br />
Early start and a windy drive home, very windy. Then dropped Corsa at garage for service. After that a lazy day of tv, garage messing and more tv..... nice and quiet after the madness of the previous days!<br />
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<b>26th December</b><br />
Decided to stay for Boxing day..... so back to Melbourne for beer and few games of pool.... still as bad as ever at pool! Following some house visits back to Josie and Kevin's where we "opened" Daisy for drinks and I provided some fire fun..... seemed to impress!<br />
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<b>25th December</b><br />
A quiet house.. no kids.... Kate soon home though and a mass of presents! After a little sort and tidy on route in Daisy to Josie and Kevin's for Christmas. A quick drink or two in the Melbourne and then dinner.... a lazy afternoon.. secret Santa.... beer.... cards... beer.... more food.... beer... beer.....<br />
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<b>24th December</b><br />
No work... but busy.... shopping, tidying, and then to collect Mum, and then Lucy, a rather nice Christmas Eve, Mum, Tom, Lucy, Kate and Logan all round. A few presents opened which was nice.<br />
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<b>23rd December</b><br />
Work.. Work... but a quite morning and then the "Christmas" meal at the Swan. Quick drink at Mums before home and a quite night.<br />
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<b>22nd December</b><br />
Early alarm and the return journey, straight through to Brussels this time and a quick two hours. A wander round the city again with a drink in the "Irish bar" and buying some chocolates!<br />
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<b>21st December</b><br />
Tired after yesterday's travelling. A steady walk into Cologne.... a little easier than last night's best efforts at getting lost! Over the railway bridge and a look at "lovers locks", dozens.... hundreds of locks, quite a sight. From here to the Cathedral, an very large building..... in fact tallest in the world until the early 1900's.<br />
It was then time to hit the Christmas markets.....7 off them! We managed 3 before finding a bar! They were good though and would recommend a trip. After a freshen up it was time to make our way to the gig...... a short taxi ride and we where at the industrial type venue... and after battling for a drink and finding our favoured spot, the Levellers appeared, as ever a great set, I had wondered as they where support if their set would be a short one but no fear. A short break and then New Model Army hit the stage... a good set but I don't think quite as good as last week at Nottingham.... maybe the venue as Rock City takes some beating.<br />
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<b>20th December</b><br />
Up early 3.30am! And on the way before 4.00, the start of a long day. We made good time and at 6.00 were on the tube, ahead of time we found a coffee shop and watched the news of the Apollo theatre roof collapse. The queue foe Eurostar was massive, one of their busiest days it seems, so we were glad we had made the early start. Before long though we were "flying" along and so stepping out in Brussels. A short, 20 minute walk and we where in the Grand Place, Sally was quite impressed, I have been so many times now...... it just seemed like work! We found a nice restaurant for dinner and then after a stroll around the shops back to catch the next train to Liege, a short stop here, long enough for a drink and then the last leg to Cologne.... two tired travelers in bed by ten! <br />
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<b>19th December</b><br />
Work and packing for the weekend adventure!<br />
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<b>18th December</b><br />
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<b>17th December</b><br />
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<b>16th December</b><br />
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<b>15th December</b><br />
A bit more Christmas shopping and then called over to Jean`s to drop presents off.<br />
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<b>14th December</b><br />
Off with Tom to see New Model Army at Rock City, as ever a great gig, with a good mix of the old and the new. <br />
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<b>13th December </b><br />
Friday 13th!<br />
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<b>12th December</b><br />
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<b>11th December</b><br />
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<b>10th December</b><br />
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<b>9th December</b><br />
Monday... oh it feels like one too! ... but a good start to the week as won the works Christmas card Sweep!<br />
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<b>8th December</b><br />
Busy morning, as shed needed re-felting, all good fun, needing to saw down trees, or at least branches to get excess, then working on a roof you know is not that great.. sweating a little!<br />
The afternoon spent Christmas shopping.<br />
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<b>7th December</b><br />
Bit of a lie in, then a walk to Lichfield.<br />
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<b>6th December</b><br />
Juggling Club.<br />
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<b>5th December</b><br />
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<b>4th December</b><br />
Finished work on time and then a little of a rush home and then to pick up Marie, Shane and Ken, as all going to Wolverhampton to see Show of Hands. A usual a good gig, with a slightly different feel due to Steve Knightley suffering with a chest infection. <br />
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<b>3rd December</b><br />
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<b>2nd December</b><br />
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<b>1st December</b><br />
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<b>30th November</b><br />
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<b>29th November</b><br />
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<b>28th November</b><br />
<i>Happy Thanks Giving! </i><br />
MG started like a new car... so maybe it was the battery...... Busy day at work, with a photographer there to take pictures for our new website and then 2014 Budget work......<br />
A steady run and then pack for our weekend away.<br />
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<b>27th November</b><br />
It has been an age since I cycled to work, in fact cycled at all, as forecast for a good day thought i would bite the bullet and get a ride in. To work was fine..... home, I was totally spent! oh dear...... I do need to get back out....... <br />
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<b>26th November</b><br />
Positive thinking and straight to the MG this morning, first turn, started! An evening spent at the Running Club AGM followed by a chip supper! <br />
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<b>25th November</b><br />
Up to work, still quite buzzing after the Stilts last night! Would the MG start... not one bit, so Daisy Camper Van to the rescue again. On returning home, tried the MG, first turn a start! A steady run before tea.<br />
Have started on some Festival Stilt wear for next year, and spent an hour working on these. <br />
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<b>24th November</b><br />
A busy old day, up and to clean out the fish tank........ then some garden tidying, which means a "tip run" and then managed to squeeze in 1/2 an hour on the MG floor pan.<br />
Over to Sawley for a "family" type Sunday lunch before hot footing it back to Lichfield and <br />
become a stilt walking Christmas Elf.......<br />
The Market Sq. was rammed but the crowds parted as a strolled about..... great fun and some happy faces... so I think I went down well!<br />
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<b>23rd November</b><br />
More MG and Camper van work, fitting some new battery cables to the MG.... but now regret not getting the started motor ones!, followed this by just about sorting the "hook up" cable on the "Van". Some shopping and then managed to squeeze in a little run. Joined by Tom and Lucy for tea and TV.<br />
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<b>22nd November</b><br />
What seemed a looooong day at work followed by juggling club.<b> </b><br />
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<b>21st November</b><br />
