You know that old problem, where you've filled up all your weekends, and allocated all your leave, but there's still things that you want to do? Well there's a solution to that conundrum. Weekday adventures. To be honest my weekdays are already pretty full. What with working full time, cycling and running to work, tending the allotment and gardens, route planning and preparing for whatever I'm up to at the weekend, Oh, and writing these masterpieces every week (although if I didn't that, I wouldn't have the faintest idea what I had done last weekend, let alone 6 months ago). In fact It's a good job that I've got “The Emma” to look after me, and make sure I have some tea occasionally, or I'd find something else better to do in that half hour too. You can always find time for a bit more though, and that's exactly what I've done this weekend. Having already filled up Saturday and Sunday (more of which later), I thought that I might be able to squeeze a bit more into Friday, in the form of a bit of running fun. Although if I'm honest this weeks stupidity isn't my favourite form of running fun, but needs must when you need to get some miles in. In a fit of idiocy, I signed up to a long running event with a difference a few months ago, and the time to put my money where my mouth is, is fast approaching. The big difference between this one and the stupidity that's gone before, is this ones all along Canal tow paths, and previous experience along the Basingstoke Canal has proven that tow paths make surprisingly hard running. It's surprising, because, as everyone knows, canals tend to be flat, which should make it easier, but somehow that doesn't follow. Not only does the endless flat terrain mean that your muscles never get a rest, but the tow-paths tend to be well surfaced, and are often either gravelled, or tarmacked, to prevent erosion, which is pretty hard going on the old toes! So, what's that got to do with this weekend then? Well, having decided that getting a few tow-path miles under my feet before the big event might be a good idea, but having run out of spare days to do it, whilst running home from work the other day I realised that if I just went the other way (the opposite direction to home) I could pick up the Basingstoke Canal, run to the end and then get the train back home again. Not only a brilliant idea, but I could probably fit it into Friday afternoon too. There was one small problem with my brilliant plan though. I'd either have to drive to work and leave the “Bangernomics” Peugot there, collecting it next week, which messes with next weeks running (I need the Van Friday night so I can't use that). Or leave my bike at work and run back in on Monday, that's not ideal either though. Or, wait for it, - - - - the canal's only 30 miles long, so how about I run to work on Friday morning too, making it a 40 mile day? Problem solved, and every thing's still in the right place for Monday morning, brilliant! We'll just ignore the fact that I've already done 36 miles this week, making this another 76 mile running week! Plan settled then, I'll run in to the office Friday morning, get out of work ASAP, run the length of the canal, get the train home, have a shower, say hello to “The Emma” and then head straight back out again for a night in the van, ready for an early start Saturday and Sunday. Genius! I'll admit that it didn't seem like quite such a genius idea when the alarm went off at 04:45 Friday morning, reminding me that I needed to get a shift on and get out of the door by 06:00, if I was going to get to work in time! I've said before that “there will be plenty of time for sleeping when I'm dead”, and to be honest, with the sun just coming up, the birds singing their hearts out outside, and the promise of another beautiful day to look forward too, it wasn't actually that hard to drag myself out of bed, have a brew, scoff a bit of breakfast, and slip my running shoes on, ready for the 10 miles in to work. There's also the added bonus that now the grounds dried out a bit I can take my run to work almost all off road. Which is significantly better than the 10 miles of road running drudgery I'm faced with in the winter, when the paths are just too churned up and muddy to contemplate in the dark before work. 7 of the 10 miles of off road trail is a far better proposition, and with the sun shining, the fields covered in moisture from the nights rain and the grass wet with dew, is a real treat in the mornings and really set's you up for a day stuck in the office! Just under an hour and a half later and the first bit of the days fun is complete. Now just a few hours of pretending to be interested in work and looking busy and I can get back out there again. “You Boy. Stop staring out the window” as they said at school a million times, “and don't exaggerate”! Morning satisfactorily wasted, and a lunch time finish beckons. But what's this? Just as I'm getting ready to leave, the heavens open, rain, Nooooooo! Now what? Sit at work for a bit longer and hope it stops, change my plans and go home instead, or just man up, get out there and get wet. Obviously the latter, and it's actually quite refreshing as I step out of the office into the rain which seems to be alternating between, torrential and monsoon strength. Oh well, I'm wet now and I don't