work and more work!

I cant believe its been 2 weeks since we arrived home from our French holiday. Bikeability has been manic since the beginning of June, working 4 days a week! including 1 day of heavy rain, rest of the time the weather has been good, with lots of sunshine, I am supposed to be retired, which is 3 years ago this August - its gone very fast.

Only been running once since holiday, 3 miles around town, but I did a good time [for me!]
Focus has been trying to get miles in on the bike as I have entered the 'Hungerford Hooray' Audax which is 140 km [ 87miles], its not an area I know so hope its not too hilly.

Managed 60+ miles last week, between Bikeability  and on Sunday, a good 45 miles over the Blackdowns, the weather was good if windy, good sunny spells, we started with  the big climb of Staple Hill, over through Hemyock, and climbing again to Dunkeswell, where we were entertained with people parachuting over the aerodrome.This area has lots of remnants of preparation for the D Day landings, there were lots of Americans stationed here, the road actually uses part of the old runway, and still is in better condition than the modern roads, the return ride over Luppitt common was into a stiff headwind, until the main ridge where a fast descent down the hill we came up earlier, and a further descent down to Staple Fitzpaine had us reaching speeds of 35 mph +. Its a lovely ride on not too busy roads with good views all around, however, the road surface over Luppitt Common was poor, much repair needed!

We also managed a day out in Sidmouth, lunch in the 'White Horse cafe' lovely sunny day, surprisingly busy for a midweek day before the school holidays. Sadly I haven't managed to get into hearing the Children read at school as I have been too busy.
The van passed its MOT with flying colours!!!

We also had a visit from our Grand daughter for the weekend, exciting time with a belated 2nd birthday celebration, a trip to the seaside. Bramble the brown Lab cross provided good entertainment for Amy taking advantage of her enthusiasm by relentless ball throwing.

It was a great weekend, with the family getting together, a very tired grand daughter left 2 very tired grandparents [but very happy]. We look forward to her next visit.

Holiday in France

Tuesday July 1^st

A holiday in France with the Campervan, sites were pre-booked over the internet

What a come back to earth today with a full days bikeability with a group of year 5s’ after 2 splendid weeks in France. The trip home from La Trinite Sur Mer [near Carnac] was a 230 mile drive to Cherbourg, a 4 .5 hour ferry crossing and finishing with a 60 mile drive home from Poole – so arrival time at home was 11 pm!!

June 15^th

 The trip out was easy as we went and stayed near Poole at my sons, giving us a very short trip to the ferry on Sunday morning. The ferry was quiet, we loaded quickly and made for our booked seats. An uneventful crossing, arriving in Cherbourg at 1:45 French time. This gave us sufficient time to drive down to Pontorson near Mont Saint Michel for our first 2 nights in France.

The campsite was quite busy, lots of Dutch, Germans, few Brits. Most were only there to pop down to see M St M. there was a cold north wind despite the lovely sunshine.

The first day we unloaded the folding bikes to cycle along the excellent cycle way across to MstM, head wind all the way, making it hard at times, 10 kilometres, locked up the bikes and wandered up round the Mount, but no going in the Chapel itself. It was a lovely old town, especially away from the main streets, we sat down to have our picnic in a nice open park area, but! Were immediately surrounded by hords of French school children, clearly their usual picnic site, so we moved on to a quieter place, however the place is well worth a visit. Cycling saved us having to pay 12 Euros to park, then a long walk to get on a bus to travel to the monument. A good tail wind back to the campsite made the return journey much easier.

June 17^th

Time to move on, the weather was warming up and less wind making the drive down to the Vendee quite hot with no AC in the van. Stopping on the way for the customary Baguette, cream cheese and cucumber, French style. The excellent motorway system and fantastic road surfaces meant a swift journey, even past Rennes and Nantes. We arrived at Saint Gilles-Croix-De-Vie  and our campsite, ‘Les Cypres’ fabulous position, but, we  were disappointed with the facilities, not supplying toilet paper!!!  The site was quiet, except for a large English Motor Home, BUT! Most other pitches were taken up by ‘seasonal pitches’ with caravans and Awnings ready to use each week end, which they seemed to do with vengeance [more later].