Fitted Elf shoes to the stilts in readiness for Sunday! TV highlight the "small spaces" programme and a few ideas for the camper van.<br />
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<b>20th November</b><br />
MG failed again, so Daisy to the rescue, fed up of jump starting! Couple hours out of work to attend funeral.<br />
Checked the MG`s battery which stated a 3 year guarantee, quick look in the file and have the receipt and its just over two years since i brought, so to Halfords. The helpful staff have to check it with their gadget,<br />
"yes sir, it says new battery, let me check with the manager"<br />
"sorry, we have to do a "warranty" check..... oh that`s saying its ok, that doesnt seem fair"<br />
"No it doesnt"<br />
"I will get the manager"<br />
"thanks"<br />
"he`s just tied up"<br />
"no problems, not in rush" <br />
"err he`s still busy"<br />
"ok"<br />
..<br />
Manager appears....<br />
"sorry, bit tied up, whats the problem?"<br />
"The battery is not holding a charge"<br />
"ok, Give the gentleman a new one"<br />
"thanks"<br />
... now fitted, so lets see!<br />
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<b>19th November</b><br />
MG struggled to start, need to take a deeper look jump leads and Sally`s Corsa to the rescue again. The forecast "bad weather" didnt arrive.<br />
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<b>18th November</b><br />
A Wintry week forecast, today was nice though. Fitted the Elf shoes to the stilts ready for next weekend.<br />
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<b>17th November</b><br />
Not up so early! ... still was still smiling after the previous nights fun...... what poor singers we are!<br />
Did manage to get a little work in on the MG, the passenger side floor pan needs some "TLC" shall we say. Then was over to Mums for dinner....... was going to see New Model Army at Wolves but sleep was required! <br />
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<b>16th November</b><br />
So, seized handbrake on the camper van to sort.... and some battery maintenance on the MG... plus new bulb to fit on Kate`s Cilo...... that was Saturday morning done! A walk in to Lichfield and then home to ready ourselves for the "beer bus". First up a walk back to Lichfield and a bus to Hednesford to then hop on the "beer bus" to Halesowen. A good night as usual, with several stops and much fun and games.... home a gone 1.30am though......<br />
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<b>15th November</b><br />
Not a great start to the day.... jumped in MG and a none starter again, so to the Camper, which after a little struggle started burst to life........ into gear and stuck, looks like a brake jammed on again! Sometimes, most of the time, owning a 1972 MG and a1974 VW is the best thing... sometimes you just want to throw away the keys! A steady run before sitting down to Children in Need...... think this is getting past its sell by. <br />
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<b>14th November</b><br />
Winter day.... busy at work and then TV evening....... which as was the Small Spaces programme was not too bad! <br />
The Fly 53 "Only stupid b***tards use heroin" T Shirt action started on ebay... rude not to put in a little bid!<br />
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<b>13th November</b><br />
Frosty morning... and the MG decided not to start... so jump leads out! Apart from the "Elf" suit arriving and a short run.... not a lot to report. (Oh the Elf outfit has arrived!)<br />
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<b>12th November</b><br />
Ought to have gone for a run...... but didnt! Looks like it it could be getting a little colder...... Snow?<br />
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<b>11th November</b><br />
Remembrance day and Sally and me took some flowers to her Dad.<br />
I have been "booked" (<i>as "StiltSi"</i>) for some Stilt Walking at the Lichfield Christmas Lights switch on..... and thought I ought to get an Christmas themed costume... so an Elf outfit has been ordered from Ebay!<br />
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<b>10th November</b><br />
Allotment.... spent an hour or so clearing and tiding, always nice this time of year, with thoughts turning to what to grow and where to plant next year. <br />
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<b>9th November</b><br />
Bit of a lay in as even though managed to get out last night i did suffer for it. When we did get up first job was to get the new lights on the MG... a job which for a change on a 40 year old car, went smoothly! <br />
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<b>8th November</b><br />
Ill! up in the night with..... well i will spare you the details! By 3ish, wasnt feeling too bad and risked a cuppa... and some toast.... Did manage to get out and see Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies at the Guildhall, a good gig and always good to catch up with Marie, Shane, Ken and Bruce. (the couple of pints soon passed through!) <br />
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<b>7th November</b><br />
New MG lights have arrived, thanks to Moss Europe, look forward to getting these on!<br />
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<b>6th November</b><br />
Have been looking at some possible party venues... have located a site that would allow us to return to the "mini festival" idea... it`s close to Lichfield, fairly remote.... with a stage on site! .. but as yet despite several attempts we cannot find out who you need to speak to regarding use! <br />
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<b>5th November</b><br />
Bonfire Night! so, a little fire breathing was in order!<br />
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<b>4th November</b><br />
Day three of the Northern adventure sees me heading to Bradford. A relaxing train ride to Leeds and quick change and short ride to Bradford and was soon sat having a cuppa with Joolz before my new tattoo, in the heaven that is Studio Bijoux.<br />
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<b>3rd November</b><br />
Day two of our Northern mini adventure...... another "full english" and then a little wonder around Ripon, all too soon though it was time for the "goodbyes" and to head home....<br />
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<b>2nd November </b><br />
Saturday, and although we had a few beers the previous night, not feeling too bad and after a "full english" at the Okeh Cafe a lot better! The Okeh is a great little place, sixties themed and great food, if you your in Sheffield give it a try! After the breakfast Harry wanted to show us his work. Harry works for UK Bungee and they have zip wire, bungee and other stuff at Magna, a super museum near Meadowhall. Now, as we where offered some discount(!) it was rude not to take up the offer of a go, so I was soon flying down the Zipwire, I do like zipwires, Harry suggested a bungee or powerfan drop....... err, trying to wriggle out of this was hard.... and when Josie decided to have a go on the powerfan, well what else could I do? It was a long climb up.... but great fun! Down from our "high" it was time to hit the road for Ripon and a family get together. The hotel was rather nice, champagne, flowers and chocs. in the large room, not that we would spend much time in it, as now sooner booked in than time to meet in the pub and take in the England rugby game. After more pubs and a nice pizza.... bedtime called and by 12.30am we had retired... what a day! <br />
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<b>1st November</b><br />
Work, and an early finish to get off to Sheffield. The journey from work didnt go to plan with a pheasant flying into the MG and smashing a headlight... but this couldnt spoil the start of our long weekend, starting with a visit to Sheffield and a long over due catch up with nephew Harry. A horrible journey, with the A38 blocked forcing a turn around and a cross country diversion, on to the M1 and once again brake lights! This time shorter as it appeared people where slowing to look at "bonfire night" display! A few beers, a great curry and a comfy bed at the Jurys Inn.<br />
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<b>31st October</b><br />
Early to work and Halloween costume on ready to give the staff a welcome! A quick call home and then off to Strafford upon Avon to join the Stratfire Fire Spinners for some Halloween fire fun! A good couple of hours spent playing with fire... a great way to spend Halloween.<br />
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<b>30th October</b><br />
Pumpkin Prep!<br />
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<b>29th October</b><br />