seem to have dissolved, so lets go legs! It's a mile and ¾ from work to the canal. I know, because, I've run it enough times to know every pot hole, uneven paving stone and divot off by heart, and by the time I get there, the rain has subsided to more of a gentle shower, which is much better. It gets better still, as I pick up the tow-path, with it's familiar marker posts every ½ Km to remind me how much further I've got to go, as the overhanging tree cover keeps most of the rain off. Just leaving the patter of drops as the leaves above my head get saturated and release their cargo, and the explosions on the canal surface off to my right, as the rain lands with a splash, slowly adding to the water level. It doesn't take long to settle into a steady rhythm on the flat surface, and I quickly pass a couple of Kayakers, out having their own fun in the rain and a few dog walkers making their way back to towards their cars in the opposite direction. And then that's it, until I reach Fleet some 7 miles later, not a single person, just me, the beat of my heart and the fall of my feet for company, as I make my way steadily along, lost in my own thoughts, totally engrossed in the landscape, unchanged since the canal was dug all those years ago. As Fleet approaches, so does the number of people around, and with them so the landscape changes. That's pretty much it for the open countryside, as the towns which the canal once served, come thick and fast from here on. Fleet, Aldershot, Ash, where I stop for a much needed water resupply, and on towards Mychett where I stop again at the Canal centre to take on more water and grab a sandwich from my pack. The rains been stopped for a while by this point, and the sun's come back out to play, raising the temperature and humidity considerably, and despite having drunk 2 and 1/2 litres of water over the preceding 18 miles I'm starting to struggle with cramp in my calf's, a sure sign that I'm still dehydrated! Yet more water and a packet of salty pretzels seems to do the trick for a while and I push on, counting down those pesky marker posts as I go. Eventually, Deepcut arrives and with it another change of scenery. Since I picked up the Canal in Odiham we've been following the contour line on the map. But now, for the first time since our departure, the tow-path starts to descend. Ever so gradually, but enough to call for the occasional lock, bringing the canal level down to follow the lay of the land and giving me something new to look at. Past the 16 Km marker post, just 10 more miles to go, but my legs are starting to feel the effort now. Long gone are the easy miles from the start of the day. With 30 miles in my legs since I left home the pace is dropping off and the hard surface is starting to tell on my feet. Things don't get much better as I reach the outskirts of Woking and the gravel is replaced by Tarmac! I have a choice to make as I approach Woking though. I can either call it a day at Woking and get a fast train back home, with a regular timetable. Or, push on for the final 3 miles (plus another mile to the train station) and be lumbered with a slow stopping train all the way back and possibly a long wait for a train, adding at least another hour to the journey. It's an easy choice today, I've got plenty of miles in the bag and I need to get back home in order to get back out again! Swinging off the tow-path for one final time, I head for the station, arriving with minutes to spare for the direct train back home. The trains packed with London commuters heading home for the weekend and it's standing room only. But, as I balance precariously on my tired legs and look round at the glum faces surrounding me. I reflect on the adventure I've had this afternoon. Whilst my travelling companions were still sat at their desks, I was running in the rain. Slowly crossing the landscape crafted by a thousand farmers, engineers and Navvies, over hundreds of years. Running atop embankments created from the spoils of the hand cut canal off to my side. Spoil that was dug by hand, moved by wheel barrow and compacted by the feet of hard working men. Men, that shovel by shovel permanently changed the landscape, to make it what we see today! A landscape that almost returned to it's original state, as the canal was abandoned, in favour of first the train which runs alongside for much of it's length, following the same flat contours, and more latterly the motor car. A landscape which was restored to much of it's original beauty, leaving the amazing leisure opportunity and wildlife haven we have today, by a bunch of dedicated volunteers in the 80's and 90's, using much the same techniques as the original builders 200 years before. Oh yes, there's a lot to be said for grabbing the opportunity of a weekday adventure. I'll tell you something else too. It's surprising how long it takes to cover 40 miles on the train, even at 70 MPH. Maybe those 40 miles I covered on foot today is further than I think it is! Saturday, was an opportunity to give a bit back for a change, and I'd agreed to act as a marshaller for The Chawton Challenge. An LDWA event with 20 or 30 mile walk/run options, being organised by my local LDWA group. I'm always incredibly grateful for those that give up their own time to arrange and run any of the events that