The pitch was only yards from a gate leading to a fabulous large open beach over the dunes, we spent most evenings with the beach to ourselves as well as providing  me with somewhere to run [more later!].

There is an excellent grid of cycle tracks around the Vendee, and there is even one around the whole region giving an 84km route. We took advantage of these tracks as it was 4 km into Saint Gilles., the weather was hot dry and sunny, a trip down to the market  with a picnic on the riverside was our introduction to St Gilles, the market was wonderful with fantastic fruit and veg stalls, al doing a brisk trade, what ever happened to our British markets!!!

Another  day out was at Les Sables D Olonne with its fabulous beaches, quite busy, but still not as busy as July and August. We were able to park in the camping Aire in the middle of Les Sables, parking in the area is difficult for ‘camping cars’ most good view points having height barriers. Coffee on the beach and a nice cheese and tomato panini for lunch, a paddle in the sea along with a bit of sunsitting!

We planned to go to a ‘Chat De Eau’ that you could go to the top for a great view of the area, but sadly it wasn’t open until July. Instead we went to Apremont and had a picnic lunch by the river and a walk up to the Chateau, a very interesting area in an extraordinary hilly area in an otherwise flat region.

I managed to get 3 runs in whilst at St Gilles, only 4.5 miles each, but included a mile and a half of beach, the rest on the cycle track, all early morning runs very peaceful and quiet.

St Jean De Mont was the destination for another cycle ride, very pleasant cycling in the sunshine, lovely to sit and watch the world go by overlooking the beach.

Much time was spent sitting in the shade, reading, I managed to read ‘Mercx –half bike, halfman. A good book that gives good insight into Mercx cycling success in the 60s’ and 70s’ the hard work he put in, and hopefully it appears drug free,but! Who knows with the Lance Armstrong  affair. I was also reading a book about a man who was riding the 1914 Giro route round Italy on a 100 year old bike, as this was a particular difficult race with only a handful of finishers. His  trials and tribulations are described, I cant imagine how he did it on a single speed bike! An interesting book, but got boring towards the end.

The weekend came and went, with the campsite gaining significant extra people with the local French seasonal pitch residents taking advantage of the hot sunny weather – strangely they all disappeared on the Sunday evening, leaving us to continue our quiet and peaceful stay.

June 23rd

Monday was time to move on and drive up to La Trinite Sur Mer, near Carnac, only 130 miles so not too onerous. ‘Camping Kervilor’ was quiet on arrival, and our pitch was luxurious in size, nice shading with trees and nice grass, different from the sandy scrub of the St Gilles site.

We had a very pleasant couple from Holland camping next to us, Robert and Olga – keen cyclists  with a very nice motor home. We spent some time chatting about parts of Britain, Robert was very well informed, and knew many areas of the country. I felt inadequate knowing absolutely nothing about Holland. Robert has promised to send me some information on the lakes area of Holland and Sweden.

Cycle routes around the area were not as obvious as the Vendee. We did cycle down to Trinite, coffee in a seafront café with a large raspberry Beignet and a lovely ride along a cycle route to Carnac, and Carnac beach where more beach sitting took place with a nicely cooked takeaway Pizza for lunch.

The stone rows or alignments as they are called locally drew our attention again, fascinating, several km of standing stones. A particular favourite area was the ‘Petite Menac’ a small area of standing stones close to the campsite. We also visited several local dolmens that were in remarkable good condition – it did give lots of food for thought.

On a day out to Quiberon we met a very nice Irish couple when we were parked for coffee, it turned out they were on their way home to catch the ferry to Cork, so ‘jettisoning’ some food, giving us a litre of milk and a large bag of muesli, how kind of them instead of throwing away. After a good chat we had a look at Fort Penthievre which appeared to be an adventure centre for the military now, but had a grim past with the Germans using it in the last war. The coast of Quiberon is beautiful and in the sunshine was stunning, sadly parking for ‘Camping cars’ was difficult once more.

