14°C, bright start but rain later, becoming heavy.
This poor neglected bike needs a service. Most specifically, the gear and brake cables are a bit sticky. It’s still good fun to ride but it’s half-term now. What a dreary day too. After the photo, the rain arrived and turned quite heavy towards the end
12°C, no real wind with some sun. Dry.
Rushed out after a day shopping in Ikea.
Tremendous fun but, unexpectedly, slightly slower than yesterday’s outing on the Mustang. The route was level which I suppose reduces the effect of the weight difference.
That was probably the last ride on the racelite this year.
11°C, heavy rain to the to the verge of flooding. Nice later.
That was quick for the Mustang. One of my fastest rides on that heavy bike, okay it’s stiff and with excellent handling
By the way, progress is steady on the Zing. The shopping list for it is getting shorter, mainly saddle, seatpin and shifters. Progress on the windows: one done, that’s all. This water based exterior paint is easy enough to use, I hope it’s as hard wearing as spirit based paints.
15°C, strong SW but sunny
It started as a recovery ride but was more about fixing that aoalling night’s sleep last night. I was awake for hours and hours; I still don’t know why.
Anyway, the feeling on the ride got better and better. I had energy left over so painted the back room window frame, ready for winter
14°C, little sun, grey later but the rain held off.
Walk 6 Y10 girls across Warwickshire to a scout camp. We walked for 7 1/2 hours under grey sky and slightly muddy ground. I’m feeling the effects of a few late nights. Last night was only 5 hours sleep. Those days accumulate and my head felt like a dull lump inside.
Day 2: checkpointing a circular route. I worked with Paul sharing 3 groups. One was the same group as yesterday plus a group of boys and another of girls.
The gaps between groups opened quite quickly as my group went wrong early on. They took a spagetti route and couldn’t tell where they’d been. Later their journeying got better and quicker despite being overloaded with uncomfortable packs. Other things went wrong for them too. The finish was changed while they were near the camp. An error had occured in comunicating with their parents who were to pick them up. All in all, that.l meant we didn’t finish until 17.30.
Day 1: transfer and setup. A sunny day to pick up the Gold group in the minibus and then drive to the sales, a 150 mile drive. All vehicles stopped at Charnock Richard services on the edge of Chorley. We all stayed at Broadrake bunkhouse in Chapel-en-le-Dale with a fine view of the Ribblehead Viaduct
Day 2: Acclimatisation day – Ingleborough Falls. Cold wet start with showers all day. We took 2 groups each for a circular route from Ingleborough via the falls. The aim was a refresher in navigation and of course – some dramatic waterfalls. I’m not normally impressed by waterfalls, but these were very energetic. With rivers in full spate, the water roared over every rock and even more over each cascade. So full of sediment, the fluid looked like beer. We talked about the colour and how it’s caused by tannin. One of the kids asked if it’s basically tea? You can tell when kids are bright and imaginative. These are!
Day 3: (day 1) for Silver groups). Middleton Fell.> Holme Farm. Beautiful day with a frosty start for campers. I bet those kids were cold.
Day 4: (silver 2): Holme Farm > Dent. Dull but calm weather all day. All went well but this was a late finish, I was so hungry, even before the drive back to the bunkhouse.
Day 5 (Silver 3): Dent > Widdale (finish). Heavy rain to start but it eased off by departure time at 8.
Here are my group, layering up after the climb. This is near the pass by a full gully that looked quite hazardous. I called for another ML to come and man this one while I took the crossing at the summit.
Later, another group who most were from my old tutor group arrived. They too were full of beans, and pleased to see me.
I love these places, in the hill fog more so. My spot was in a corner to hide from the chilly breeze. Here, the stone walls were covered in half a dozen types of lichen. My old tutor group team had lichens as their aim so I gave them a little tour of the varieties here. I love these bleak misty moorlands. The form of the land is laid out in layers in the fog. Perhaps caused by the contrast, the nearest ground appears the most vivid. On a clear beautiful day, your gaze is drawn into the distance. Today, you see beauty nearer to your feet.
The end of the day was the journey back to Walsall. My job was to take the Gold group back in the 9 seat minibus. I took a moment to look at myself from the outside. In the driving seat, They sat in the dark, viewing a segment of their lives through the window of their phones. The rusty sun dipped down on the right horizon and the lane lines blinked in the headlight patches. They were contented, comfortable and had passed their Gold Expedition section. I glanced across at the kids in the front seats. I looked across and smiled to myself in the dark. A moment of satisfaction for me too. Onward, the miles rolled by.
This would also be a late finish.
16°C, sun rain and flooding.
Day 1: a group of 4 lads who walked east from Solihull. The first part was easy and I relied on their local knowledge. There are some insanely busy roads. Solihull it seems, has perpetual rush-hour. The boys had a habit of rushing ahead and he being tired. One in particular would sit down at every opportunity.
Though I had a tent, the forecast for the night was heavy rain so I and other instructors bedded down in the sports hall of the school. That worked well enough despite a noisy fan in the room.
Day 2: four girls on the same route as yesterday bar the loop.we spent more time in he classroom in before setting out. Partly to avoid the avoid the early rain, but also to cover some theory that would arise outside. We had a great day; the kids said it was fun and I did too. On the edge.of the M42, runs the beginning of the River Blythe which burst its banks after the overnight rain. We re-routed via a road and resumed a similar route to yesterday’s. The day went well from there. The group were very receptive and drew much from the day. I finished feeling like an expert tutor and delighted with each of these girls.
16°C, brisk SW, some light showers.
I can’t tell whether this canal is tidal. We have seen a huge amount of rain this week but the water level does seem to vary dramatically. Another factor is we’re approaching spring tides.
16°C, still and bright. High pressure is in control.
Well, it feels like I’ve been shot, not that I ever have. Okay, it only feels like I have. I pulled a muscle in my ribs last weekend while lifting floorboards.
EasyJet released their flights for next year. From now, the prices will quickly climb to unaffordable. This morning, I pounced. I have tickets to Corsica for next summer for a two week trip.
I can complete the GR20. This time, I will learn from mistakes and pack lighter. Fewer clothes, no stove, a lighter sleeping bag and lighter details.
Micycle 