My Ramblings

Day -1 (of the rally) So, tomorrow, Patrick and I will be riding up to set up our campsite ready for two days of (not quite off) roading. I've got my camping gear packed, but I've been getting confused about how to pack things that I will want whilst riding vs stuff to leave at camp. Then I realised that I've never done that before. whenever we've gone on a trip we've always stayed a night and then moved on to the next place. Only once have we set up and stayed in the same place for more than one night, and that was at Assen to watch the MotoGP. Guess I'll get it sorted today. I think I've got everything I need, except a way to pump up my tyres if I have a puncture. I have a puncture repair kit, but no pump. hmmm, will have to think on that. I think I will be taking a rucksack so that I can carry stuff out on the rides with me, but I may try to attach it to the back of the bike instead of wearing it as it might get too hot. Today is wet and rainy

Day -2  (of the rally) I can't remember where I saw it, but I found details about an event called the Wales-500 . It's a 500 km off road (ish) motorcycle weekend. I've never done any off road riding. but have always wanted to, so, I decided (and no, I wasn't drunk) that it would be a great introduction to off-road riding and I entered it. Now I actually have to do it as a friend of mine said he would like to do it too. No wit's not just me, so I cant suddenly come down with the plaque and stay at home. It's funny how many things seem like a good idea until it actually come to doing them. But, with two more days until we ride to the Malvern Showground to the start of this event, I have started packing. Now the event expects us to follow as closely as possible a pre-designed route. the winner will be the rider (or team?) who most closely matches the routes mileage. I have entered the GPS category. I thought this would make things easier. Then I realise

I have just completed my first triathlon of 2018. On Sunday I completed the Lydney First Tri . I managed to get round in 2:10:56. Although not a great time, I am happy enough just to have completed it as I haven't really cycled since my last tri back in September. I almost didn't make it to the start line as my shoulder was playing up in the week running up to the race (I decided that, with a week to go, I really should get out on the bike. I think the sudden move back into cycling and leaning on the handlebars got to my shoulder). I was also very nervous. This would only be my second tri in many, many years and I think self doubt was creeping in and nagging at me that maybe I should wait until I'd done more training. But, I managed to ignore my little inner voice telling me that there was no way I would complete the course, and got up, dressed and got to Lydney Leisure Centre for about 07:45. I left everything in the car and went to have a look around. I like to