The excellent weather continued right through till the Saturday before we returned home, which was a very wet day. A day in Auray at the Le Clerc Hypermarket, along with a good reading session back at camp with tea and biscuits.

June 29th 

The drive back up to Cherbourg was uneventful one of the  first on the ferry and first off again at Poole, the 4.5 hour  trip did seem a long time, but the view out of the window into the sunset helped, especially as we approached Sandbanks and Brownsea Island.

 A really nice 2 weeks in France, good roads with excellent road surfaces, we only covered approximately 1200 miles, Diesel was 1.28 Euros a litre which at the 1.23 Euro to a pound made fuel cheap. The van ran really well, and we were very comfortable despite the temperature at times being 30 + degrees. The Fiammi sunshade being a real bonus along with the ‘Ramoska’ which widened our culinary presentations as it acted as an oven.

I managed 3 more early morning runs at  Trinite upping the distance to 6 miles along to the Pointe De Kerbihan, most of the way along the coast path, esy running with little ups and downs, but very nice views across the bay, with runs in a time of  about 54minutes, I am pleased with that, a total of 27 miles over the 2 weeks in fantastic weather. Cycling, we covered  67 miles on our folding bikes. Lots of cycle trails, but opportunities at times to cycle on the French roads, remembering to cycle on the other side of the road!!

July 2^nd

First ride out on my newly built Qoroz road bike – Titanium frame, stem and seat post, carbon forks, Full Shimano Ultegra 6800 group set, in grey, compact 50/34 chainset with 11 -32 cassette,  Hope hubs with Mavic rims, Ritchey wide and shallow drop bars,  Bontrager seat, Shimano 105 pedals, Bontrager stainless bottle cages – weighs in at 20 lbs with 2 spare tubes, and 500ml water. Not the lightest but felt very comfortable. Gear ratios felt good with a good range available, I hope the 32 tooth sprocket will get me out of trouble on the big hills!!

Love the wide handle bars, lots of space to have different hand positions. Still sorting the riding position before chopping off the fork head tube.

I did 46 miles round my Ham, N Curry, Athelney, Langport, Muchelney route. The ride felt good, climbing seemed smooth, and gearing felt right. Felt good when I got home – must be getting fitter with average speed of 14.9 mph or perhaps it was the new bike. The weather was really good, hot dry and sunny – its what cycling is about!

Bikeability, thunderstorms and cake

Friday 6^th June

Since my last blog post the focus has been on Bikeability leaving little time for ‘retirement’ activities, the weather has been poor as well, lots of heavy showers and quite chilly. I am still managing to get 2 runs in a week [despite my laziness and lack of motivation], be it round the town but they are 5.5 mile runs, I have been trying a new strategy of using my heart rate monitor and keeping the rate at approximately 135 -140 bpm with a rise to 150 -155 bpm on the steep hills, well below my maximum heart rate, but still making me work hard. This is resulting at the moment of approximately 10.10 minute miles but is supposed to be ‘fat burning’ and I do find I ache less the next day and feel I can run further, keeping my options to run longer events, even though I am running less, but regular[I hope this all makes sense]. If I decide to resume my ‘fell running’ race entry this will be helpful. I am looking to the 8 mile ‘Charmouth Challenge’ the ‘most southerly fell run’ in July  and the ‘Minehead 17’ at the end of July, at least it gives me something to train for, although there are a couple of Audax events as well – seeing as I should have my new bike on the road by the end of next week. Andy has finally built my wheels – lovely ‘Hope’ hubs!

We did manage a good day out in the van last Saturday [31^st May] with a trip to Exmouth, lunch on the front in the sunshine.

