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posted by Pancanal at 5:35 PM
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What is a blog, anyway?!
Get training everyone - 8th October isn't that far away. I'll be there to cheer you on. Can't see me doing the cycle though - far too strenuous! Tell you what, I'll hand out the medals and take the photos. That sounds like a good deal to me
A blog is a diary on the internet, Rhonda! Bloggers can say something funny, or they can update everyone out there with their training stories. There is always a story to tell. For example, I could tell you about the other night when I decided to go for an impromptu cycle along the canal with Fiona F. We got as far as Almondell Aquaduct, which is always a scary moment for me. I don't know which way to look - left into the canal or right over the trees - it's so far down there. Perhaps if I just kept my eyes on the wee cobbledy bit of road then I wouldn't have to worry. Anyway, after we cross this part, somebody (not me, I'm sure it wasn't me) decided to take the route down towards the forest in Almondell, "it's bound to lead to a path at some stage". So, we descended a 1:2 (no exaggeration) "path" until we got deeper into the forest thinking that this must lead to a real path, it just has to. Thoughts of army training sprung to mind and assault courses, carrying our bikes over tree stumps, getting slapped in the face by holly bushes and crawling through undergrowth. It was beginning to get dark, but what was that noise, hurrah, a road - let's keep going. The traffic was getting louder and louder until eventually we found the road.....above our heads - it was the motorway and there was no sign of any exit whatsoever. Panic was beginning to set in, what should we do? There was suggestion from Mrs F that we take our socks and shoes off and walk across the (rather wild) water to find the path on the other side. Not being too happy with that thought, I decided it would be better that we head back. I had to fight back the tears at the thought of that 1:2 hill, but there was no option. Another 20 minutes or so later we were back - I would describe the trip but it's all a blur. The moral of the story - don't listen to the voice that says "I wonder what's down there"....
Mon 2nd Oct. Not used this blog as much as I anticipated, but perhaps it's that, thankfully, there haven't been any dramatic moments since my last note. Phew. Perhaps I take a bit more notice of cycle route paths these days. Went for a lovely trip on Saturday, one of my favourites, to Almondell country park and this time took the route to Mid Calder. It was a beautiful morning. Took time out to look for a kingfisher and within 5 seconds, spotted one, either that or a flying can of red bull - it was something that fleeted by along the river with a blue back. I contacted a local journalist yesterday to see if this kind of event makes news, have to wait and see. The big question is though, what is the weather forecast for Saturday. Will have to wait until tomorrow to see what BBC website says. Will write more later....
Re: last blog, I shouldn't imagine that spotting a kingfisher would make local news. That's the problem with hitting send rather than preview with a blog. I was obviously talking about the charity cycle event.
Looks like Saturday will be dry and sunny (unless of course the forecast was by Michael Fish!!!). Looking forward to the event and the banter and hopefully a less eventful start than last year. I might even try and keep up with the kids, anyone know if the Bridge Inn has Sky??
Oh my oh my! I feel like I am recovering after a heavy night out or a heavy cold, but I do believe I am not the only one. Exhaustion is the word that Leesa came up with - yes, that's it. Tiredness - nah, that's something you have when you need an early night. But exhaustion - well why don't you try it yourself and maybe you'll experience it. Anyway, I really shouldn't complain. We had a great tail wind which at some points meant you could free-wheel - I cottoned on to that but others didn't quite get it (hehe!). The weather wasn't quite up to the BBC website's glorious blob of sunshine. It only got really drizzly and miserable when we stopped for lunch at the Falkirk Wheel, but believe you me, soggy sandwiches and quickly cooling cups of tea didn't really hit the spot. However the jelly babies and funsize mars bars (why bother, king size would have been much better) lightened the mood. But it did mean that we got on with it, left the midway point and pedalled home with incentive. What I can't understand is why did the first half take 2 and a half hours and the second half (exactly same distance) take 3 and a half hours? Did that headwind at Winchburgh perhaps blow us back 10 miles? Or did anyone else notice feel it was like cycling through treacle? And why did that bit go on for over half an hour when it's only about 2 miles or so? Anyway. We all seem to have survived, albeit one unnamed person has an extra set of buttocks (as happened last year) even though this year he bought extra padding. Oops, has that narrowed it down? I believe we're on again for next year. Please let me know if this becomes as predictable as the Royal Highland Show or Children in Need. Having said that, they both do pretty well. Roll on Sat 6th Oct 2007....
Special mentions go to Elliot (my boy) and Scott Forsyth who managed to get by doing nothing all year, come in 2nd and 3rd respectively, and have the appearance that they've walked to the end of Ratho Park Road, sat on the swings all afternoon, and leisurely walked back. What's that about? And as for the whippet - Ronnie Lindsay - he's starting from Bowling next year!
Thanks to everyone who took part. Thanks especially to everyone who sponsored those of us that took part. Please don't think that it was easy for us. I forgot to mention Fiona Forsyth's calfs, but honestly, it wasn't a breeze - it was really hard work and it was hard earned sponsorship. Thank you again.
Cant believe what a difference from last year. They have removed the treacle from the tow path at Winchburgh and it was a joy on the weather front. Really should have done more training but hey i will be saying exactly the same thing next year!!!
What a boost when we got a mention on the radio thanks to Brenda.
A fantastic day well organised by kim as usual with wonderful company. That pint (or two) at the bridge inn really hits the spot.See you all next year!
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