I do, so it's nice to get involved when I can and do my bit in return. Compared to many, my allocated duties for the day were pretty meagre, just having to man a busy road crossing for a few hours, ensuring safe passage and being a welcome face to those out taking on their own weekend challenge. It did however, give me the opportunity to spend the morning chatting to a few like minded people, all of whom had plenty of tales from their own adventures to share. And interestingly, a long talk with an old fellow who's car had broken down round the corner and had nothing better to do than talk to me while he waited for the AA who had lots of tales from a long and varied life, and who'd had a very interesting career in engineering. In fact, as interesting mornings stood in the late spring sunshine go, it couldn't have been much better, and was well worth getting up early for. It's quite surprising the number of people who will stand and chat to you if you show a bit of interest and engage with them. And you can almost guarantee, that those that do stop and chat, will have something interesting to tell you about. Listening is something we probably don't do enough of in today's busy world. And even as someone who would rather listen than talk, (as that means I don't have to talk about myself, which surprisingly I really hate) I'm as guilty of as the next man. In fact, thinking about it now, I should have stopped on Friday, when the little old lady walking her dog along the canal spoke to me as I was running past. But you know how it is, I was too busy, rushing along to get nowhere! High Viz jacket returned and duties completed by early afternoon, I still had plenty of time for a leisurely lunch, before heading down to the New Forest ready for Sundays Audax fun. Where, finding a quite spot away from the normal tourist activities, I had a very enjoyable afternoon mooching through the forest and generally chilling out. Not something I do very often, but when occasionally the opportunity presents itself, one that should be grasped with both hands. At the end of the day, a change is as good as a rest, so they say! Sunday saw a return to Audax in the shape of The New Forest Excersion 200Km. I say that as if I've not been out for years! Somehow though, the Blowingstone -White Horse Audax, just 2 short weeks ago, seems like a lifetime ago, and as I sat in the van Saturday night, I was actually excited about Sundays ride. New roads, new faces amongst the more familiar regulars, new things to see, new places to go, and another challenge. How can that not set you mind alight and inspire you? Sunday dawned clear and bright, with the promise of another beautiful day hanging in the still morning air as we assembled in a non de-script car park in Lymington, to collect our Brevet cards and be released into the wilds of the New Forest. 08:00 sharp and the nice man said “go” and off we went, or rather as per usual everyone just stood there looking at each other waiting for someone else to go first. You don't get that at a race, but it often seems to happen at an Audax. I know I never want to be first, what if I go the wrong way and everyone else follows me? Eventually though, someone took the initiative and we actually departed, a long slow snake of cyclists, slowly making their way out of the car park and off for an adventure on the open road. With the sun quickly warming the air and highlighting the verges, all of which are alive with spring flowers, and the bright green fresh trees and fields alongside the road, those early miles more than lived up to expectation. Moving out of town and into the New Forest proper, ponies, many with young foals in tow, crowded the roadsides, gently grazing the fresh grass growth, lifting their heads in curiosity as we passed, not bothered by the swish of wheels on the tarmac. And speeding past I was. With flat, well surfaced roads and a slight tail wind for the first leg, the miles were flying past. A very brief pause at the first checkpoint to grab a sticker for my brevet card and a turn to start retracing our steps back across the forest, bought the wind to the front and slowed progress slightly. Not enough to hamper progress or cause problems but enough to be noticeable. With the sun shining, plenty still to look at and smooth, traffic free roads, a bit of wind wasn't going to take the smile off my face today, and as I made my way back towards the coast I was in my element. By lunchtime I'd been both ways across the forest and was back at the coast. A quick stop for a photo or two, a glimpse of the Isle of Wight off across the sea, and a few minutes admiring the hoards of sun worshipers thronging the beach and off again. Heading North again for a second loop around the forest roads.
There's not much else I can add about the afternoon efforts. With the flat roads providing some easy miles, progress was good throughout the afternoon, and with nothing much to slow down proceedings I was back at the start before 17:00 enjoying a well deserved brew and a slice of cake as reward for the days efforts. Not that a reward was required. In fact the views, the wildlife, the constant sunshine and the miles rolling effortlessly along under my wheels had been more than enough of a reward for any efforts I may have had to make through the day!