Sunday was a cycle ride to West Bay again in the sunshine for a change and on dry roads,  with Andy and Mike, some nice road resurfacing gave a smooth run down through Broadwindsor,  hedgerows are now very full giving less space for us and cars to pass! West Bay was busy with motor cyclists and the regular car boot always attracts crowds  - coffee at the ‘Harbout Lights’ tea stall before the run back over Bettiscombe hill a rather steep hill 1:6 in places, 39 miles in all no speed, but lots of chat on the way. The problem with going to the coast is that its up hill all the way home!

Van has been serviced ready for a trip to France soon down to the Vendee – I am looking forward to driving on the French roads, much quieter than UK roads and usually better surface.

Collected new wheels and put on the tyres – very nice lightweight wheels.

Another 5.5 mile run last night keeping the heart rate down, still felt ok, but! Not sure if ‘niggly knee’ was returning as several twinges?? Fingers crossed it hasn’t.

Saturday 7^th June

Great day after scary thunderstorms and torrential rain at 4:30 this morning.

Beautiful sunshine [but blustery] after lunch and warm temps enticed me out on my bike – first time in shorts! Headed out over Hatch Beauchamp, then across the levels round to Westport, the road to Barrington very flooded, half pedals to avoid wet feet, Barrington ‘National Trust’ village seemed to have a children’s fun day in the play park, a theme that appeared later in the ride. More flooded roads over to  Dowlish Wake where they had a Duck race in progress, so people in the road were a hazard, not to mention plastic ducks. A climb up to Cricket Malherbie before a steep descent down to Chaffcombe and home. – it was a ‘Tour of villages with nice names’ today and 29.5 miles covered. A nice ride. And tan lines to show for it!

Sunday 8^th June

Mike and Jason riding partners today, along for my 50 mile ride over Slough Green, Ham, North Curry, Athelney, Langport, Muchelney, Hambridge, Curry Mallett, Hatch Beauchamp, and back over Bickenhall, Horton, Crock St etc. Lots of riders out today, and the café was very busy with both bikers and cyclists. Roads were mostly dry, with good views at the high spots on the ride, there was evidence at Athelney that dredging is taking place to help avoid flooding next year, I think its wishful thinking! When you look at what they are removing!

We set a brisk pace at times with Jason showing us his ‘weightloss speed’ by sprinting up every hill and leaving Mike and I in his wake!

The highlight of the ride was the enormous piece of cake [see picture]  at the ‘Riverside Café in Langport and pot of tea

                                                          Cake at the Riverside Café, Langport

A great ride, and what seemed like the first ride of the summer as I had short sleeve jersey and shorts, rather than every thing long and still cold! Just after I arrived home there were spots of rain on the window – hey ho! Short summer, but we didn’t get wet this morning and had a good ride.

Not sure how much I will do this week coming as its 4 days of Bikeability 30 miles from home, so early starts and late finishes.

A week of Pinky Ponks, school sports day and a walk in the park in the rain

Monday 26^th May

A week of Pinky Ponks, school sports day and a walk in the park in the rain

A very busy week with limited vigorous exercise, in fact limited to a 7 mile off road run and a 32 mile cycle ride over Rock hill to North Curry and back over Slough Green.

Two days of Bikeability was followed by a very hot morning at school sports day, helping with netball for the KS1 youngsters, a little bending of the rules needed at times for the ones who were not so tall! We were very lucky with the weather.

Thursday and Friday saw us heading up the M5 to Gloucester for two days of Grand daughter entertaining – which started with a bus ride into Gloucester and much walking round the Docks, swan and duck spotting, the bus pass certainly came into its own. Gloucester Docks is well worth a visit, sympathetically restored with fantastic warehouses converted into a variety of uses. We managed to get home just as the heavens opened and terrific thunder and lightning. I think Gdaughter enjoyed the bus, and certainly made lots of friends in the duck and swan world.

We stayed the night at ‘Brierfields’ campsite in the van, very comfortable, but very busy with a caravan rally. A well positioned site with reasonable facilities now they have added a couple more showers.

