Back to normal.

I am very happy that after my scare on Saturday last a scan at the RHCH on Wednesday showed no signs of a clot, blockage or bleed in my brain. (As the consultant said, "There is nothing there!").

A VERY HAPPY BUNNY!

He had already told me there was no need to stop cycling, in fact he encouraged me to keep it going. So on Tuesday 21st August I went out with The Pedallers.

Thursday 23rd August was a good day for me to cycle to join the HCMF as I needed to consult with my helpers to finalise the programme for the last four months of 2018. This has now been done and circulated to online members. Those who still live in the days of snail mail will have to wait a couple more days. Thankfully there are only 4 of those now.

Then on Saturday, 25th August, it seemed like a good idea to bank a weekend ride as it seems likely there would be rain on Sunday. So I went for a gentle ride to Lasham with my pal Cycmon.

Sunday 26th August. After a rather emotional day yesterday I was woken this morning by a horrible dream at a quarter to six. Decided that to exorcise the demons from my head I would go for a solo bike ride. I love riding Paris, he seems to want to fly along and I enjoy riding fast (well fast for me). As I concentrate on what I am doing all negative thoughts are blown away in my slipstream. 

I set off at 7 a.m. with little idea of where I was heading. I soon found myself climbing through Kilmeston and thought it would be nice to bomb down Wheeley Down. I was pleased when I got home to discover that I clocked a new PB doing so.

Another PB going up Lippen Lane. (So it's not just "no brakes Bryce"). Only managed a second best up the steepest hill of the day, (Filmore Hill Lane) but I was not disappointed with that.

As I rode through Privett and West Tisted I could see the rain clouds coming so I turned for home through Lyewood. As I descended through Ropley it started to spit with rain drops but didn't come to much until after I was safely home. A most enjoyable early morning ride, I must try them more often. 

I think I have done enough to stand a chance of winning the TUK medal this week but there have been some strong challenges from the other Groupetta riders so I must wait until the day is over and Strava has been updated to find out.

A week with many mixed emotions but with the encouragement of my many good friends I have survived extremely well. You know who you are, MANY THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT!

GRIDIRONMAN

Only 20+ miles!

It has been a very sorry tale of little riding this past week due to a number of different circumstances.

I was very busy with domestic and garden matters on Tuesday so did not join the Pedallers. On Wednesday I had a number of family and charity matters to deal with and the LotSW group were not riding so I thought I'll get a good ride in on Thursday, with Simon, going to the HCMF meet at North Waltham. It was pouring with rain when I woke on Thursday and continued all morning so Simon and I agreed not to go. By 2 o'clock it had stopped raining and by teatime the roads had dried out so I thought I'd pop to the pub on the bike by a roundabout route. Here are the details:-

I had planned to join Steve and the Winchester CTC ride on Saturday but when I woke on Saturday morning I had symptoms similar to those I had last year when I had a suspected TIA. I rang 111 and after I'd described my symptoms they sent an ambulance. I spent the morning in hospital being checked over numerous times until eventually I was told that it is quite likely I have never had a TIA but that there is some other reason for the tingling sensations I have been having. I have to go on Wednesday for a further consultation but in the meantime, I have been told I should carry on was normal including cycling, but not to overdo it!

Yesterday I did a little gardening and this morning I have enjoyed following the progress of many of my friends on Strava, especially PinkPal and Andy who have both done over 100 miles in the week and have been jointly awarded the TUK medal.

Watch this space for further news in due course!

Gridironman.

Three Counties Tour & A Visit to the Cotswolds

On Wednesday, August 8th, I decided that it would be good to join my LotSW pals for a ride. I drove to Whitchurch where  I met up with Caroline and Ian and the superb waffler David. I was not disappointed as Ian had planned a very good ride to the Littlecote Hotel near Hungerford.  We were late setting off and with a 10 minute or so waffle stop in Armansworth we arrived at the coffee stop in time for lunch. Afterwards, we continued to the Hotel via Hungerford, where we arrived in time to enjoy my after lunch coffee whilst the others tucked into tea and cakes. The return was over the hills into the Bourne valley where Caroline excelled herself leading us at speed down the valley.  An excellent day out. 

Green Man

Lovely Country Cottage.

The Faffers.

Speedy Caroline.

Despite the change in the weather, I have had another very enjoyable weekend away in Dobbin with Paris. I set off on Thursday, August 9th, and met my brother, Robin, in Cricklade. It was his birthday so after treating him and his wife Diana for lunch he took me for a ride. Here are the details:

The following day, Friday, August 10th, it was a very wet morning so I waited patiently until the weather brightened up. I left the Caravan Club park at Cirencester at around 1 p.m.and explored the lanes between Kemble and Cerney Wick not planning my route but just meandering about.  It was much easier riding than I had expected and I managed 15 miles in my first hour. That could not continue of course once I found some gentle hills. I still made good progress and stopped for a cup of coffee and a lardy cake in the village shop in Paulton. £1.85! Great value. I had not moved out of my big ring (50 teeth) all day until I climbed the hill from the town of Cirencester to the Camping Club site. which was the steepest hill on a very easy day. Here is the route of my very erratic progress:

After a rest and a cuppa, I decided to do another ride in the evening to the Thames Head Pub just a few miles away. I needed to make it a decent ride so I went via the villages of Coates and Tarlton to get there. Had to use my lowest gear for the first time all day! After a good meal, I returned to the campsite via Kemble and Ewen where my brother used to live. 

Saturday, August 11th, was a day for family business, Robin picked me up and we went to a Garden party at my Niece's home in Llanvair Discoed near Chepstow. It was a lovely family reunion day with many members of my family there as well as many of Glenys's friends. The weather didn't co-operate and we spent most of the party sheltering from the rain inside or under the canopy by the back door. Nevertheless a great day.

Today Sunday, August 12th, I decided not to ride as it was raining heavily at 9.00 when I would have set off to visit my home village of Cranham. Instead, I went by camper car.  I was so pleased I had gone as it had been Cranham Feast on Saturday and the Church was beautifully decorated with flowers. I enjoyed a chat with one of the current parishioners. 

Next, I visited my friend Geoffrey and his wife in Sheepscome and then called on another niece in Stroud for a brief chat and a welcome coffee before returning home.

It had been a little disappointing trip because of the rain on three of the four days but it was still a very enjoyable weekend with the renewal of family ties and other friendships. 

I have now enjoyed 5 of these mini Camper/Cycle trips without any major problems.

Gridironman.

A very busy week.

Hi all. I have had a very busy time with 5 rides totalling just over 150 miles this week. They involved many of my cycling friends. On Wednesday Caroline, Ian and David. On Thursday primarily Simon but also about 20 of the HCMF. Friday, once again with Simon and later with Paddy. Today Sunday 5th I rode alone but still got to chat with others. I will let the 5 reports tell the rest of the story. I have not won the TUK medal despite my efforts this goes to PinkPal wh has managed 188 miles. Well done!

Cheers!

Gridironman.