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Right, I've had to admit defeat. Well, not so much defeat as just face up to the realities of life and admit that I'm bloody tired. Not just the old, late night, not sleeping very well, feeling a bit sleepy in the afternoon type of tired. But, more of a deep down, tired to the very centre of your soul type of tired. Whilst, unusually, I didn't actually have anything specific planned for this weekend, I did come up with a bit of a scheme for getting some decent bike miles in on Friday night. But, as the week wore on that started to seem more like a chore than the enjoyable fun it should be, so sense prevailed and I've actually had a weekend at home for a change. And I must admit I feel a lot better for it too. I know that I've been kicking the backside out of it for a while now. In fact a quick flick back through my diary shows that I've not had a weekend where I've been at home all weekend, since the 19th Feb. That's 11 weekends on the trot where I've either been away cycling, running, or both in a row, it's not surprising I'm tired! I've done some miles in that time too. In fact in April I managed 1516 miles on the bike and another 203 miles of running. Numbers which include my 500 mile Easter bike adventure and the 72 mile Brenda Parker Way run. As I said at the start I've been tired and lethargic all week. I ran home from work on Monday (10 miles) and ended up walking the last mile as I just didn't have the energy to get all the way back, and the run back to work on Tuesday morning was the slowest it's ever been and seemed like a real chore. I took my running kit in Thursday and Friday too, planning lunchtime runs from work, but never left the office. And despite having sorted out stuff for a night on the bike Friday, when I actually got up on Friday morning I just couldn't face it. I'm guessing that with nothing specific planned for this weekend my body's just said “enough, lets have a bit of rest and recovery time”. A weekend at home it was then, and with it the chance to start catching up on all the other things that I've been neglecting whilst I've been gallivanting around. So what have I been up to this weekend then? Well for a starters I spent most of Saturday up on the allotment, where, considering it's the middle of May, things seem a bit behind. I've given up on what should have been the summer bedding plants which I sowed from seed at the start of March. Most of them sprouted and then either got scorched away by the early spring sun, or just sat there looking miserable and doing nothing. At this point in the year the greenhouse staging would normally be groaning under the weight of seed trays by now and I'd be desperate to get them outside to make room for the Tomatoes, but this year, nothing! And when I say nothing, I really mean it. It's been so bad that I've had to go out and buy bedding plants to go in the hanging baskets at home. It's not just me either, talking to my fellow plot holder's everyone's faced the same problems, so I don't know what's going on there. The weather hasn't seemed that unusual and I've not done anything different to previous years. I guess we will just have to put this one down to experience and try again next year. In better news the barriers that I added to the bottom of the fruit cage net a few weeks ago seem to have done the trick and no more holes have appeared, so hopefully that ones a success. And more importantly the Broad Beans seem to be thriving now that the weather has warmed up a bit and the Strawberries don't seem to be too far behind. Broad Bean and Pea Risotto made with allotment fresh Beans and Peas is for me a real taste of summer and one of the highlights of allotment veg. Risotto, washed down with a handful of fresh Strawberries and a glass of homebrew, life doesn't get any better than that, and fingers crossed it's only a few weeks away! After Saturdays restful pottering's on the allotment, an evening of doing not very much with "The Emma" and a great nights sleep, I awoke on Sunday morning feeling fully refreshed, to the sound of the birds singing and rain falling gently on the ground outside. By the time I'd had a brew (or two) and a bit of breakfast the rain had stopped and whilst it wasn't the magnificent wall to wall sunshine of Saturday, things didn't look too bad. Considerably happier than I had been on Friday and feeling back to my more normal self, I dug out an old pair of running shoes, grabbed my running vest from the van and was just disappearing out the back door to put my newly reinvigorated legs to the test when "The Emma" got up. I wasn't hanging around though, so with shouts of "the kettles on" , "I haven't got any keys, so don't lock me out" and "I'll be back for lunch" I headed out into the cool, damp and humid morning. Running on fresh legs made a real change from the normal tired struggle for the first few miles and with quiet streets, deserted roads (well it was only just after 08:00 still) and full of the joys of spring I headed away from home to pick up one of my favourite off road trails. Nothing too serious or strenuous, but with no time pressures, no racing, no chance of getting lost and fresh legs a slow plod was just what I needed. The miles ticked happily along, I walked a few uphill bits, enjoyed the freedom of running down hill, stopped to watch a kite in full soaring mode, said hello to some Cow's watching intently from their field as I passed and generally enjoyed myself. And how could I fail to enjoy myself when I was out in the fresh air, admiring the green and verdant landscape at what is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year. Everything is so fresh, green and pleasant at this time of year, and after the nights rain, everything seemed so fresh and alive. In fact, with the miles passing happily along, lost in my own thoughts, it seemed almost too soon that I found myself back home, having been out for a couple of hours and added another 16 miles to the years total. There's no doubt about the fact that this weekends rest has worked wonders and you'll be pleased to know that whilst rain put a stop to my planned activities for Sunday afternoon, I've not been idle. In fact amongst other things I've been planning my next adventure. So watch this space, because I'm fully revitalised and I've got plenty of plans up my sleeve for the rest of the year! Just as a bit of an addendum, there's a few pictures of the garden below too, which even if I do say so myself is looking pretty good this year.
Next job to add to the never ending list is to make some more Sparrow bird houses so I can evict the ones that have been nesting in the roof for the last couple of years once they've fledged their young. I'm hoping that if I put up some nest box's at the same time as sealing up the big crack in the roof that they're currently living in, then they might just move home for me? But that can wait untill the Autumn when they're definitely finished with their nest and in the mean time we'll just enjoy their company as they flit around the garden and chatter happily to each other.