Friday saw us fitting a car seat in the van, instructions to fit clearly written in language designed for a post graduate trainee car seat fitter! A drive to Cheltenham in the rain followed by much stopping and starting whilst queuing in traffic trying to find Pittville Park – 50 mins later for a 19 min journey [says Google maps] we drove into the free car park!! Yes free. With the rain still falling, it was a dash to the nearest café, coffee and chocolate Brownie, whilst GD was entertained by a local brown spaniel repeatedly chasing a thrown ball.

We managed to set off to find the swings GD deciding that every puddle needed the GD depth test, good job we had wellies!!!. A visit to the various rides, swings, slide, climbing frame and train before we managed to persuade GD that the rabbits and birds in the aviary were really worth seeing. The rain continued to pour down GD suitably impressed with rabbits and the bright yellow canaries we finally got back to the van very wet. Pittville park was excellent and well worth a visit, It was home via ASDA, GD had a great time dodging shoppers and taking stuff off shelves we didn’t need. Finally home and ‘In the nite garden’ complete with ‘Tombiloos’, ‘Pinky Ponk and ‘Upsy Daisy’ before a very tired GD went up stairs to bed, Grand parents were also very tired!!!

The drive home on the Friday evening before bank holiday was not a good idea the normal 1.5 hr trip turned into 2.25 hrs with queues all the way down the M5.

It was then we heard that our eldest son was in hospital after a piece of metal decided to enter his hand in an accident at home – so our Saturday was already sorted with a trip to Poole Hospital! Fortunately he was OK after an operation to remove it was successful. However he had to stay in till Monday so they could repair the tendons in one finger. Hey Ho! what a week of contrasts!!

Sunday 18^th May

A bike ride, Campervan trip and a run

 There are photos which I will add later when I have sorted, so do check the blog again for the piccies!!

Last week I managed to get nearly all my Blog title activities in, only the Fell walk missing, unless I count the 2 mile walk from Sennen Cove to lands end and back!

What a great week it’s been. It started on the Saturday 10^th May with bike preparation for the New Forest Audax on the Sunday and driving down to stay overnight with my eldest son as he is only an hour away from the start at Lymington. It was a beautiful drive down on Saturday evening, quiet roads and the sky cleared to give a fine sunny evening, driving down to Wimborne meant the sun was behind me, giving everything a warm glow. A bouncy Bramble with Frisbee in mouth greeted me as I stepped out of the van [Bramble is a brown Lab cross].

The Sunday morning weather looked good, very gusty wind and with only a chance of a shower. Clothing was a problem, what to wear not to get too hot, or  be cold, especially if it rains. It was very cold and windy standing on the start line, there were quite a few for the New Forest Day out Audax 100k event, the 200k started earlier!! Off we went and Rich and I had a good pace, surprisingly leaving many of the other riders behind, Richard did most navigating from the instructions as my Garmin GPS decided not to give turn by turn directions. A head wind out, heading north, up through the New Forest, beautiful views around us, there were  lots of donkeys and their foals on the road at one point, refusing to move from the middle of the road. Way up past Fordingbridge to the half way point of Breamore House, which happened to have a steam engine rally on at the same time, so it was dodge the mini steam tractors as we entered the site to get our card stamped. We had seen few riders on our way up, but riders soon started to arrive as we had something to eat and drink, 33 miles covered. The route back saw us with a tail wind at times, whilst one stretch across the Forest past Fritham and Ocknell Plain was a full on head wind, a very exposed stretch of road, Richard and I took it in turns to lead, allowing the other to shelter behind, swapping frequently, at times I had to work my way down the cassette to maintain forward momentum as the wind was so strong. It was a relief when we finally turned and headed towards the 3 mile down hill of the Ornamental Drive and Rhinefield. Entering Brockenhurst we were treated to be escorted towards the main street by a Highland cow walking down the middle of the road, clearly his party piece for the tourists!! With another 15 miles to go it was a handful of Haribo as we took our stamp at the bike shop, there were also a few spots of rain, fortunately it was only a few spots and we did manage to get away without a wetting, this saved until we were driving home later. Some great place names, Lover, Bohemia, Nomansland and Mockbeggar! Not to mention the impressive Tower at Sway.

