Scotland Trip

I did one last scout round to see if there was anything we’d forgotten.
Car packed to the brim, we set off on our journey to Scotland.
My folks were already waiting for us at the services,

Traffic was fairly light, no hold ups.
Once we were off the motorway the roads became quite rough, with potholes or no edge and a sheer drop.
Viewing my folks through the rear view mirror trying to dodge all the holes and keep up with us, at this point my Mom was clutching on to the handle for dear life as she looked over the edge into the valley of rocks below.
Eventually onto a more peaceful road with less potholes, we had a smoother ride to the holiday cottage.
Unpacked, we headed to the shops then out for a bite to eat in the local town. Parked up in the car park and Mom asked where the restaurant was, I pointed saying just over the other side of the river. …Her face was a picture,
‘we’ve got to walk all the way over there!’
Worse thing was, I didn’t think there were parking bays on the high st and guess what?…. Yup there were about 6 spaces right outside where we were going…lol. Mom wasn’t impressed, but at least it was soon forgotten when her food arrived and conversation flowed.
It’s not often we get time alone with my folks, so our trips to Scotland with them are worth their weight in Gold and then some.
This weekend was a special weekend as Saturday was our 11th wedding anniversary and Sunday was Mothers day.
So after travelling up on Saturday and dinning out, me and my beloved made breakfast Sunday for my folks, then we drove out to visit my brother in law (ex). We still think of him this way, Mom and Pops still think of him as family too.
So after a lovely visit and seeing his birds of prey, we set off to the local Wetherspoons for a bite to eat, our treat for Mothering Sunday. Weren’t impressed with the service here. Waited a lifetime for desserts and then extra lifetime for coffee’s which we finally gave up on after giving them a reminder. Mom voiced her opinion as we left.
Glad it didn’t spoil the mood anyway.

My folks left for home on the Monday as we headed out biking.
Innerleithen was dry… Did you hear me? It was DRY! Not water falling from the skies as is usual and not a puddle on the trail, Great! Really good fun once ya get to the top. The climb up is quite technical in places. But all worthwhile going for.
Tuesday we did a more natural route, that was a killer, unfortunately I walked most and even my beloved walked a lot.
Wednesday we went to Glentress and had a really good fun day there, we parked near the new cafe and cycled out then back to the cafe for a bite and brew.

Once refreshed we headed back out onto the trail, by the time we finished, my legs were like jelly. Really like Glentress trails
Thursday we went back to Innerleithen to do a slightly different ride, when we got there they were marking up and taping off routes for the upcoming weekend of Down Hill racing, we had to duck under tape to stick to our routes but that wasn’t a problem. We did one lap then cycled out along the river to the cafe, biker friendly and good sized portions, very friendly staff. After our fill we headed back up for another round, only this time I forgot to put my knee/shin pads on, in my rush to keep up with my beloved and get some decent video footage. By the time I realised what I’d done I was halfway down the final descent and lost sight of my beloved anyway, so same old footage. First 3 seconds with him and last 10 minutes just me and the trail ;(
Friday was a good day, we went back to Glenntress to play around on the freeride area and the new berm section and the nice flowing blue descent, we spent most of the morning playing around up there.

Apart from mountain biking, we did have another adventure of sorts. I put our clothes in the wash Monday morning, so it would wash while we were out, couldn’t get it open that night and didn’t get into til Thursday as that’s when the landlord could get the specialists out… Lol

Ace week. Absolutely loved this week. Weather great and loving company.
Can’t wait for our next visit.

Annual Leave

What a week so far and it ain’t over yet
A fabulous gathering of old buddies, as the youngest of ‘em got wed on Saturday. Even better that we all had our other halves with us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arrived back home Sunday afternoon and slept a lot! …lol, getting too old for late nights an’ early mornings.
Monday we had to take the car for Mot and service, so we left the car at the garage 08:10 am. Not impressed that they were 10 minutes late
We decided to walk into our local town and have a Costa chocolate mmmmmm.
After a very short walk around, as it was still to early for shops, we decided we’d head to the train station and hop on a train into Oxford. Arriving at the platform, the next train wasn’t due for another hour. Blowed if I was waiting that long, so we headed back into town to get the bus, only to find the bus stop has moved, due to extensive building work. Typical!
We wandered around until we found our bus and luckily it had just pulled in
I don’t travel so good, motion sickness. But thankfully not too bad on this journey. Dropped off smack in centre of town, so that was good.
We went into Blackwell’s bookstore, first time for me. So small from outside and so big on the inside. Very nice book store, ya can’t beat a proper book to hold and the smell of books. You’ll not get that from an iPad or kindle.

Phone rang while we were in there, it was the mechanic. I had to ask him to repeat himself £995 OMG!
I can not believe the garage we use to use hadn’t spotted any of the damage and at least warned us this could be happening.
No new coat for me then!

