11°C, some SE breeze, dry but damp.
What a dull day to end October on. There will be much more dank, dreary and cold ones to come this winter. The return route was better with a tailwind. I could enjoy those long level straights and work on the edge of anaerobic.
11°C, bright and dry.
Well, that worked out well. Rode twice up my favourite hill climb – Bannister Lane. I went steady and long today, 85km in all. The best bit is that I set a comfortable right to the end. I got in thinking another 20 miles would have been comfortable, (though without hills). Right up to the end, I could hold the pace on the level.
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.
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.
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.
16°C, still windy but not destructive.
No really DofE but this in school activity days are meant to raise the school’s appeal to new intake.
We’re working with year 7 doing the kind of stuff we did at Bibby’s Farm. That includes bushcraft, orienteering, shelter building and slacklining. The slacklining was the most fun, especially when I consider how little experience I have with it. I had tremendous fun delivering this and some of the other sessions.
From the ending assembly.is sensed that the staff were bemused by us camping in their field. Our company are hoping to turn this activity day into a DofE contract. Let’s hope we clinched it.
16°C, sunny but cool.
Micycle 