Winter Walk

Dave came over today and we went over to the Isle of Sheppy for a walk with my whippet, Poppy. The marshes were beautiful and there was a lot of frozen water about. We found it difficult to keep to the prescribed route, but eventually made it to our destination, the Harty Ferry Inn, lovely pub but sadly "no dogs" so we had a quick coffee and headed back. total distance covered was around 10 miles and Poppy only fell through the ice once!

If you like quiet, bleak scenery I'd recommend this walk.

Brighton Poly Cyclists Reunion #2

Made the long journey South to participate in this wonderful event. I think Matt's got the format just about right now; Good company, an excellent ride around Sussex and moules frites in the Belgian Cafe in Eastbourne.

Sadly only three of us made it this year, and having travelled through a lot of snow I wasn't too sure if we'd actually get to ride. However Eastbourne's micro climate saw us riding in wet but not freezing conditions.

We set off initially for the Soverign Light Cafe in Bexhill where we joined the local Derby and Joan Xmas lunch. A quick coffee and a teacake and we were back on the road. Heading West now in persistent rain we enjoyed the tail wind through Cooden Beach and onwards to Westham and eventually Polegate, here we bravely chose the hilly route back over Filting, Jevington East Dean and finally Beachy Head. Having not been out on the road for 3 months and not being able to get out of the saddle I found the climbs pretty tough, but JJ and Matt didn't take advantage!

Back in ~Eastbourne we showered before heading for a late lunch at the Belgian Cafe near the pier, here our beautiful and attentive waitress kept us happy with some wonderful beers, and moules frites, it was all very authentic, I'm sure we'll be back again.

Legs were pretty sore when I got home, and some very thought provoking conversation has given me some interesting ideas.

Another crappy December day

So dark when I woke up. Didn't fancy getting out of bed, but forced myself. Weather was miserable all day, first summoned to Boss who kindly informed me that I hadn't been successful in my application for my job which I'd been doing for 15 years, he then went on to suggest I should be interested in pensions! Ha! They have to maintain my pay for three years, so there is a silver lining, I guess.

Staff training at the end of the day was pointless as was unable to log on to do the work. Balls!

Curry was good though.

Going to have a little ride on the turbo trainer tonight, should be pleasant as this is my recovery week after three hard weeks.

Broken elbow hasn't improved much recently, 12 weeks since accident now. Half way to getting the pins out.

So only 9 days left at work before Xmas, hopefully the New Year will see improved fortunes.

Nice pic of Eddy, inspirational for my ride in the Paris Roubaix Sportive on 6th June, think not succeeding at interview could be good for cycling career!

November

Highlight of month was Club coach trip to Ghent for the Six Day. As usual some people underestimated the power of Belgian beer!!!

It was great to meet up with some old friends, some of whom I hadn't seen for years. Racing was thrilling and kids loved getting some autographs.

Rains have been Biblical and consequently I've not been too bothered by my injured elbow, as I've got down to some serious turbo training. Pins are now sticking well out through skin so my op to remove them can't come too soon.

With Christmas on the horizon we went shopping in Maidstone yesterday. What are people like? Stupid, fat and ugly, that's what! I can't believe some of the sights!