Tuesday 4 October 2016

Blessing of the Rings

2nd October 2016

After having Gilly's wedding ring re-made, we decided to have the ring blessed along with mine at Greatham Church, also it served to re-affirm our wedding vows after 27 years of marriage.
The blessing was included within the normal Church service but even so Dom the Vicar and his congregation along with close family, made this a very special occasion.
Writing this now made me realise several things;

  • How lucky I am to be married to so such a wonderful woman.
  • To have two fantastic sons who make me so proud of the men they have become.
  • What a positive, inspiring and loving bunch of people these are.
  • Platinum - bloody hell it's expensive!




Monday 5 September 2016

London Zoo

3rd September 2016

Myself, Gilly, Philip & Gaby went for a tour round London Zoo courtesy of Michael Tully, brilliant day made by Michael as he knew the place inside out having worked there for the last 3 years, in fact Friday was his last day.

So many highlights but seeing the tigers and cubs was pretty awesome along with having a personal meeting with the penguins at the end of the day.



Wednesday 6 July 2016

Welsh Wales

2nd July 2016

Short weekend in Pembrokeshire, usual haunts including Saundersfoot & Tenby. Stayed in a lovely country house on the outskirts of Laugharne, this small village on the edge of the coast was an interesting bonus. Sun shone on both days making it hard to leave.



Monday 6 June 2016

Tour of Cambridgeshire

6th & 7th June 2016

Myself, Drew, Darryl & Rob set off in 1 car and 1 campervan Friday afternoon for this two ride event, a timetrial Saturday with a Gran Fondo on Sunday.

Traffic was a nightmare and after registering and checking in at the hotel we set off late to ride the TT course, which was fairly flat. Quick turnaround and off to meet Paddy and Seb for some pasta.

Saturday's TT was good and I posted a time of 43:50 ish a bit behind Darryl & Rob, Drew unfortunately punctured 400 metres from the start.

Met up again with the guys for an evening meal.

Sundays Gran Fondo was effectively an 80 mile race per age category, although myself and Drew sneaked in with the others in the slightly younger category. Also a very hot day.

Once off it was super fast with Seb & Rob slightly ahead with myself, Drew & Darryl playing catchup, few sketchy moments with lots of riders bunched up. After approximately 12 miles, Darryl was in the ditch & punctured, luckily not seriously hurt but we couldn't fix the puncture, game over for him!
I carried in and ploughed on weaving my way through riders, unfortunately after reaching 40 miles the first signs of tiredness crept in, the last 20 miles was a nightmare with cramp severely cramping my ride, the finish was a relief in just over 4 hours.

Felt light headed and sick afterwards and I guess that was down to the earlier efforts, heat and wind.

Rob & Seb had done amazing rides with Drews being respectable, all earning themselves UCI medals.

Great but tough weekend.






Friday 3 June 2016

Barbados to Bracklesham

Great bank holiday weekend camping trip to Stubcroft Farm for Ali's birthday. Stayed over for 3 nights, amazing weather and really good fun. The usual football, rounders, fry ups and stories around the camp fire.
3 big tents and at times there were getting on for 22 people. 



Thursday 2 June 2016

Phil racing

2nd June 2016

Phil raced in this Surrey League handicap race finishing 3rd in the sprint with some top company:-

"I was away on my own for a bit, then joined by one more for ages. Then joined by Chris McNamara and one other. Lots of attacking each other, then 3rd in the sprint. Really tough race"

Chapeau!


Wednesday 25 May 2016

New York & Barbados Diary

Left Heathrow on a Virgin flight 09:05, arrived in New York at around mid-day local time which in reality was 5pm due to the time difference. Thought we'd sample the delights of the public transport system using the subway, entertaining lugging 2 suitcases and at times felt vulnerable due to some unsavoury looking characters. Hotel Chambers is nice, quaint and in a great location. Meal at TFI Fridays, plus stroll around in the rain, yes rain. Back to hotel, sleep and more sleep.

Day 2
Woke up early and out of the hotel by 7am, gorgeous sunny morning. Streets were quiet and we stopped off for breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner, very lively place with the singing waiters/waitresses, highlight was them singing "Le Mis". Carried on with our walking tour, which included Times Square. Cafe stop at La Freud where unbelievably the waitress waived the bill as we were her first customers! Ground Zero was emotional and staggering. Stopped for a Subway and on to a ferry trip to Staten Island where we had a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Another boat trip to Brooklyn which was very pleasant and caught the river ferry to just past Long Island. Walk back via McDonalds to the hotel. Shattered!!

Quick nap and then a relatively short stroll back to Times Square where we had a meal at Bubba Gump, lovely meal at this popular and famous shrimp restaurant, very late back.