Some garage tidying... yeap still at it!<br />
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<b>28th October</b><br />
Monday morning work style blues!<br />
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<b>27th October</b><br />
Sunday... lazy Sunday<br />
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<b>26th October</b><br />
A busy Saturday, Sally "on call" and a long day ahead at Stafford Hospital, so I had to take Beau to groomers and then popped to Packington to strim graves, and a quick cuppa with Mum and Aunt Jean. Some shopping on the way home and then an hour on the allotment, tidying and harvesting the pumpkins. The evening at the Samhain Fire Festival. <b> </b><br />
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<b>25th October</b><br />
Friday, and not too soon this week. Juggling club to start the weekend, some good banter and even some juggling!<br />
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<b>24th October</b><br />
John had burnt the midnight oil and manged to get the first of the pictures across for me, and quite good they were too! cant wait for the "Halloween" ones! A steady 5k run and then a shared bottle of red. <br />
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<b>23rd October</b><br />
Wet start, but the sun came out for the afternoon, which was just as well, as was meeting my old friend John for a "Stilt" photo shoot after work. A short drive to Moira furnace for the shoot, John takes some great photos and is "Home" match day photographer for Burton Albion, but I think a stilt walker had him somewhat stumped, he did get some great shots though. A few passers by looked somewhat bemused, and you can only imagine some of the conversations when they got home! <br />
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<b>22nd October</b><br />
Another (very) wet day, and although Tuesday is my normal cycle to work day..... I took the car!<br />
(The MG had been having issues starting and I had taken the positive lead off and cleaned, no issue today so fingers crossed.) <br />
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<b>21st October</b><br />
... the legs feel fine today.... not sure if that`s good or bad? Management Meeting at Worcester today and a few minutes to compare notes with Ailsa who had also run the Birmingham half... like me disappointed with her time, but had suffered really badly with her feet... ouch! Lots of rain today, but did manage a short jog with Sally. Second pumpkin done! <br />
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<b>20th October</b><br />
Event 8... Birmingham 1/2..... i was not starting till gone 11 O`clock but was parked up in good time and after a banana and good drink took a stroll up to the start. This was my first "big" running event, it is now the send biggest half marathon after the Great North Run with 20,000 people, I am not sure i enjoyed it that much! My start was in the last "wave" and the first mile was spent zigzagging around other runners....... this was repeated at around mile 6 where I seemed to catch a big group. All that said the support on the route was great. I did begin to fade around 10 miles and the hill at 11 did for me and any chance on Sub 2 hours... finishing in 2.03.44... a long way off what i had wanted...<br />
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<b>19th October</b><br />
A lay in....... wet day so no allotment.... again! We joined Mum at a Church remembrance service, and called at Dads grave on the way back to Mums to find his headstone had been put up, Mum seemed pleased with it and hopefully one less thing to think about for her. <br />
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<b>18th October</b><br />
Work, called at Mums and a take away for tea.......... possibly not the right food with Sunday in mind! While awaiting the take away I did manage a little fire play..... something else I need to practise! <br />
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<b>17th October</b><br />
Always a buzzing after Team Aura, lots of things to practise and improve...... but reality and work got in the way today! Tried to eat healthy with the "1/2" on Sunday.... jaffa cakes are ok aren't they! <br />
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<b>16th October</b><br />
Birmingham bound for Team Aura workshop... or "Stilt Club". A good turnout tonight with approx 20 of us! I took my Halloween outfit to try out.... but had forgotten the walk down Board Street, bad enough normally with stilts etc... but tonight with an 8ft scythe it was a little more of a challenge, I did half expect to be stopped by the boys in blue! Stilts, Fire, Grinding all going on tonight and was as usual a good night.<br />
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<b>15th October</b><br />
Work, Work, Work a damp Tuesday in October and not a lot else to report, oh yeah, Sally got a new job!<br />
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<b>14th October</b><br />
MG due at garage for wheel bearing and CV joint... but would the thing get going! so a jump start in the rain.... great start to the week! The bill was not so bad though. A 8 1/2 mile jog tonight.... I think 5k on Thursday and that's it for this week in readiness for the Birmingham 1/2 coming up on Sunday. Would love to break 1.55, my current "pb" is 1.58.57, and I think its possible........... but as starting in the last "wave" I maybe having to pass a lot of runners...... positive thinking then! <br />
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<b>13th October</b><br />
Event 7) Tamworth 10k and the rain was still pouring down and the thought of staying in the warm was very tempting! Glad I didnt though as although a wet, and in places slippy course, 51.16 (my watch 51.03) was a good improvement on last weeks "pb". Home and help Sally preparing a Sunday roast for us all, a nice Sunday afternoon with the kids...... and lots of laughs. <br />
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<b>12th October</b><br />
A lay in! No work this weekend... and the overnight rain was still doing its best to spoil our plans (which had been an allotment session) so it was nice not to need an excuse to stay in bed. Once we did get up a walk into Lichfield and coffee and cake at the Guildhall Christmas craft fair, where one stall was proud to tell that there is only 10 weekends until Christmas. Still raining, so a full on lazy day and out for tea. <br />
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<b>11th October</b><br />
Still cold! Today was mainly about Mark Chadwick playing Derby. I was taking Tom as his Birthday pressie! it worked for me! Great gig, he was on top form and also loads of people to say "hi" to and catch up with, especially the Bearded Theory Crew. <br />
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<b>10th October</b><br />
Cold morning, after the recent nice weather today was a shock to the system with the temperature "cold". Booked the train from Brussels to Cologne and also the hotel, so our European adventure for December is now all sorted. Called at Mums to fit some draft excluder to the garage doors. <br />
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<b>9th October</b><br />
A quiet Wednesday, Sally to running club and me to make tea!<br />
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<b>8th October</b><br />
.. a last "nice" day to cycle to work of the year? .....there and back where nice rides but it appears the cold is on the way......... Home to find my new streamer had arrived, so an allotment tidy up is on route! <b> </b><br />
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<b>7th October</b><br />
Steady day at work and a gentle run........... Monday done. <br />
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<b>6th October</b><br />
Event 6) Shelton Striders 10k, a short drive to Derby for this flat run. This was the last Club Grand Prix event for 2013 and so a large turn out, standing out in our yellow vests. I was told the coarse was flat, and this was true, I tried to stay with the "Sub 50 mins" runners, but faded away at about 7km. My 52.40 was a "pb" though so happy enough. Returning home and time to look at Kate`s car which has been having starting issues. A google search had highlighted a sensor which appears to be a common fault.... sensor found, removed, cleaned and replaced, fingers crossed!<br />
No rest, and too the Allotment for an hour or so! <br />
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<b>5th October</b><br />
Up at 5.15am and a few hours at work, busy busy. Home and over to Tom and Lucy`s for a cuppa. Home via a trip to B & Q and the Range, Christmas, it seems, is coming! Sorted the last of the rubbish in the garage and returned quite an amount back up into the loft, so now just 10 left boxes to sort through! <br />