You'll all be pleased to know that having satisfactorily kicked the backside out of it in April, I've decided to take things easy in May. To that end, all I've done this weekend is a 33 mile Ultra Marathon and a 100Km Audax!
Well, you didn't really think I was being serious did you, take it easy, Phaa, they'll be time for sitting around when I'm dead. But until then, as long as my legs keep going (which I'm seriously starting to doubt) there's running to be done! To which end, Saturday, saw me lining up for a relaxed 09:00 start, for Marlborough running clubs, Marlborough Downs Challenge. Which, as I've already alluded to, is a 33 mile off road trail run, taking in some of the delights of the Wiltshire Countryside. Starting, as the name suggests in Marlborough, before heading off to take in the delights of Knap and Tan Hills (two of the highest points in Wiltshire), Gopher woods, with it's carpets of Bluebells, the Kennet and Avon Canal at Devises, The Lansdowne Monument and White Horse, and Avebury (again). Surely there's got to be something for everyone in amongst that little lot.
After some light overnight rain, the morning was muggy, but with the promise of better things to come as we assembled for the pre race briefing in the grounds of Marlborough collage, and with formalities over, stood waiting patiently for the stoke of 09:00 when without fanfare we were off. And off fast too.
Considering the distance to be covered the front runners set off at a blistering pace, and not only was the pace fast, but it was straight up hill too! There was no way that I could hold that pace all day and to be honest, I wasn't even going to try. Letting the fast and furious go, I quickly settled into a pace that I felt happy with and it wasn't long before I'd passed a couple of people who had made that familiar mistake of trying to keep up and burned themselves out, which is never a wise move. Within the first couple of miles we were into woodland and I don't think that I've ever seen such a carpet of Bluebells and flowering wild Garlic. Mile after mile of solid blue and white flowers in full bloom was a real treat to behold. With the dappled sunlight shining through the tree cover, dry firm track beneath my feet and carpets of blue to either side, it was a magical few miles of running. In fact running doesn't get much better than that, and it was worth the effort of coming out just for those few miles! By the time we came back out of the woods and into more open ground the sun had worked it's magic and burned off the cloud cover that had been with us at the start, and the day was rapidly warming up. Good job I'd changed my mind on what top to wear and ditched the long sleeves in favour of short ones. It's not very often I make the right decision, but today seemed to pay off.
Through the first major checkpoint, where the 20 mile runners divert to take a shortcut and then were climbing for what seems like an eternity, following the downland ridge toward Devises, where eventually we drop down to pick up the flat Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath for a few miles. Canal life goes on around us as we pass, Ducks and Swans tend to their young, dog walkers take in the fresh morning air, whilst live aboard boaters take their time over leisurely late breakfasts, what a way to live your life!
Devises marks the half way point (nearly) and whilst I'm still moving well and holding a steady pace, my legs aren't feeling the love today. Maybe those 7 miles and the bike commute to work yesterday weren't the best idea? Or maybe that's all part of the fun, see what I can actually do. After the flatter canal section it's not long before we're climbing again, heaving reluctant legs back up hill, to regain the height we lost earlier. Head up and hold a steady pace and as soon as it flattens out a bit get some much needed fluids on board. The suns really shining down now and I can feel the first signs of cramp in my calf's, a sure sign that I'm not drinking enough!
Pushing on to the next checkpoint, I refill my water bladder and get a couple of extra cups of water down me, before grabbing some salty biscuits to munch on as I leave the checkpoint. That seems to do the trick and I settle back into a steady pace, ticking off the miles until the next big climb up to the Lansdowne Monument and White Horse, before we drop back down again to re-join the 20 mile runners just before Avebury.
Avebury is busy with tourists, making the most of the weather to visit this site of Neolithic historic importance, but save a quick glance at the standing stones as I pass, that's as far as my interest goes today. I tell my self that I really need to come and have a better look one day and not just run straight through, but for today, I push on. Having re-joined the 20 mile route it's not long until I start picking up the back markers of that race, which provides a welcome morale boost and simplifies my navigation (never a strong point). All I need to do is keep chasing down backmarkers and follow the one in front with the odd check of the GPS to make sure they're not leading me astray. Simples! Through the final checkpoint, where I grab some more water and more salty biscuits and then one final climb to take us up to the Ridgeway. I know from cycling adventures that it's uphill all the way from Marlborough to theRidgeway, and I'm hoping that the same will hold true for today's route, except that it should be all downhill.
