Ahhh, that's more like it, normal service appears to have been resumed and after last weeks heat wave, things seemed to have returned to normal. I've had a few days off this week, obviously perfectly timed as usual, for a few days of strong winds and constant rain, you couldn't make it up could you! Not to be downhearted though I've still managed to get out and about a fair bit, starting on Wednesday (my first day off) which coincidentally coincided with rain from 08:00 until 18:30! My original plan had been to spend a couple of hours on the allotment getting the new roof on the shed, followed by that most hated of jobs, putting a coat of paint onto the newly prepared workshop doors. I even got as far as the allotment, before I thought "sod this for a game of soldiers" and valiantly retreated back to the safety of home for some lunch. With no end to the rain in sight and going slightly stir crazy I eventually thought "Sod It", got my waterproofs on and headed out for a few hours of walking in the rain. I ended up sloshing my way around a very wet 10 miles, following one of my local off road running routes and whilst I'm not going to pretend that it was the best day out I've ever had, there is something quite satisfying in taking on the weather and winning! The forecast for Thursday looked a lot brighter, so I had the alarm set nice and early, with the plan being to get a few bike miles in (with a plan B and C up my sleeve just in case). The forecasters were spot on though and the morning dawned fine and bright, ideal cycling weather, with a promise of plenty of sunshine, nice temperatures and a fun day out on the cards. Out of the house for 07:30, I headed up towards Newbury, before turning West towards Hungerford, Marlborough and Calne, then dropping down towards Devises and heading for home via Pewsey and Whitchurch. It's not a bad little run this with plenty of varied terrain, including a couple of big ascents in the early stages and a nice flat run in to the finish, just when you need it. The roads are nice and quiet with most of the traffic using the major routes through the area and there's plenty to look at to keep your mind occupied. With 112 miles under my belt, my tan topped up and a few more calories burned off, I was back home by late afternoon, leaving plenty of time for a spot of tea (and a couple of beers) with "The Emma" having made the most of what was forecast to be the best day of the bunch. Things weren't looking quite so clever Friday morning, with a strong wind already blowing and forecast to get worse as the day progressed. Unsure of what to do with the day I thought I'd start things off with a bit of a run, that way no matter what happened later, at least I would have achieved something! I much prefer running in the morning, although it's not very often that I get the chance during the week, so you have to make the most of these opportunities. An hours running set me up nicely for a morning on the allotment and I've finally managed to get the shed re-roofed and watertight. It feels a lot more rigid now that it's sat on a proper base and adding some triangulation to the new roof's helped things along. With any luck it will last a few more years, or at least long enough to repay the expenditure in roofing felt and a few bits of timber, £50 is still a lot better than the £200+ to replace it though so I'm more than happy with that. I just need to add some new door hinges and a hasp and job done. Oh and sort out all the stuff that's in the shed and now in a big heap on the floor. There's no rush now as at least it's dry and hopefully not going to blow away! With the wind from the South West and growing in intensity as the day progressed I was in two minds what to do with the afternoon. Whilst it was blowing a gale and pretty humid it was still warm and dry (ish). Eventually my adventurous side won out and I packed up the bike for a cheeky overnight jaunt. Out of the house by 16:00 I pushed down towards Salisbury plain in a roundabout direction, fighting the wind for a fair portion of the time, but taking my time and enjoying being out and about. This is another good little route and one I've used plenty of times before. There's not only plenty of good Bivvy spots, but you pass through quite a few little towns too, which are always handy for a resupply of biscuits or a spot of tea. Not trusting the weather, I elected to stop fairly early to give myself plenty of time to get the Hammock and Tarp well set up and pegged down and was in bed, being gently rocked to sleep by the howling gale that was ripping through the trees before 22:00. The wind woke me a couple of times in the night, as did the rain lashing against the Tarp at some point in the dark. I however stayed dry and quite enjoyed laying listening too it, as it tried unsuccessfully to spoil my fun. By the time I woke up the wind had died right away and the sun was just making an appearance over the horizon, with the promise of another nice day. A quick cup of tea, stow the gear away and I was on the road again for 06:30, pushing down through Amesbury and on towards Salisbury and the promise of breakfast once I got to the other side. It makes sense to try and get Salisbury out of the way whilst the roads are still quiet as it's a bit of a traffic black-spot. If you can be through and out the other side before all the idiots get up and the roads become gridlocked then that's worth delaying breakfast for as far as I'm concerned. Salisbury, safely negotiated I knocked out a few more miles, before finding a secluded little spot to settle down for a brew and a somewhat delayed breakfast. Sitting in the early morning sunshine, having worked up an appetite, instant porridge and a couple of Scotch pancakes never tasted better. Breakfast over and done with it was back onto more familiar roads for the last few miles, heading for home via the river Test, Stockbridge and one last slog of a climb out of Whitchurch. Considering I was in two minds over going out due to the strong winds, I'm certainly glad that I did as it was a great little overnight adventure, made even better by the fact I stayed warm and dry. I really should get the Bivvy stuff out more often as it's always great fun, provided it's not raining of course! After an afternoon at home catching up on the odd jobs, I took the van up to Kingsclere for the evening, ready for a few miles of easy running in the morning. It's a far more relaxed start to the day, when all you've got to do is get out of bed, put your running shoes on and set off, plus it's always nice to sit by the side of the van and watch the sun go down. A far better use of an evening than sitting staring at the TV in my opinion, but that's another discussion altogether.. There's not a great deal to say about Sunday. Following the now familiar trend, it rained heavily overnight and was blowing a hooley in the morning.
Despite the poor conditions and somewhat tired legs I managed a steady 12 miles along familiar tracks and trails, enjoying the early morning peace and quiet and was back home in plenty of time for lunch and an afternoon stroll along the Canal with "The Emma". Not a bad few days off then and if the truth be told I could do with a couple of days back in work to let my legs recover!
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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
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