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<b>4th October</b><br />
The weekly Friday lunch time visit to mums. A short 5k run and then feet up.<br />
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<b>3rd October</b><br />
Busy day at work, with a meeting in Worcester and then some big orders to organise.<br />
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<b>2nd October </b><br />
Sally`s home!<br />
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<b>1st October</b><br />
After work, trying to ensure that the house is tidy ready for Sally`s return from her Holiday tomorrow!<br />
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<b>30th September</b><br />
End of month rush at work. Home to some house work and a short run. Both my run and cycle miles / training are down compared to last Month, but with the bathroom replacement and time away with work and helping on "Race the Sun" I guess it was to be expected.<br />
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<b>29th September</b><br />
The Cycle Show, as Sally away I took the chance to spend a few hours strolling the NEC. Some very nice bikes here...... I can dream. I called at Mums for a coffee and a few jobs and then home for a tip run and an hour on the allotment.<br />
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<b>28th September</b><br />
Event 5 - 104km cycle. I didnt feel like it at all..... the previous three days in Brussels catching up, but at 8.15 I was on the bike and heading to Tamworth. The route would see me heading from Lichfield, skirting Tamworth and heading North to Clifton Campville, turning to Lullington, then Rosliston, Barton, touching Uttoxeter, then heading towards Stafford and across "the Chase" back to Lichfield. 4 hours 23 minutes at 15.5mph. After a quick shower it was time to look at the over-heating on the Midget, drained and a new thermostat all seems well, guess time and miles will tell. No rest, off to Ikea for some shelves! <br />
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<b>27th September</b><br />
Last day in Brussels, but as lunch time flight, no visit to the Expo, so a little site seeing and chocolate buying before the train ride to the airport. More "networking" here before the flight, and home in time to get a couple of hours at work.<br />
The drive home was an issue though, as the Midget kept overheating and it took the best part of two hours! <br />
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<b>26th September</b><br />
Brussels and Label Expo, a long day in truth, another evening being wine and dined... and back to the Irish Bar for some "networking"! Yesterdays early start is catching up!<br />
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<b>25th September</b><br />
Up at 2.20am! and away to take Sally and Karen to East Midlands Airport ready for their holiday.<br />
Home and try to get some sleep, before the second part of what was to be a long day. Just a couple of hours at work and then off to Birmingham Airport and Brussels. Short flight and then clearing customs and a quick bus ride to Label Expo. I could bore you with the details of Label Expo... but guess best I spare you!<br />
After sitting on a Shuttle bus for some time waiting for it to leave.... we opted for a taxi, which proved fun, but got us to the Ibis in good time for our dinner date.... we were to be wined and dined tonight by one of our suppliers. A nice meal and then we joined most other Brits... at the Irish bar. A few here and then to bed.... if i had skipped the few hours sleep between dropping Sally and going to work I could have claimed the staying up challenge! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>24th September</b><br />
Mostly work and packing for the trip to Brussels with work.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>23rd September</b><br />
Monday morning cycle to work, and a dull and misty one it was. A quickish ride home, just over the hour, and then a final gloss of the bathroom door.<br />
Massive issue though as we couldn`t get Sky to work....... <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>22nd September</b><br />
... we brought a karcher window vac yesterday, today was spent cleaning windows! what a great tool! After the windows had been well and truly cleaned we dressed for dinner as Jean and Mum where taking us out for Sunday lunch, very nice it was too.<br />
An evening steady 10k and early to bed.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>21st September</b><br />
Work! but its Saturday! ...... up at 5am and to work for a few hours. Away for a few days next week and wanted to make sure am ahead, also need a few hours "banked" for use in the near future. Home and a quick trip to Tamworth so Sally could get some holiday stuff. It was then a garage sorting afternoon, this pile to the tip, this back in the loft, this, well lets leave this one here for now and come back to it! It was a great day weather wise and did feel as though we should be out enjoying it rather than doing work / "jobs". <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>20th September</b><br />
Early to work, few days away next week so trying to get ahead. Home and a quick 5k run, Stowe Pool route, and then a takeaway with Tom & Lucy, a later night than I had wished for as in work at 6.00 tomorrow! <br />
<br />
<b>19th September</b><br />
Quick look out of the window and rain spots, so rather than cycle to work as I had planned, took the car. The rain stopped, and as it turned out, both journeys would have been in the dry..... a day lost in the "bike v car" 50 4 50 challenge! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>18th September</b><br />
Over slept!, turned the alarm off and rolled over ..... 7.00am, up with a "start" and into headless chicken mode! Busy day at work with urgent jobs, visitors and the general fun and games.<br />
Home, to running club and a new 5k route... so at least one "PB" this year! A two lap run where I did manage to hang on to some runners I feel I ought to be on par with...... but lost touch with 1/2 a mile or so to go, I pulled a little back, but shows I need put in some more training effort! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>17th September</b><br />
Up and away for a misty cycle to work.... lights, full gloves, long leggings, coat....... Autumn is here!<br />
Still a nice ride, unlike the return home in that horrible wet "fine" rain! An evening painting the other side of the bathroom door... one more coat should do it, and then one box of goodies from the loft sorted.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>16th September</b><br />
Monday morning..... work....... home for a short run and then first coat of gloss on bathroom door, a quiet day.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>15th September</b><br />
"doh" first job drive to Hednesford to collect car....... After taking Beau a quick walk, over to Packington, flowers for Dads grave and then dinners at Mums...nom..nom <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>14th September</b><br />
Up for an early(ish) run , 14km home and some "housey" jobs before making our way to Hednesford to join Marie and the birthday Beer Bus. We hadn`t had the pleasure of a Beer bus trip before so didn't know quite what to expect........ Heading down the A5 a serious accident held us up a while, but we soon cleared this and headed towards the Cock. First stop and time for a pint & 1/2, before heading back on the Bus towards Oakengates. A choice of houses here, we managed three of them, The Crown, Fighting Cocks and the Station. The Fighting Cocks was a nice pub, made better by lovely pork pie! Shane managed to round everyone up in time for us to make it to Codsall and another Station! All in all a great night out and hopefully one we can repeat at some stage.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>13th September</b><br />
Friday 13th!! no disasters though! Quiet day at work and then, after a quick cuppa at Aunt Sandra's, off to Juggling Club......... a hour spent on "event" 44) Master the Unicycle..... good job 1 have another 46 weeks!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>12th September</b><br />
<b>Event 3 - Cycle to Work day, </b>a nice morning, bit misty but other wise fine and so off for "event 3" Cycle to Work day... ok I do cycle to work on a regular basis, but as an "official" event thought I would tag it on to the Fifty 4 Fifty! A good ride in, but the ride home was terrible, not managing to get above 14mph average and at 1.11 nearly 20 mins longer than normal..... no reason.... just hope not a sign of illness? <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>11th September</b><br />