The last 6 miles was a round about way of getting back to Lymington, through Boldre and went over a large hill, we were both tired by now and glad we weren't doing the 200 k!

We arrived back at the finish in good time 5 hours with stops, not the fastest time but Audax is not about fast times,  Richards navigation spot on all the way round. A feast was set out in the center with soup, pasta, beans cakes and my favourite after a long ride, cold rice pud with tinned peaches, this with several mugs of tea brought a nice finish to the day. A really good enjoyable day, catching up with Richard, cycling through some fabulous countryside, no punctures or mechanicals, but the wind had been horrendous, at least it didn’t rain.  I hope we will be back in September for the New Forest coast ride another 100k Audax.

A drive back home to prepare the van for the trip to Cornwall on the morrow[Monday] , drop Richard and bike off first.

St Ives - Cornwall

Monday morning saw me and Mrs B van packed setting off to drive to St Ives in Cornwall – we were booked in at the Ayre campsite which is on the edge of St Ives and literally only a 10 minute walk. We arrived just after lunch, the sun was shining but that stiff northerly breeze was still there,  we were on the cliffs so there would always be a breeze – we were given pitch number 13! Ominous!!!! The pitch was sloping but the park provide blocks to drive on, to  ensure the van is level, nothing worse than the sliding out of bed feeling you get when the van is not level, or your tea slides to one end of the table. The views from the pitch and the campsite were stunning looking over Porthmeor beach, the sand and sea glistening in the bright sunshine,

After a refreshing mug of tea and the obligatory digestive biscuit we walked down the steep road hill into St Ives [we found the coast path later which was much easier and more pleasant]. There were lots of people around for early May, a mix of old and young families. Its several years since we have been to St Ives and the high street seemed to have lost the surfing theme with shops such as Seasalt, Fat Face and many galleries replacing them. Tea in Wetherspoons before returning to the van, a nice Veggie burger and chips!

On return to the van it was far too cold a wind to sit outside, but the forecast was to improve over the next few days, which it did with great effect, as soon at the wind dropped – but we had clear blue skies and sunshine every day, which was lovely.

Tuesday saw us drive over to Penzance and to the new Sainsbury’s on the old heliport, a large new shop, likened to a French Hypermarket. Penzance itself was still run down, but always a pleasant place to visit. Lunch in ‘Sainsbugs’ was followed by driving to Marazion overlooking Mount St Michael – the car park wanted £6 to park as we were a ‘motor home’ luckily a local council site up the road was only £1.90 but a longer walk . The wind was still strong as we walked down the beach to Marazion and looked over the choppy seas to the Mount, the tide rapidly coming in, motor launch taxis ferrying visitors back and forth.

The walk back to the van was hard work and we were pleased to get the kettle on when we got back, somewhat windswept.

Wednesday morning I was up early [6:30] and determined to get a run in along the coast, the weather was beautiful, the wind had dropped and the temp was already on the up. A Lovely 6 mile run up the coast path, quite muddy in places and very rocky, foot placements was a mind focusing exercise, looking at the fabulous views would have to wait. Up past a stone circle of the ‘harvest girls’ up and down with bluebells casting a blue sheen across the cliffs, the sea crashing in below as it was high tide. The path was lovely singletrack and narrow in places, making the running interesting. My Garmin Watch GPS decided to that its battery was in need of recharging, so went blank at the 3 mile mark!!  I ran on for another 15 minutes or so to the next Headland Trevega Cliff past Pen Enys Point and then turned to run back to camp. The sun now was high and I was running directly into it, what a nice feeling with the sun on my face, the sea crashing below and no other person in sight anywhere [until 200 yards from camp] A nice hot shower followed in some of the cleanest facilities I have ever been to, and with piped ‘Pirate FM’ being played throughout the day!