Either way, I'm hoping it will be as I'm not feeling the love for this right now, in fact whilst I'm still holding my pace and continue to pass the slower 20 mile runners, I'm happy to admit that I'm struggling. One step at a time and keep going, focus on the person in front, close the gap and pass them, before doing the same again.
Slowly the miles are counting down, 28,29,30 and my earlier prophecy of a downhill run to the finish seems to be holding true, as we are gradually losing height. 31 miles done and there's a couple of short uphill sections. That's just mean! But push on, I'm nearly there. As I come up to 32 miles, a couple of nice ladies walking the other way offer a few words of encouragement and tell me the finish line is just round the next corner. A quick glance at my watch tells me that if I push I might just scrape in in under 5 hours. “Come on then legs, lets do this”. And they're right, the finish line is in sight, one final push and I'm over the line in 4:57 for 12th place from the 72 finishers. And you know what, I'm chuffed with that time. It's not particularly fast, even by my standards, but I found today a struggle and I don't know why.
From the start I just wasn't really enjoying myself, more going through the motions. I can't tell you why, it should have been a brilliant day out. The sun was shining, it's a brilliant route with loads of variety, stunning scenery and brilliantly organised. Maybe I am just tired and need a proper rest, or maybe it's just been one of those days when your not feeling your best?
I guess that the best thing to do, is put this one down to experience, and come and do it again next year, just to be sure that it really was the great day out that I think it probably will prove to be in hindsight, once my feet stop hurting! Edit – Now my feet have stopped hurting! Saturdays run was in fact great, I just wasn't feeling particularly brilliant and that's all there is to it. I didn't feel brilliant from the off and that makes a massive difference to your mind set and how you see any endeavour. As in this case, sometimes you just wake up feeling lethargic and shabby and Saturday was one of those days. That doesn't mean though that I didn't have a great time, because I did, and in fact I can't wait to get back next year for another go!
Right, I suppose we had better get on to Sundays fun too. After I'd supped my fair share of brews and scoffed as much cake as I thought I could get away with, I'd moved the van from Marlborough up to Uffington ready for Sundays fun and whilst doing so, spent a very pleasant few hours mooching around White Horse Hill and generally admiring the view whilst sitting in the sunshine.
That meant though that I was ready and raring to go (and actually was raring to go for a change) at Audax O'Clock Sunday morning for the Blowingstone -White Horse Audax. Although if I'm honest Audax O'Clock was significantly later than it normally is, due to todays efforts only being 100Km. If I'm honest there's not a great deal to say about this one. Except, it was brilliant! The sun shone, the birds sang, there was a great mix of hard climbs, interspersed with flatter sections to get your breath back, the roads were mainly traffic free and of an acceptable standard and my legs decided that they were happy playing despite yesterdays efforts. When I dragged myself out of bed, feeling stiff and tired, and looked at the overcast sky though the van skylight, I thought to myself “Can I be bothered with this today”? After a bit of breakfast and a good stretch I felt a bit better, and as the sun was breaking through the clouds as I got ready to go, it seemed rude not to. And I'm so glad that I did.
Yes, my legs were a bit stiff and “crampy” for the first few miles, especially after the first big climb, but the long downhill on the other side soon had a smile back on my face and reminded me why I do these stupid things in the first place. Once the sun had burned off the early morning cloud it was a beautiful day, with wall to wall sunshine, and it wasn't long before I'd removed all the layers that I could, whilst remaining decent.
At only 100km, I was back at the start having had a brilliant morning in well under 5 hours, so hardly and epic adventure or big day out, as things go, but all the better for it. If it wasn't for the fact that I was down that way for Saturdays Run, I wouldn't have bothered entering this ride, In fact until Thursday evening I had planned on having a day at home and going to a car show with “The Emma”. But, I'm really glad that I did, and in fact I suspect that with little bit of adjustment it could make an ideal and brilliant 200Km from home, that I'd be happy to ride over and over again. Fantastic. If every weekend was as good as this one, I'd be a happy man. And I'm pretty happy as it is! Oh, and to top it all off I finally saw my first Swallows and Swifts of 2022 and that's a sure sign that summers on it's way.
It's going to be a bit of a tale of two half's this week blog fans. A word heavy first half, followed by a picture heavy second bit. Something for every one so to speak, and at the end of the day who doesn't like looking at pictures? Which probably explains why the written word is sadly a rapidly decreasing means of communication, being replaced by You Tube and endless TV.
So what have I got to write about that's so important this week then? Well, following on from the last few weekends theme of “kicking the backside out of it”, Saturday saw more of the same, in the form of the London - Wales - London Audax. 400Km of Audax fun, from the outskirts of London, to the edge of Wales and back again. And yes, in case anyone's thinking London to Wales and back, that seems like a long way. I can confirm that your correct, it is a long way, 400Km or just over 250 miles to be precise!