Quiet, work and then a run, my 7k route, but did managed to take 30 secs. of my "PB".<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>10th September</b><br />
Work, management meeting in Worcester. An evening trip to Ikea for some bathroom bits and that was it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>9th September</b><br />
Work and home to behold our wonderful new bathroom.... now complete! A little run, and then the final few bits from the loft, emptied into a garage now overflowing! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>8th September</b><br />
Early rise again! This time off to entertain the runners and families at the Lichfield Running Clubs <a href="http://lichfield10k.co.uk/wordpress/" style="font-weight: bold;">Lichfield 10k</a> and Fun Run. The rain held off and it was a nice morning.... sunny even and the Stilts seem to go down well, a review even ...<b> </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">and Simon Miller, stilt walker extraordinaire!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<b>7th September</b><br />
<b>Event 2 - The <a href="http://lichwheeld.wordpress.com/2013/09/07/i-nearly-shot-the-sheriff/">Alternative Sheriffs Ride</a></b>, Lichfield has many traditions as you would imagine, one, the Sheriffs Ride, sees many horses and riders trotting the area in early September. Nice and at nearly 500 years old, not something you would wish to see lost..... however, it does have some issues. Firstly, you need a horse and to be able to ride.... so the plan had been hatched to offer a more all inclusive option..... on bikes. It seems that this is not the first time such has been done, a few rides were undertaken in the 1980`s. Eight of us joined together and rode a City route of nearly 9 miles... with a tea and cake stop... thanks James! Home and some more bathroom "work" before heading to Packington to see how the family had done in the Horticultural show, very well, Mum a "1st" in Crafts, Jean two "2nd" for her Dahlias and Henry a near clean sweep in the Kids! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>6th September</b><br />
The evening spent on bathroom stuff, painting etc........ apart from that and work not much else.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>5th September</b><br />
Up at 4.00am... second time in 5 days! This time to take Kate and Logan to the airport. Not worth going home and headed straight to work, so a 10 1/2 hour day... still caught up on a few bits!<br />
Home to a nearly finished bathroom!, also delivery of my favorite VW mag, Hayburner and also new rear cycle light....... ready for those dark rides!<br />
<br />
<b>4th September</b><br />
A shower, could not go on any longer, so called at mums for a shower!<br />
The bathroom is coming along nicely, not having one is playing havoc with the training and with the house being a mess, takeaways rule - not good! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3rd September</b><br />
Not a lot.... no bathroom, so no training, wouldn't want to be all sweaty and dirty and not be able to get clean! Managed a little loft clearing out while we still have a skip to fill.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2nd September</b><br />
That work thing... feeling tired following the weekend!<br />
Quick review of August, 1 event done, the Staffs Knot 5 Mile, but the 50 Bands and 50 Ales got off to a good start at Shrewsbury Folk Festival!<br />
Training saw 350 miles cycled and 47 run, with more running than cycling events coming up, i think i need to get the trainers on a little more!<br />
Photo a day and this diary are being maintained, but no sponsors yet! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1st September </b><br />
Wide awake at 6.30! managed to get off for another hour and then it was up (a quick shower as i now didnt have such at home!) and the last bit of tidying, goodbyes and the M6 south.<br />
A good run home in 3 1/2 hours a record in Daisy! and after unloading a quick nap. The bathroom, well the hole where bathroom used to be was not what i was expecting.... but it can now only get better. The front garden had an empty skip surrounded by what was our bathroom so an hour spent filling up the skip. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>31st August</b><br />
4.20am and up .........a cold shower in an effort to wake up! Car park duty first thing and then off to set up for the day at Lake Thirlmere with the "team" Trish, Annie and Larry. It was to be a long day, the first team getting to us at around 11.15, the last gone 5.00! The weather was good to us and barring a few grumpy spectators, the day went rather well, with several teams providing some great entertainment! Last team away and time to strip down and head off the finish, we usually have a couple of "late" teams but today we had four at 15 hours plus.... arriving long after the awards ceremony had finished. All packed away and time to head to Penrith and dinner at Indiagate.... buffet meal and a few beers (and shots) and at 1.30 it was time to call it a night..... although the temptation to carry on was there! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>30th August</b><br />
Earlyish start loading Daisy ready for our trip to the Lakes and Action for Charity`s Race the Sun event, with the teams of four raising funds for Action Medical Research, cycling 50 odd miles, climbing Helvellyn and a short canoe around Lake Thirlmere. After settling in the bathroom fitters, it was off and a steady run up the M6, around 4 1/2 hours, not bad for a Friday! Friday is set up for us and signing on and briefing for the teams, a little stilt walking at the meet and great welcoming the teams and supporters. Three hours was the longest i had done on the stilts for a while and the legs ached a little i have to say! Pizza supper and to bed ready for an early, 4.20am, start! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>29th August</b><br />
Work and then home to more bathroom work. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>28th August</b><br />
Nice cycle to work, although the time for "long" trousers and lights is here!<br />
Evening spent in the bathroom making ready for the new one being fitted next week.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>27th August</b><br />
Phew, Work, race home and time to look at Kate`s car, the back lights doing their best to be a moving disco!, earths, bulbs, wires... all checked... but to no avail... improved but not solved so its ebay for "new" parts! .... on to clearing the loft, the bathroom is being replaced next week, a month early and so i now have a stack of jobs to do! Loft sorted, and onto tile removal!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>26th August</b><br />
Waking up to the realisation this could be the last Festival wake up of the year........ :( , still as a "Bank Holiday" it meant we could do the take down at a relaxed pace and take in some more music! The day had started with a real Autumnal mist, and the thought of packing wet tents away was not one we wanted, but the sun came out and soon burnt away the mist and dried out the damp tents. We spent a few hours again wandering the site, and at around 3.30, decided it was time to make a move and beat the Bank Holiday traffic.<br />
Shrewsbury is a great festival and we hope to return again. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>25th August</b><br />
After "owl gate" had been discussed at length! it was time to board the bus again and try a Lloyds Breakie...... aching legs saw us return to the festival on the bus, lazy or what?, and spend some time chilling and wondering around the site. Highlight for us today would be Lucy Ward playing two sets, but apart from this, we spent the day dropping into the various tents and other "venues" taking in the varying amount on offer. The day ended with another set from Doyle and Debbie.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>24th August</b><br />
Waking in a tent, in a field, at a festival... heaven! The nights rain had eased, but was now that Peter Kay "wet rain", still our gazebos kept the worse off us and we were soon assembled and ready to board the "festival bus" into Shrewsbury and to find a breakfast, Weatherspoon style! <br />
