I haven't written a blog since March the 13th...that was after lee and I had a nice week off together. Since then we have had a weekend away in London and I have done a LOT of cycling! So here's a catch up and then I'll try and get back in the habit of writing more regularly.
So on March the 26th Lee and I went down to that there London with our good friends Martin and Vicky. This was originally sold to me as Martin and I go to watch Saints at London Irish on the Saturday and then on the Sunday we'd have afternoon tea in the Shard...
As Sunday was mother's day, the Shard was fully booked so I had to miss the rugby! However we had a great time in the Shard, the view is worth it and Martin and I definitely got our money's worth on the limitless wine refills! Our waiter was good fun too!
Lee enjoyed her day out but did struggle at times. We used the tube to start with but it became clear this was too much for her and we needed to use taxis. Lee had an early night in the hotel and as Vicky was also not fussed about joining us, Martin and I headed out to the pubs in the Paddington area where we were staying.
The next day we had a wander around London before heading home. It was quite strange to see the capital busy after all these Covid19 months. All the mask and distancing notices are still up and very few people were paying it all any attention!
The rest of the Lee update is that she hasn't really changed much for a few months. She is still very tired and finds a little activity exhausting. She was hoping to be back at work by now but it still feels a long way off. Lee is tired, fed up, frustrated and worried what everyone thinks about her slow recovery. Despite this, to the outside world she continues to portray positivity. One thing that has started is physio. Lee is working on building her walking strength and stamina. It's good to finally be getting some advice!
In wider family news, Monty, Guide dog puppy number 6 has failed his training, the silver lining to that particular cloud is that he has returned to my parents as his forever home! Mum and Dad adore Monty so having him back is a great reward for all their years of hard work...Monty is less than impressed with Flint, guide dog puppy number 7...because he wanted to sit on Lee!!!
Joe and Amy continue their life as homeowners. It's still weird to think our oldest son owns a house! We helped out DIY SOS style in their garden...Lee was allowed to sweep the new patio and as you can guess, this wore her right out!!!
TIME FOR THE CYCLING BIT
Cycling wise I have done loads so I will stick to the highlights. I am still commuting to work on my bike most days and things like coaching continue. I've really upped my miles the last few weeks and have enjoyed so great long rides.
On Good Friday I joined WVCC for their Spring Gravel ride. This was organised by Adrian Kilworth (Kila.)
We headed out of Harborough, mostly on towpaths and into Leicester for a bit of an urban, city park, canal side ride. It really was something quite different and very enjoyable.
Moody urban shot...
Foxton locks...
After a well earned pint back in Market Harborough, Ashley and I limped our way back along the Brampton Valley way before going home.
The next day, with exhausted legs I joined my friends from the Cyclasylum for a ride they'd named Beaster. This was a ridiculous ride, taking in all the significant hills possible and including taking on the infamous Neville Holt from 3 directions...
Great company and banter got me through the ride...my legs were distinctly unimpressed with the things I put them through!
On Easter Monday it was my turn to do the organising with a long overdue Cyclasylum off road ride. A good group gathered in Rothwell for 30ish miles of MTB fun...
From the off Graham had issues...firstly he lost his skewer nut so couldn't secure his front wheel when he got his bike out of the car. Luckily we were round the corner from my house so I got him a spare...then his chain broke going up the hill from Ashley...we thought we were so clever with this repair until someone pointed out the chain was on the wrong side of the front mech!
Graham persisted with just his big ring and then got a puncture...he nursed a deflating tyre before admitting defeat and missing just the last five or so miles.
Graham also missed out on the moody group photo in the Kelmarsh tunnel. This ride was tonnes of fun, big thanks for everyone who came along!
Yesterday Andy, Ian and I headed out for the first Rutland Cicle Classic since the pandemic struck. Our plan was to follow the racing and get a good ride in too. Ian had done the 100 mile sportive of the race route the day before so kudos to him for having the legs to go to those hills again. Check that elevation...you'd have similar on a day in the Peaks and that is just100ft less than the Dartmoor Classic over a similar distance.
The racing was exceptional. Andy planned a good route and got us to key places at the right time. Ian left us at Owston where we had met up with riders from other local clubs. As we approached Melton Mowbray for the finish, Andy punctured. So not wanting us both to miss out he sent me on ahead whilst he sorted out his bike. I ended up following the lead police bike into Melton, minutes ahead of the race! It was a funny experience with people cheering me on!
Andy missed the sprint finish and had the opposite experience of following the end of the race into Melton and being stuck behind the held up traffic. he did however make it to see the presentations where amongst other things riders were awarded their weight in beer and the world's biggest Melton Mowbray pork pie.
On the ride home we had tailwind all the way. It was a very pleasant late afternoon ride and the scenery from Melton back to Rothwell was stunning at times. The riding was great too with testing climbs and glorious descents. All in all a great day out!
Just a few shout outs to my fellow riders doing great things. I was highly jealous of David and Phil for doing the Paris-Roubaix sportive and then staying to watch the racing for the weekend. That has to be on every cyclists bucket list. Right now another RFWCC rider, Steve is taking on the Italian Divide...that's another for the bucket list. The pictures so far are stunning. I think Paul is out there with him but don't quote me on that!
Happy Pedalling!