With an even earlier start than usual, I'd taken the van up on Friday night and was ready and raring to go (ok, I was ready) for an 05:30 start, on what turned out to be a chilly morning. Breakfast scoffed, brew supped, bike loaded, Brevet card collected, GPS started, gloves, hat and extra layer donned in an attempt to stave of the chill dawn air, and away, heading West, away from the slowly rising sun.
And “boy oh boy” was it cold. The fields either side of the roads were coated in a thick frost which the low sun, still well hidden by the hills to the East, had yet to reach and in the shadows of the roadside trees, the temperature was barely above freezing. With the wind chill added in to the equation, it wasn't long before my fingers were starting to feel decidedly uncomfortable. Even with two pairs of gloves and regular shaking and slapping of hands to try and keep some circulation going, it wasn't helping. Despite the frozen fingers, it was a beautiful morning, clear sky's and the slowly rising sun highlighting the freshness of the countryside, which is just awakening from it's long winter slumber. Occasionally breaking out from the shadow of the trees onto open sections of road, the sun did it's best to add it's warmth to the day and help fight off the chill, which by now felt like it had penetrated into the very bones of my hands. Even if the sun didn't have the strength at this early hour to make things much warmer, just it's presence is enough, bringing a smile to my face and a much needed morale boost every time it's rays landed on my back. By the time I got to Kidlington and the first checkpoint of the day the sun had worked it's magic and my cold fingers were fast becoming a distant memory. A couple of Croissants, (well, I needed a receipt) as a second breakfast helped push the chill fully from my poor fingers, and it was with renewed vigour that I set off on the second leg, heading across the Cotswolds, destination Tweksbury for lunch. With the sun still shining, the Cotswolds were as majestical as ever, and with the extra effort of getting up all those hills thrown in it wasn't long before I was stopped shedding layers. Extra top off, then Leg Warmers, then hat and buff, and before long I was stopped again, swapping my thick Jacket for that extra top that I'd discarded earlier. In fact if it wasn't for the fact that I still had my winter boots on it could have been a cool summers day, beautiful! Steady progress through the morning saw me in Tweksbury, as planned, just before 12:00, with 90 miles in the bag. A bit of Quiche, a bag of crisps and a bottle of pop, sat in the sun outside a petrol station helped keep the hunger wolves at bay and provided the obligatory “proof of passage” receipt, and before long I was back at it. Next stop Chepstow. But first, the small matter of Symonds-Yat-Rock and the lung busting, narrow, single track road that takes you up from the river Wye up to the higher ground surrounding it. I'll happily admit that the 20% incline section beat me today and I ended up dismounting for a few meters and walking up the steepest bit. Not a problem though and with over 100 miles already in my legs, nothing to be ashamed of, plus the walk did wonders for stretching my leg muscles and giving my backside a rest. Walking's not going to get me to Chepstow though, and after the very steepest bit I was back in the saddle, spinning my legs in the little gears, to eventually reach the top and push on, through rolling countryside for a few miles, before the long descent which took me into Chepstow and our next control point. The Chepstow control was a godsend, with home made Lentil and Chorizo stew washed down with a brew and a slice of fruit cake proving just the ticket for revitalising a weary cyclist. Hunger sated (again) water bottles refilled, backlight batteries replaced, and saddle bag rearranged, moving the extra layers which had migrated to the bottom back to the top, ready for the cooler evening section and just before 16:00 I was on my way again. It's a long leg this next one at almost 100Km (60 miles), taking us across the Severn bridge back into England and onwards to Lambourn for the next control point, via another lung busting climb up to the Somerset Monument, before a flatter, faster section through Malmsbury, Royal Wooten Basset and Wroughton, where we cross and re-cross the M4 a number of times. In fact there's not a great deal to say about this leg, I paused for a biscuit and to admire the view back towards the Severn estuary from the Somerset Monument, and then it was just a case of getting comfortable and ticking off the miles into Lambourn, where beans on toast and another brew, provided an excellent second tea, early supper, extra snack, or whatever meal were now onto? The Lambourn control also provided the ideal opportunity to get ready for what would be the night section of todays ride. Arriving just after 20:00 it was dusk as I got there and by the time I left, less than 30 minutes later, we were well on then way towards darkness and with it the associated drop in temperature. Leg warmers back on, Hat, Buff, head torch attached to my helmet, fresh batteries in my extra back lights, high viz vest on and away we go again. I'm within 30 miles from home here, and the next section towards Henley is along familiar roads, not that that makes it any easier. There are a few stiff climbs to contend with between here and the finish, which always seem that bit harder