A large breakfast downed and we took a steady stroll around the town and found ourselves back at the Three Fishes, just a quick one! Time then to head back towards the festival via the Bird in Hand to watch David Gibb and Elly Lucas, also to say hello to Linda. Linda and myself had cycled the Sinai a few years back as part of the "Big Bike Ride" raising funds to fight heart disease, and as in her home town thought we make time for a quick hello. A festival afternoon, Eddie Reader (x 2), Oysterband and a late night show from Doyle and Debbie.... very funny! All in all a good day. Now, we dont know what it was, but the nights beer fuelled slumber was broken by a blood curdling sound which had the toughest puling their sleeping bags above their heads! We think it was a owl, but it certainly was a talking point the next day!<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>23rd August</b><br />
Up and away, dropping Sally at work and then on to meet the "crew" ready for Shrewsbury. A wait at the local services ready for the 10.00 O`clock gates open time, we got it wrong and arrived early and so had to spend sometime in the "holding" area with the dozens of other "naughty" boys and girls!<br />
Still, as next to an empty "campsite 2" we decided to camp here, a good call it turned out.<br />
Tents up, camp set and "beer o`clock". A wander around the (large) site to get our bearings and taste the offerings in the beer tent! <br />
Time to hit the town, well a couple in the Three Fishes and then meet Sally who was catching the train. A great first day a Shrewsbury, ending with music from, Something Nasty in the Woodshed, Steve Knightley and a great set from the Afro Celts, even the rain couldn`t dampen our spirits!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>22nd August</b><br />
Cycle to work, nice ride again, home and packing Daisy ready for Shrewsbury Folk Festival.<br />
Quick trip to shop for "supplies" and feet and beer!<br />
(36 miles cycled)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>21st August</b><br />
Work... quick visit to mums at lunch. Last 5 mile TT at the Lichfield Running Club, nice evening so cycled down. Managed to shave a whole 4 minutes off my previous time, but didnt quite get to 42 mins... will have to wait for next year now!<br />
(5 miles run)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>20th August</b><br />
A "good" ride to work, the longer 25 mile route, well the sun was out! Quickish ride back home and happy to find the shower repaired - thanks Logan. Quiet evening, a glass of red and tv.<br />
(43 miles cycled)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>19th August</b><br />
The sun has made a return, shame were at work! Evening taken up with a Camper Van oil change and minor service as a couple of long weekends coming up. Also a little work on the "winter" bike.... its getting close! <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>18th August</b><br />
Gardening..... Mun and Aunt Jean over a "roast" dinner.<br />
Run and Bed!<br />
(9 miles run)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>17th August</b><br />
Over to Mums to help Jay with a door... a couple of hour job turned into am all day affair!<br />
Home, Harry Potter and few beers after a quick run. (Tickets for Cologne New Model Army / Levellers gig arrived!)<br />
(5 miles run)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>16th August</b><br />
Wet start, so car to work, took the MG for a change. (call out as Kate had had a "crash" finding a ditch in the wet - all ok though after recovery dragged her out!)<br />
Quiet night with a "fish supper".<br />
<br />
<b>15th August</b><br />
Steady cycle to work, windy one home! So week one of <b>Fifty 4 50</b> done, one challenge complete, and several on going ones, well ongoing! to date no sponsorship - come on - every little helps!<br />
September sees a few more challenges, with October being a "big" month.<br />
(36 miles cycled)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>14th August</b><br />
Work, and then to Cannock Chase for the <b>Staffs Knot 5 </b>mile race, hosted by Stafford Harriers. A good turn out from the running Club meant there was plenty of people to chat to before the start and much cheering as we crossed the finish line. I had hoped for a "sub" 40 min time, but 42.32 was good enough... but shows i need to get some more running miles in!<br />
(5 miles run - 202 out of 344 finishers)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>13th August</b><br />
Work, home and time to cross some jobs off the list...... quite a productive night, but did mean missing <a href="http://www.teamaura.co.uk/">Team Aura</a> Workshop, will make an effort to get to the next one.<br />
(No exercise - Staffs Knot tomorrow)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>12th August</b><br />
Steady cycle to work, the Catton park route so witnessed the "morning after" Bloodstock.<br />
Work, and then a horrible ride home with the wind against me all the way, even pedalling down hill!<br />
Spent an hour on the allotment and then joined the nation in meteor spotting.<br />
(36 miles cycled)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>11th August</b><br />
Garden, House "work".... a homely type day.... did manage a run in the evening though.<br />
(15k Run)<br />
<b><br /></b><b>10th August</b><br />
Carsington for a nice walk with Sally, Lyndon, Emma, Stanley, Helen, Tim and joined by Steve, Helen and Isla for a bite to eat. A great day and good to catch up with old friends.<br />
(8 mile walk)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>9th August</b><br />
Work.... but it's Friday so could worse! Home and a walk with Sally and Beau follows by a short run and then feet up n beer.<br />
(5k Run)<br />
<br />
<b>8th August</b><br />
Its my birthday! Cycle to work, sunny but chilly amazed by number of "Facebook" birthday wishes!<br />
Sub hour cycle home but evening went downhill as alarm call meant back to work, still collected take away on way home washed down with a beer! <br />
(36 miles cycled) <br />
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sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-28280170853840495112013-04-10T13:31:00.000+01:002014-02-03T11:34:25.728+00:0050 4 Fifty - 50 Gigs and 50 Ales<b>50 gigs... 50 ales..</b>. think these two could be my favourite challenges!<br />
<br />
<b>Some rules</b><br />
<b>Ales </b>- Bottled or served in Pub (Beer Tent) <i>(Canned do not count!)</i><br />
<br />
<b>Bands</b> - Needs to be a "full" set, so if "support" or Festival Set, need to see the whole performance.<i> (ie i cant just wonder round a Festival site seeing one or two songs!) </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bands </span></b><br />
<b>50 - Something Nasty in the Woodshed </b><br />
<b> - </b>23rd August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>49 - Steve Knightly </b><br />
<b>- </b>23rd August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>48 - Afro Celt Sound System </b><br />
<b>- </b>23rd August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>47 - David Gibb and Elly Lucas</b><br />
<b>- </b>24th August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>46 - Eddie Reader</b> (x 2 Two Sets)<br />
<b>- </b>24th August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>45 - Martyn Joesph</b><br />
<b>- </b>24th August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>44 - The Oysterband </b><br />
<b>- </b>24th August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>43 - Doyle and Debbie</b> (Should i count these?) (x 2 Two Sets)<br />
<b>- </b>24th August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>42 - Lucy Ward</b> (x 2 Two Sets)<br />
<b>- </b>25th August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>41 - Jez Lowe</b><br />
- 24th August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>-</b> 8th November 2013 - Lichfield Guildhall<br />
<b>40 - Sam Carter</b><br />
<b>- </b>24th August 2013 - Shrewsbury Folk Festival<br />
<b>39 - Mark Chadwick</b><br />
- 11th October - The Vic Derby<br />
<b>38 - Show of Hands</b><br />
<b>-</b> 4th December - Wulfren Hall Wolves <b> </b><br />
<b>37 - New Model Army </b><br />
- 14th December - Rock City - Nottingham<br />
- 21st December - Cologne - Germany<br />
<b>36 - Levellers</b><br />
- 21st December - Cologne - Germany<br />
<b>35 - Green Fortune</b><br />
- 1st February 2014 - Hairy Dog Derby<br />
<b>34 - X Ray Eyes</b><br />
- 1st February 2014 - Hairy Dog Derby<br />
33 -<br />
32 -<br />
31 -<br />
30 -<br />
29 -<br />
28 -<br />
27 -<br />
26 -<br />
25 -<br />
24 -<br />
23 -<br />
22 -<br />
21 -<br />
20 -<br />
19 -<br />
18 -<br />
17 -<br />
16 -<br />
15 -<br />
14 -<br />
13 -<br />
12 -<br />
11 -<br />
10 -<br />
9 -<br />
8 -<br />
7 -<br />
6 -<br />
5 -<br />
4 -<br />
3 -<br />
2 -<br />
1 -<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ales </span></b><br />
<b>50 - Salopian Gold</b> 3.8% "nice" <a href="http://www.salopianbrewery.co.uk/beers.php">Salopian Brewery</a><br />