Still we are on leave/vacation/holiday.
Tuesday we drove out to Woburn Sands. A well kept secret mountain bike area. So well kept we couldn’t find it. We parked up and followed the mountain bike sign, then every other sign was public footpath, or no cycles. …. What the hell? ….
We eventually found an area but this was for jump bikes and my god you take your life into your own hands. The jumps were everywhere crisscross each other.

 

 

 

We didn’t stay, disappointed we cycled back to the car along the footpaths ;( and drove back home.
Where we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in the garden and eating pizza
The weather has been glorious this week.
Wednesday we drove to Wales )) only problem for me was the heat, I was drained before we started, so I really struggled on the climbs but love the free ride area at the top and the final descent, when we got back to the car I had to change my top and leave my backpack as I’d run out of water ;( but this helped me keep cool on the climb so felt a little better and felt absolutely free on the descent.

Mind the steps round the tree babes

 

 

 

 

After the ride, I enjoyed a burger and drink and my beloved had a drink, was saving himself for a bacon butty at home .
Thursday, what a day. We drove to Southsea, beautiful, the flower gardens, the sea, the boats, the castle, the food it was just lovely strolling along the front with not a care in the world. If only every week could be like this, no work and glorious weather and perfect company. Couldn’t ask for more.
Tomorrow we’ll be heading out to another of our haunts Cannock Chase mountain bike trails,

not sure about Saturday but Sunday we’re gonna try to get some gardening done, just having too much fun for shopping and gardening .

Short afternoon ride

A quick trip out this morning, then housework to be done. Not got much planned other than cleaning and laundry as it’s raining out! What a surprise that is….the weekend and it’s raining!

As the morning passes by the rain eased off and the sun came shining through, so Kev disappeared out to the garden to get on top of the weeding ..about time too.

I finished up the housework and hung out the washing, don’t we live the high life!

After having a bite of lunch and a cat nap, I feel quite refreshed and it looks bright outside and after being stuck inside doing housework I could really do with going out to play. 

We grabbed our bike kit and got changed and out we went for a quick spin. Absolutely great, definitely just what I needed.  What more can I ask for on a Saturday afternoon?

A cold wind blowing making it quite fresh and the sun playing peek a boo with the clouds, hardly ever being able to free wheel. Stamina building, that’s what Kev calls it, as he hides behind me in my slip stream

Only out for an hour and just short of 14 miles, so glad we got out. I feel refreshed, re-energised and just simply GREAT!

Slow Ride

After a week on late shift, we arrived home a little after 21:00 hours Friday; faced with the task of preparing food for Saturdays day out, getting the bikes and bags ready and in the car and of course something to eat there and then.
The easiest way was to get the car packed up first, this always makes me feel giddy and excited about our forthcoming adventure.
Car packed, adrenalin flowing, I was on a roll; so while my beloved made a brew, I got the following days food cooking and prepared food to eat straight away.

All sorted fed watered changed ready for bed, but too excited to be tired enough to go to bed.
It was around 23:00 hours when we finally turned in and 04:00 hours when we rose, bright eyed and big smiles for our adventurous journey ahead. After what seemed like an eternity driving up the M1 we finally turned onto the A57 drawing closer to our destination. Lady Bower Reservoir.
We were early, even after stopping at services on route to eat and drink.
A quick trip to check out the facilities then for a walk around part of the res. taking a moment or three for photo’s.
Back at the car we decided to start getting the bikes and ourselves ready. one of the guys biking with us arrived at that point, now the clock was ticking down waiting for the others to arrive.
Everyone was suppose to be there for around 09:30 for a 10:00 start. Mmmmm don’t remember a time when we did actually leave for the allotted time
Nearer 10:30 when heading out on the ride, started steady, then the climbs hit us. When we finally made it somewhere near the top, out in the open; the wind was cold and blustery, I could hardly stand let alone ride my bike. But that is what we all attempted, a very blustery head/side wind. If you were in a rut when the gust of wind came you just prayed and leaned, knowing full well the bike and you were going to be diverted, whether you wanted to or not.
Pedalling like a lunatic down hill with head winds and side gusts. What is that all about!

The boys enjoyed some of the bird life around us while the natural views were pretty awesome.

The ride down some of the rocky descents were tricky with the wind at you, but real grin worthy, you really had to be there to appreciate it. Out there so close to nature, strong wind (not just from the boys). . Rocky descents and climbs, slimy slippy flatish sections and camaraderie, you really can’t beat it.
The return journey was made a little less struggle some as we had the wind behind us. (Yes, you heard right. Behind us)!

Though on the final leg with the res. car park in sight my legs had well and truly turned to jelly, 25 miles of sheer and utter fun. Hated it! ……..hehe!… Not really.

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Sunday Cold Sunday

Thankfully managed to get out on my bike today, first time since getting new handlebars; about 4 weeks ago now and yes even a rear mud guard.