A day of walking down the coast path to St Ives, coffee and bakewell tart on the beach front, followed by much beach sitting etc. for the day. A nice evening meal in the van followed by a quick stroll up to Burthalla Cliff to watch the sunset, and the seals in the cove.

Because the weather was so nice we decided to repeat the day before, not go in the van but walk down to St Ives again  and along towards Porthminster Beach and Carbis Bay. Much sitting again enjoying the weather and the views, at one point a sea mist drifted across, blotting out everything, it disappeared as quickly as it came leaving a hot sunny rest of the day.

The final day dawned, a well intended run was planned, but! Never happened, too lazy! We packed up, easy in the van,  we were away by 9:30, driving over to Sennen, easily parking before walking across to Lands End, beautiful views with fabulous beaches, the tide was going out. It was a quiet walk across to Lands End with few people around. The ‘visitor centre’ was still reasonably quiet, we bought a ‘takeaway coffee’ at a stall, pretty poor taste, poor value etc. the whole Lands End ‘experience’ was ‘tacky’ the beautiful scenery was its saving grace.

Walking back over to Sennen we passed several groups of German tourists, some struggling with the walk. Nice to see foreign visitors enjoying the views.

Lunch in the van in the car park, views across the beautiful beaches before setting off home, I did manage to stop off at ‘Riccis’ bike shop to check out saddles and handlebars, purchasing a Bontrager Affinity after a ‘seat fitting machine’ told me the size I needed, the assistant even gave me 10% off!  Traffic was busy the rest of the way in both directions.

Saturday after a 3.6 mile early morning run round the town, saw us with itchy feet after several days away, so we spent the morning in Sidmouth with egg, chips and peas in the ‘White Horse café’ best chips in the South West. A hot sunny day, shame I had to mow the lawns when we got home!

Finally end to the week before Bikeability tomorrow [Monday] was a cycle ride over Lopen head via the Roman road ‘Fosse Way’  and then dropping down through South Petherton and Martock before going through Muchelney and Drayton and Curry Rivel, dropping down the steep hill to the Athelney road, back over Ham, Slough Green, Broadway and Crock street gave me 46 miles in the warm sunshine – very enjoyable. 
Weeks total 111 miles cycled and 9.6 miles run, quite pleased with that, trying to keep fitness in both cycling and running, Charmouth Challenge run  and Audax Devon Delight in July, with a fortnight break in the middle for our French holiday.

Saturday 10th May

Not a great week for getting out this week with heavy showers and blustery winds. However, I did manage to get my 50 miles in on Sunday morning, a very chilly ride back to full tights, windstopper top and full fingered gloves. Bank Holiday Sunday the roads were very quiet, helped by an early start as rain was forecast later. I did my Athelney route which has some ups, downs and some nice flat bits in the middle along usually quiet back roads, surfaces not too bad given the poor winter winter weather. Unusually I didn't see many other cyclists out, perhaps I was too early? it was an enjoyable ride with the scent of wild garlic strong as I  cycled up the hills near Curland. It was interesting to see more houses up for sale in the pretty village of Ham, not surprising since it regularly floods. I stopped on the bridge over the River Tone in the village of Athelney, for a snack [see photos] this is just below where King Alfred sheltered and allegedly burnt his cakes, nothing remains of the abbey just a memorial stone and farm buildings, but a beautiful spot to linger and think back to those times when it was marshland and small islands, perhaps there's a clue as to why it floods so badly today!

 View towards Burrow Mump and Burrow Bridge the ruined chapel on the hill, River Tone in the foreground

 Closer view of the chapel on Burrow Mump

View towards Athelney hill and the King Alfred memorial

I continued on to Langport and Muchelney again, cattle now in fields covered by flood water up to 6 feet deep a few weeks ago! all the hedgerows are in full bloom now, the Hawthorne with its overwhelming cat pee smell, lilac is out in the gardens, dandelions galore, floodwater doesn't seem to have bothered them. I also notice several farmers cutting silage. 