<b>49 - Salopian Golden Thread</b> 5% "very nice" <a href="http://www.salopianbrewery.co.uk/beers.php">Salopian Brewery</a><br />
<b>48 - Stonehouse Station</b> 3.9% "ok" <a href="http://stonehousebrewery.co.uk/stonehouse-beers-station-test.php">Stonehouse Brewery</a><br />
<b>47 - Moonshine</b> 4.3% "enjoyable" <a href="http://www.abbeydalebrewery.co.uk/beers/moonshine">Abbey Dale Brewery</a><br />
<b>46 - Joules Pale Ale</b> <a href="http://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/beer/joules_pale_ale.php">Joules Brewery</a><br />
<b>45 - Joules blonde</b> <a href="http://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/beer/blonde.php">Joules Brewery</a><br />
<b>44 - Glaslyn 4.2%</b> Very nice.. you could taste Snowdon! <a href="http://www.purplemoose.co.uk/en/beer">Purple Moose Brewery</a><br />
<b>43 - Loblolly Bay 4.2%</b> "ok" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WoodstreetBrewery">Woodstreet Brewery</a><br />
<b>42 - Hobsons Best Bitter 4.2%</b> "nice" <a href="http://www.hobsons-brewery.co.uk/beers/best-bitter.aspx">Hobsons Brewery</a><br />
<b>41 - Double Hop 3.6%</b> ..well its Joules its bond to be good! <a href="http://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/news_article.php?id=46">Joules Brewery</a><br />
<b>40</b> - <b>Jorvick Blonde 4.6% </b>Enjoyed at the One Eyed Rat Rippon <a href="http://www.yorkshireales.co.uk/breweries/rudgate/jorvik-blonde.html">Rudgate</a><br />
<b>39</b> - <b>Devonshire Cat Bitter 3.9%</b> Very Nice Pint <a href="http://www.devonshirecat.co.uk/our-beers/">Devonshire Cat</a><br />
<b>38 - Stairway to Heaven 5.0%</b> Nice, but is a Burton Bridge ale! <a href="http://www.burtonbridgebrewery.co.uk/Bridge/Beers/Stairway.shtml">Burton Bridge Brewery</a><br />
<b>37 - Roar! 4.6%</b> a nice beer at the Wagon & Horses Halesowen <a href="http://www.xtbrewing.com/animal.html">XT Brewing - Animal</a><br />
<b>36 - Twitchwll 3.8%</b> "a golden fruity bitter with a floral aroma" <a href="http://buntingfordbrewery.co.uk/twitchell/">Buntingford Brewery</a><br />
<b>35 - Alchemist 4.9%</b> on the dark side but a nice pint <a href="http://www.yourround.co.uk/Brewer/Netherton/Olde_Swan/Beer/Alchemist/DY2_9PY.aspx">Olde Swan Brewery</a><br />
<b>34 - HPA 4.0%</b> Enjoyed this one! (Somers WMC) <a href="http://www.wyevalleybrewery.co.uk/beers/hpa.html#.UooINcTIZ6Q">Wye Valley Brewery</a><br />
<b>33 - Island Hopping</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b> </b>3.9% Another nice one!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">American Citra and NZ Nelson Sauvin dominate this incredibly drinkable hoppy pale beer.</span><br />
<b>32 - Pitman Pale 4.5% </b>Fresh, fruity hops, nice <a href="http://www.burtonbridgebrewery.co.uk/Bridge/Beers/Gold%20Medal/Pitman.shtml">Burton Bridge Brewery</a><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Endeavour & Progress hops, enjoyed at our favorite, the "Duke" </span></span><br />
<b>31 - Slumbering Monk <a href="http://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/beer/slumbering_monk.php">Joules Brewery</a></b><br />
30 - 28 at <b>Lichfield Winter Beer Festival</b><br />
<b>- 30 Odins Horn 4.1% Nice golden ale. </b><br />
<b>- 29 Orange Blossom Special Ale 4.4%</b><br />
<b> -29a Hop Angeles 4.8%</b><br />
<b>- 28 Ruck & Roll 4.0%</b><br />
<b>- 28a Nettlethrasher 4.4%</b><br />
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<strong style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #fefefe; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Jamrul, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Martyn Joseph</strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #fefefe; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Jamrul, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">M</strong><strong style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #fefefe; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Jamrul, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Martyn Joseph</strong><strong style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #fefefe; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Jamrul, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">artyn Joseph</strong>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-71370272491771007272010-07-06T13:05:00.001+01:002010-07-27T15:46:31.977+01:00Regain Snowdon Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDtowffjKsAdbN5FaDSxGeE8n8XZtlv57dU7jVbYwV5NwetrScjWgkAo1hCYp6ShKb9qCFWJ2HGFN4lvYs_6xpUFfvft3DSqMEnK0kdXjBv4m460WX8u4yI_uAZuBX2eISSYUKhLFMBgq/s1600/regain+snowdon+2010+206.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492735649789466786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDtowffjKsAdbN5FaDSxGeE8n8XZtlv57dU7jVbYwV5NwetrScjWgkAo1hCYp6ShKb9qCFWJ2HGFN4lvYs_6xpUFfvft3DSqMEnK0kdXjBv4m460WX8u4yI_uAZuBX2eISSYUKhLFMBgq/s320/regain+snowdon+2010+206.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORmYmtPJj_xWdxAlZgXtlR_HZiKxzsf_Bq8dRAy57h29sjcA_qU5gMmkS1Lnet-RxPWbUh3NmTjO3ogKE7eco8dgK_DJLf31kvyMmqzpXccyMYorywAEUpqqF3zb5bcvwROBibklNp_JS/s1600/regain+snowdon+2010+235.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492735303519669890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORmYmtPJj_xWdxAlZgXtlR_HZiKxzsf_Bq8dRAy57h29sjcA_qU5gMmkS1Lnet-RxPWbUh3NmTjO3ogKE7eco8dgK_DJLf31kvyMmqzpXccyMYorywAEUpqqF3zb5bcvwROBibklNp_JS/s320/regain+snowdon+2010+235.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1SFFQkK7B84PoMNfGfPOxpgxdBWhHIH8e6JJagBEyFXqXvBB5miQfz1oJI67GpkJcvPmJ-YAiI5kjUfbNAJeKxZbHahwtno8HjFjiQ-Ai6hr3mTq6_gYYfq281DSZiZjm8H4oc4LUsPK/s1600/regain+snowdon+2010+301.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492735056485050338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1SFFQkK7B84PoMNfGfPOxpgxdBWhHIH8e6JJagBEyFXqXvBB5miQfz1oJI67GpkJcvPmJ-YAiI5kjUfbNAJeKxZbHahwtno8HjFjiQ-Ai6hr3mTq6_gYYfq281DSZiZjm8H4oc4LUsPK/s320/regain+snowdon+2010+301.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vf4tvSgGG4mkGmyRyWgisuqNZ5waEwjm65g-ca-YzgY_c71NEATDob0L-4jaOGDgGR_gnodWi28TGhOyY2C45hLB6pMOYoLeXNC9wgYABV_z9ktcnMtMxwYH-KqZ2t5nh_GcEWHyHlJd/s1600/regain+snowdon+2010+057.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492734567959948178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vf4tvSgGG4mkGmyRyWgisuqNZ5waEwjm65g-ca-YzgY_c71NEATDob0L-4jaOGDgGR_gnodWi28TGhOyY2C45hLB6pMOYoLeXNC9wgYABV_z9ktcnMtMxwYH-KqZ2t5nh_GcEWHyHlJd/s320/regain+snowdon+2010+057.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6cRze1hsBU586euP4HeNvRrbL0KFVQ_NYCYF8oLERDOAa4qU5FVvRBo9npKO0nubN9i1Ryeg-p9djxD-I5VdE6_APE5j4CZ_ReK9-IwctDyPJxTbITnkf4sXctLc5wRhALzeJeXgUS8-/s1600/snowdon+reagin+2010d.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt5MnQshesUXQmCnn9eTaAFKKpFqYLeaCZeo2vlq9LJbUPJupjmBq7rXu3b7CZa3kcdF37hUY22KRfvMJzwwxwEEQxhyphenhyphen7B8B0DGKvy26HVom9W-Jn3TCEGTyOd9QlCx_4FcfBKZyeoB8r/s1600/snowdon+reagin+2010e.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-685805849711200702010-04-27T13:12:00.000+01:002010-07-27T15:46:07.492+01:00April that was............So April been and nearly gone, but what about the showers?, were off to a festival in two weeks so no doubt they will appear then! Training going ok, need to get some big miles in for the Dragon Ride, but am now also thinking of the Snowdon Challange so have been doing more walking and have added some extra running too.sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-49574277260629564432010-04-23T08:13:00.000+01:002010-04-27T13:11:42.451+01:00Snowdon Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34RV1KrTEAVp4zXKnMTAvlz38Efyj25pD6BHji_5jgDnEAjvMnsOYyx0yckjxFZ3NX0y9PVSv8z_7MdzLzUh2LbNeX8MDKtdAVvzz5kR81MYNloyzpj1vZXTK3eWSsVDauaqeYD8jblnj/s1600/BB2008+(sam1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463229934929019794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34RV1KrTEAVp4zXKnMTAvlz38Efyj25pD6BHji_5jgDnEAjvMnsOYyx0yckjxFZ3NX0y9PVSv8z_7MdzLzUh2LbNeX8MDKtdAVvzz5kR81MYNloyzpj1vZXTK3eWSsVDauaqeYD8jblnj/s320/BB2008+(sam1).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfXT3vZSrL3AZGwARMUoWHKnGISAqVwB_9gOojQsLps06kTl808YC3bRXhaEHoQKwlEO1oQuCguhHX3iX1sXf7bUJ1N9gZYD1vnt7bHVDOpfxhML2NK7tClc3JOAPWZP93cPLuvLzm0Fa/s1600/jungle_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463229782841763250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfXT3vZSrL3AZGwARMUoWHKnGISAqVwB_9gOojQsLps06kTl808YC3bRXhaEHoQKwlEO1oQuCguhHX3iX1sXf7bUJ1N9gZYD1vnt7bHVDOpfxhML2NK7tClc3JOAPWZP93cPLuvLzm0Fa/s320/jungle_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>So, with approx seven weeks to go until the REGAIN Snowdon Challenge, we have sight of the "Beast" that will be Steve`s wheechair - dont forget to visit <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/susanmckeagafc">http://www.justgiving.com/susanmckeagafc</a></div><div>where you can sponsor us!