Had to alter my saddle slightly again, the handlebars are fine and as it was so icy and cold not sure if the splash/mud guard is any good or not. It looks cool anyway

I must remember to take some new pics of my little bike, then you can see what I’m talking about.

We did just short of 19 miles today, my legs felt good, fairly strong. Considering I haven’t been out on the bike for a few weeks, that is good.

My other half has been fancying up his bike, getting it all blingy  Though still can’t out do my bike (hehe).

Well that’s the weekend over, but after my long ,long ,long days next week, I have another ride and hopefully my legs will be strong and my breathing even, going to be doing some off road riding can’t wait.

Weekend with the folks

Managed to get an early start on the journey North, not too many hold ups, even with any roadworks.

It was great to arrive home to my folks, a nice big hug from Dad and Ma, just what the doctor ordered.
Ma had made meat n tattie pie and mushy peas, delicious .

It was lovely to see my great nephews, the youngest usually shy’s away but he kept following us around, even up to our room to dump our bags. He is adorable, his older brother is usually a monkey and even he was on best behaviour, I could eat him up.

I had a beer or 4 trying to get Ma’s phone working, but glad to say, it seems to be working fine now .

Saturday we went to our favourite shop to get some boots and bought bits for the kitchen, after a stop at the market to see my sis and niece. It had started snowing by now and didn’t look like it was going to stop anytime soon.
So after purchasing some cards we decided to head out for lunch and just hope we could still drive back later.

Dinner was lovely, watching the snow continually fall wasn’t. There were a couple of times on the journey back home when there car slipped about, but managed to keep it controlled and arrived home safely. Because of the weather there had been an accident and resulted in police closing the road and my niece not being able to get home.
It was a good evening, though we had a house full, it was really nice only one missing was my nephew. Both nieces and my sis were there just like the good old days ahhh.

Will have to wait a few months now till we see them again.

Forest of Dean

Great day out, met up with old and recent friends. The Blue graded route Verdererar Forest of Dean was really cool, hell of a climb but brill descent;) the red route was shorter but more technical as it was vey slimy muddy and hard to ride, roots in lots of places made riding difficult. Great experience and build up of skills.
Absolute fun day out, a definite place to return to

Sad and Happy

Had a call from my Mom last week, my uncle’s funeral would be on Friday.
3 am Friday morning and me and my beloved are up having a brew and a bite, ready to head out on the journey North.

It was good seeing my family, it’s been an age, must’ve been January, last time we were there. That was for the funeral of my Aunt.
It all seems to be funerals lately and caused by Cancer!

My uncle was well liked through life and it was shown on Friday at his funeral, even though some couldn’t make it cos of commitments. The crematorium was packed out, all the seats taken and aisles filled.

I saw and met so many relatives I either just didn’t know or didn’t recognise. Such a big family.
After the gathering at the pub, I drove us home to my folks.

That evening we went out with my Sis and my folks, some managed a chippy tea, the rest of us didn’t make it out the pub.
My niece was left at home looking after her 2 boys, so she sent her niece (my great-niece) up to the pub for money to get her tea. Great- niece ended up staying with us and singing on the karaoke. Lol.
Saturday the sun was shining and we were up early, so after a brew and a bite, we put the bikes together and headed out to Lee and Cragg quarries.
The wind had picked up when we got up there, so I refused to go along some of the trail that has a sheer drop to the side. But I was still blown off my bike! Hadn’t quite got my balance right and then a strong gust of wind and off the log I went, right over another log, landing on the rocks with my bike on top of me. Really not the way to ride your bike!
I managed to go on and ride home, but by the end of the day, couldn’t raise my arm
It was a good day despite this as I met my nephew that I haven’t seen since he was about 3 years old. He is now in the Scots Guards. A nice polite young man. (around the family anyway). Wait until he gets used to us all

Cold, bright weekend

Another good weekend of cycling, we still haven’t gotten off roads; but getting some good distance in.
Even though the weather hasn’t been all good, Saturday we got hailed on and with the help of the wind, they came hammering down on us with force!
Thankfully that spell didn’t last too long, but when we were pitting the bikes away, the heavens opened, it was raining and hailing. We thought we were imprisoned in the garage for the night.
I decided to make a run for it and as I reached the back door the Thunder came pounding with such force, it made me jump in through the door and slip. Lol. I’m surprised I managed to stay upright.
Sundays ride was cold, long and hard; my legs were killing me.
At least I know I gave myself a really good work out this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it

Thank you very much Kev for being there and sharing the experience.

I hope everyone had a good weekend

Road cycling

Since moving to our new home and getting ourselves organised, we haven’t had the same opportunity to get some off road biking done.
But at least we live in such a location that we can get out on the local country lanes, even in the week after work.

At least we’re keeping our legs moving and exercising our lungs, muscles and minds. Excellent, feel fab after the rides even if slightly weary

Only 4 weeks to wait and we’ll be able to get some off road biking in.

Having fun and loving life :0