The 3 climbs back over Crock street don't get any easier and the temperature was still not great even though the sun was shining. the 50 miles was good to get in and confident that the 100k [really 65 miles] round the New Forest on Sunday [tomorrow]  will be manageable.

Bikeability again this week  at a village at the foot of the Quantock hills, a lovely spot, we only got wet once! several bike checks provided a challenge to get brakes working not to mention the bike with a 'lump' in the wheel rim side, liberal smacks with my hammer managed to get it a little smoother so the brake blocks didn't grab as the brakes were applied. 3 out of twelve bikes checked, had loose handlebars this time, strange how they can ride them without noticing.
Wednesday saw us on a day out at Tyntesfield House near Bristol. A fantastic National Trust property full of interest - lived in until 2001 before being sold with all contents, so the house is as it was, an eery composition of the old world with a Lord and Lady living alone in the very large House that was 'buzzing with staff and visitors' before the first world war. A pleasant lunch in the cow shed! the house has beautiful wooden doors and ceilings and a very large  chapel attached to the house.The house guides gave a real insight to the lives of people that lived and worked in the house, the fortunes of the owners built on bird poo! the grounds were stunning with fantastic views around. I think another visit is needed.

A Neroche run on Thursday ensured I at least kept up at least one run a week. Despite not running for over a week, I managed a good pace and felt ok, 7 miles covered, very muddy in places after heavy rain, bluebells all out now , I really enjoyed it despite the blustery head wind on the way back, at least it didn't rain.
Finally on Friday I picked up my new Quorz cycle frame from Cheddar cycles, I am very pleased with it, nicely engineered, very light. Now I need to source the bits to go on it! after searching the internet and looking at various options I think I have decided to go Ultegra 6800 groupset with a compact 50/34 chainset and an 11 speed 11-32 cassette, this should give me low enough gears for what I want and the quality of Ultegra which I think the frame deserves. Andy has said wheels will be ready next week [I hope he keeps to his word]. Off to Cornwall on Monday for a few days in the Van so cant order anything at the moment and cant afford it either !!!

Got to get my bike ready today, re attach mudguards  and I think I will put my saddle bag on to take my waterproof as showers are forecast for tomorrow. Also need to sort the van out and make sure the tea bags are in etc.

Busy week

A busy week that started on Saturday with sandcastle making, followed by  cream tea eating at Lyme Regis, very windy on the beach, sand went everywhere! This was followed by an easteregg hunt on Sunday and very wet car washing, managing to fit in a go on the swings, slide and roundabout, not to mention puddle splashing and meeting a friendly neighbourhood cat ! Just another visit from our Grand daughter.
So no cycling or running last weekend.
Monday  a trip to Montecute house in the morning to see paintings from the National Gallery and a very very interesting talk about the Elizabethan history. Some great paintings that give seem real thought about living in those times! history  is fascinating, and also reminds you what you have forgotten from School. I managed to get out and do my 7 mile route over Neroche, in the afternoon, quite wet in places after heavy rain, but an enjoyable run, still no niggle from my knee.
Tuesdays bike ride, I got a soaking 2 miles from home when the heavens opened! But 36 miles around my Hatch /Ilton route.
Bikeability filled the next couple of days at a village school, a really pleasant group, all managing level 2 with ease,  sadly the second day we got very wet, a real contrast as day one was hot in the sun.
Friday a cycle ride round my Ilton, Hatch Beauchamp route giving 26 miles.
April was a good month with over 260 miles on my bike and over 65 running.
Not picked up new bike frame yet, and still trying to sort out other components on the Internet - so many options. I am trying to get quality as well as keeping the cost down. Andy has my Mavic open pro rims now, so hopefully will build this week.
On another note, I finished 'running free' by Richard Askwith, disappointing as much of the latter part of the book was spent describing his local runs with very detailed descriptions of frost on grass and ploughed fields, this along with a whole chapter on the Coopers Hill cheese rolling event got quite boring.
Bank holiday this weekend, will try to get out for a 50 miler on Sunday, to prepare for next weeks Audax in the New Forest.