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-23849190738329888672010-04-13T13:28:00.001+01:002010-04-14T17:24:14.264+01:00Snowdon Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2jaXxKaF5XnAfKZTAxMAOY-UgYXSDM97odEKXRHuJjQUb7Hpq_oB0592laNi0PpaChjLSkrU0-aI_pfTwEz-CjZwrE0YXjtP4ALoFwT4IETm1wQg3L_ugX59yyosOLI12Z_aFuDG8e3B/s1600/snowdon07+158.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460028602815460690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2jaXxKaF5XnAfKZTAxMAOY-UgYXSDM97odEKXRHuJjQUb7Hpq_oB0592laNi0PpaChjLSkrU0-aI_pfTwEz-CjZwrE0YXjtP4ALoFwT4IETm1wQg3L_ugX59yyosOLI12Z_aFuDG8e3B/s320/snowdon07+158.jpg" border="0" /></a>Off again...... but this time a little closer to home, Snowdon, "Eryri" to the locals.<br /><br /><br />Its a multi discipline event, covering around 40 miles on the bike, with a stop to climb Snowdon via the Rhyd Ddu path and a second for a little paddle around Llyn Gwynant. The event on 12th June, is based in Llanberis and having helped on the event in the past, is one I know a little about ............ and I still said "yes".<br /><br />The event is raising funds for REGAIN, a Charity supporting Tetraplegics, mainly those injured in sporting accidents. Our team will be headed by Steve Osbourne himself a Tetraplegic, and whilst Steve can spur us around the cycle and canoe leg, we will need his grit to help him to get up, and down, Snowdon, pushing & pulling Steve and his wheelchair!<br /><br />More event details -<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew.asp/urlsearch/Snowdonia-Charity-Challenge">http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew.asp/urlsearch/Snowdonia-Charity-Challenge</a><br /><br />To sponsor us -<br /><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/susanmckeagafc">http://www.justgiving.com/susanmckeagafc</a><br /><br /><br />More REGAIN information -<br /><a href="http://www.regainsportscharity.com/">http://www.regainsportscharity.com/</a>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-5913916397995742492010-03-31T12:54:00.000+01:002010-04-13T13:18:49.572+01:00Cheshire Cat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVlPiq1jKo6a_MPWJaK6r54-ODz6C0L_tp1YyQqFm90hLBPVgTGateOyPoVBbsGWZ5kMP7JlW82JeHNh9q3vnw-KsqDZFCZNtmokHWywckwiAKGZOr-w2rrpr2p4G3gw1_V3LwhIsZQ_r/s1600/1633A-CCPL09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454774821811457986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVlPiq1jKo6a_MPWJaK6r54-ODz6C0L_tp1YyQqFm90hLBPVgTGateOyPoVBbsGWZ5kMP7JlW82JeHNh9q3vnw-KsqDZFCZNtmokHWywckwiAKGZOr-w2rrpr2p4G3gw1_V3LwhIsZQ_r/s320/1633A-CCPL09.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div>So, the wait is over...... the alarm clock fails!.......... up in a panic, just glad that all was prepared the night before and it was quite literally up, wheetabix and out! On the road towards Crewe at 6.40am a little latter than had planned, but not that late I was stressing. Clear roads, yeap even the M6, but unfortunately the sky wasn't looking the same, the forcasts during the week had not been good. Off at junc. 16 and heading for Crewe every car seamed to be carrying a bike, although why would anyone else would be up this early................... the clocks had gone forward so losing an hour. <br /></div><div>Entering Crewe, the pre-event nerves rose and instead of heading straight for the start and the "large" car park, I joined the others trying to find off road parking. Minutes to the start of signing on I decided my original plan was best and headed to the Start..... and an half empty car park..... even better the £2.50 charge was lifted! Locking up I headed for signing on and joined the lengthy queue, which in fairness didn't take long to get through. Timing "chip" and number in hand off back to the car and time to change and prepare the bike.</div><div> </div><div>Looking towards the start a few eager souls were already queuing, "leave it a bit" I thought, messing a bit longer, number straight, Chip in right position..... "lets check the queue" looking over the carpark it was now massive and 1/2 way around the car park. 40mins later we were off.<br /></div><div>In groups of 40 or so we started, these groups soon losing a few and catching a few, finding your "pace" was easy, and "we" where speeding along nicely at 22mph, could I keep this up?. A few junctions, hills, catching and dropping riders saw us leveling out at around 18mph until Mow Cop came into view. The Castle ruins at the summit where visable for miles and the thought that we had to climb from the level we were currently at did make me doubt if I could climb "the hill". The final bend before the road went "UP" opened up and the view of riders slogging, pushing and falling was a bit how you imagined maybe the D-Day landings or the Somme to be! It was a killer of a hill, but the feeling on reaching the summit was well worth the pain, the smile on the 40mph downhill after broken only by the munching on my ZipVit ZV8 Bar!</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454770048661518338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoprr0Cgt9J_R5DU0nBen4iVot6eUKo6EWM8niLtoku4RLwRY5ipnKlHBfup3MyBPUm0kQ7-9NiVfLHuuRUMoloRVTuKhhWxYuHXMcPDfecVxtW7LhxTfLrYVeZPgajvbhZWJFizHE7oB5/s400/mow+cop.jpg" border="0" />The Cheshire View on Mow Cop - its steep!</p><br /><p>The first fed stop was most welcome as I was quite literally bursting for a "comfort" stop, this done I was away, more in the country now and some great flowing up and down, another climb and I caught a group who where working well, for some 5 or 6 miles we pedalled at close to 30mph! Turns at the front, resting at the back, had the second fed stop not got in the way I think we may have carried on till the end at this pace.</p><p>A quick stop at the second fed station as I was having trouble with jumping gears, luckily nothing more than a slipped cable which once tighten was fine. Leaving the groups behind I was riding alone for a while but still managing a steady 20mph, well I though I was on my own, turning right at a junction I could see I was "pulling" around 12 riders with me..... I thought I had been struggling a bit but clearly not as much as these....... Crewe was in sight and the devil in me pushed on leaving my "friends" and catching another group until just before the finished when they left my as they sprinted for their personal glory........ but I had climbed Mow Cop and felt good, as a training run for the Dragon Ride I think it went well...... 193rd out of 736 who did the 67 mile option.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100825466834363637.post-74782856951747143822010-03-22T08:19:00.000+00:002010-03-26T10:04:35.665+00:00Commuting 22nd MarchSo its Monday, now less than one week to the Cheshire Cat, although a good ride just short of 50 miles yesterday, it has confirmed to me that the 70 mile option is the one, espeacally as I may not be able to get and sign on Saturday afternoon, and therefore I would guess, leaving the early start times all gone. Yesterdays ride took in Burton, Ashby and Tamworth and although starting in the fog the sun was well and truly up and out by the time I roll home.<br /><br /><br />Mondays ride in was a little windy with gusts from all directions, "going home could be fun", but am hopeful that the lights can now be cleaned and put away until next season or maybe the odd night ride over the "Chase". As I thought Mondays ride back was fully into the wind and so a slow one.......... late for tea! Tuesday and the frost back, still at least on the bike you dont need to scrape the windows!, half way in and sunglass out, a nice morning ride despite the cold, the evening ride home was wind aided so a pleasure. A steady 30mph along the "bypass" had a lorry "stuck" behind me, but was a great pull along as we hit the 40 zone and he went passed, my legs giving up the chase after holding 35mph for a short distance!<br /><br />Thursday was damp, but the sun promised to get through the clouds. There are more riders on my route now, all in the opposite direction, I can count 6 regulars and a few who make the occaisonal journey. Riding home looked like it was going to wet, but once on the road the a good tailwind more than made up for the dampness!, and home in no time.<br /><br />Sunday see`s the Cheshire Cat, an early start due the clocks going forward, good excuse for a lazy day tomorrow..... I wish, but will make some "MG" time as have entered the owners Club Kimber run on 20th June, some 80 miles through Derbyshire starting from Chatsworth House, so have some TLC to provide!sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215831379771456511noreply@blogger.com0