in the dark. I suspect the fact that you can't see the top in the dark makes it harder to gauge the effort still required, although I'm sure that the fact that by now I've got coming up for 200 miles in my legs has nothing to do with it! Enclosed in the little bubble created by my lights, I push on through the dark, black countryside. The occasional deer and rabbit caught in the powerful light of my headlamp, waiting nervously to cross in front of me or behind as I pass my only companions, save those other riders, either just in front or behind, yet hidden by the dark, invisible and involved in their own struggles as the miles continue to mount. Owls call to their companions, farmhouse dogs bark their warnings, and life goes on behind closed curtains, as families sit watching TV or getting ready for bed, unaware of my passing outside. In fact it's not until Henley that I become aware that it's not as late as the darkness would have me believe. In Fact it's only just 23:30 as I roll into Henley in search of a cash machine, to provide a “proof of passage” receipt, and the streets are still filled with revellers, moving between pubs or heading home after their own nights out. People don't expect a cyclist at this time of the night, and I carefully weave my way through those whose road sense has been left in the pub and are more focused on making their way to the kebab shop, as I head back out of town and onto more open roads. This is the final leg now, and although the roads are quiet and wide with plenty of overtaking space, you still need to keep your wits about you and be aware of the car's approaching from behind, now's certainly not the time to relax your guard, that will come soon enough. With ears tuned for the sound of approaching cars, eyes on the road in front and tired legs, it's just a case of tapping out the last 20 or so miles. Follow the Thames Valley, through Medmenham and Marlow on flatter roads, then brace yourself for the long stiff climb up to Beconsfield, where yet more late night revellers queue for taxis and fast food. By which time it's all over bar the shouting, and one final ridiculously steep (or so it seems when the end is in sight) climb. And then Finally, the descent back into Chalfont St Peter and the welcoming glow of the community centre lights, where a warm welcome awaits. Priorities right, hand in my Brevet card, followed by a hot brew and delicious bowl of home made chilli, lovingly crafted by the organiser and his willing band of volunteers. Another couple of riders come in as I eat and we spend a few minutes swapping tales of the days adventure, before I call it a night and head back to the van, where I have another brew before crawling into bed, grateful yet again for not having to sit for another hour driving home before I can get my head down!
A few hours sleep and as the church clock opposite my little hideaway chimes 06:00 I'm awake again. I lay there for a while trying to get back to sleep, I've only been in bed for 3 hours but as is often the case after a big day out, my muscles are restless, I'm hungry and need a brew, so eventually I just give up and get up. There'll be plenty of time for sleeping when I'm dead.
As I head for home I take the chance to reflect on what I great day that was. 19 and a half hours on the road, for 255 miles, of which time I'd guess I was only off the bike for about an hour, is a pretty big day out, even by my standards. Reassuringly though, I felt pretty good all day, yes I was tired by the end, but I could have gone on if need be. Yes, my body was a touch stiff and I was tired on Sunday, but after an easy day cleaning the van, sorting out bikes and generally pottering around, followed by an early night, I was back on the allotment raring to go by Bank Holiday Monday.
So, as promised while we are here, I've had a few productive hours on the allotment this weekend too. Amongst other things I've finally got round to fitting some sheeting around the bottom of the fruit cage after slapping a good thick layer of preservative on the gravel boards at the base. When I refitted to top net the other day I noticed a lot of holes in the side wall net at the bottom.
I'm guessing that either the pesky squirrel that I see on occasion or some other critter has been making their way through the net on a regular basis and instead of using the same hole, insists on creating a new one every time. Hopefully a higher barrier around the bottom will put a stop to that little trick!
In other news, I've planted out the Sweet Peas and a tray of eating Peas which have been in the greenhouse and sowed Beetroot, Parsnip and Chard seeds, along with some more direct sown Peas. I do think that things are a bit behind this year though, with stuff in the greenhouse seeming to really struggle. I suppose that although it's been dry for the last few weeks, we've not really had much sun and it's not very warm for the time of year.
I'm sure it will all catch up though, it normally does, and anyway it gives me a bit more time to prep the ground and get things ready for planting out so I'm not complaining. |
Paul PerrattOld enough to know better, young enough to still feel invincible, stupid enough to keep on trying the same thing again and again. Cyclist, Gardener, Runner, Hiker, Cook, Woodworker, Engineer, Jack of all trades and master of none, Anti social old git and all round miserable bugger. Archives
March 2024
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