Day 3
Out at 9 and did a quick tour of the shops, underground Apple Store was cool, meandered down to Time Square, Burger King lunch, purchased some tickets to see "Kinky Boots" direct from the Theatre for the matinee. Went to Maceys which is the Mecca for shopaholics, fortunately or unfortunately had limited time as we had to be back for the show. What a show it was, funny, good story and brilliant. Walk back and a quick stroll around Central Park, pigeons, squirrels, woodpeckers and raccoons! Nice meal in an Italian restaurant and it was time to pack.

New York was great, unfortunately 2 days isn't really enough time to fully savour it.

Day 4
Up very early and we took a Yellow Taxi to JFK, driver was in a rush so we got there in plenty of time.

A 5 hour flight saw us arrive at Barbados for 1pm and we were whisked through security on a fast track service with a car waiting, this is more like it. Chatty but barely legible driver told us of the drought and the bush fires, hasn't rained for months! Checked in at the Mango Bay hotel, lunch and a quick dip and a sunbathe.

Day 5
Day on the beach, water crystal clear and warm. We both had a trip out on a Hobbie Cat which was fun. Turns out my Primani tee/shirt isn't UV protective and I've ended up looking like a lobster!

Day 6 Wednesday
Day on the beach, we both stayed out of the sun, although Gill still caught the sun, she now looks more lobster than me! Another go on the Hobbie Cat with the instructor, but very gusty. Just before dinner we got a taxi over to The Cliff, a high-end restaurant/hotel and boy what a place, restaurant and bar on stilts with large tarpon swimming below, if I ever win the lottery this is one place I would like to stay!

Day 7
Trip around part of the island today taking in St. Nicholas Abbey, which is famous for its history and rum. Then onto the wildlife reserve with it's turtles, monkeys and deer. Finally stopped off at Bathsheba Bay famous for its weathered rocky beach plus surf. Back at the hotel for a late lunch and then chill.

Day 8 Friday 20th May
Hotel made a real fuss of us today, table decorated at breakfast, went back to the room and that had balloons and a banner.

Caught the reggae bus into Bridgetown which was interesting, the town itself was nothing special, nice harbour area but the shopping area was a bit shanty. Reggae bus back, music was very loud on this one and we stopped at some more shops for a browse. Lunch at the hotel with more decoration. Afternoon by the beach, had a go at paddle boarding which was ok and then we both went out on the glass bottom boat which was very good especially swimming with the fish over the wreck.

Dinner at the hotel with even more decorations and when we got back to the room, petals everywhere plus a bottle of champagne! Unfortunately we'd had a lot of wine and cocktails so were done with alcohol!

Day 9 Saturday

Woke with a thick head! Went for a 2 hour trip on a Catamaran, swam with turtles, which was awesome! Rest of the day chilling by the beach. Managed to get another dose of sunburn, lobster part II.

Day 10 Sunday
Water skiing first thing, managed to get up first go and stay up, even with the best efforts from the instructor to shake me off! Gilly had a brief attempt but couldn't take the mess it was making of her hair!

Afternoon we both paid to have a go on a jet ski which was fun but because of the wind we were both drenched.

Day 11
Last day, chill by the beach, kayaking and more cocktails!

Met some nice people, Joyce & Tony (Alton) and Carol & Dave who were into their deepsea fishing. Lovely place and the beach and sea was perfect, resort very good, food got better as the week went on. Great all inclusive which included loads of cocktails and water sports.




Friday 13 May 2016

New home

13th May 2016

Phil and Gaby completed today on their new home in North Holmwood, nr Dorking. A slow move in but have now settled in, although surprised to see not a single bike in the house!







Monday 2 May 2016

Majorca

Majorca diary

Day 1 Monday 25th April 2016
Early EasyJet flight meant a stupid o'clock start, flight okay but a long delay with picking up the car meant it was getting on for mid-day before getting to the hotel, upgrade to a bigger room was nice. Bit of a delay picking up the Colnago v1-r's. Went for a hilly 2.5 hour ride. Felt very tired. Disaster, Darryl lost his passport picking up the bikes.

Day 2
Warm and sunny day and a big hilly ride including Sa Colobra. Not that impressed with the bike as the saddle kept slipping.

Now very tired.

Day 3
Drove out to Petra and did the Tour of the monasteries, well two anyway. Desperate for a recovery ride today but typically of Rob ended up being nearly 60 miles with 2 big climbs. Felt very tired so soft tapped keeping HR below 140. Very warm and sunny day, with coffee and lunch at the top of both climbs made up for the long ride.

Day 4
Drove out to Selva to do a climbing day, legs felt much better and generally not so tired. Had a light lunch in Soller. Weather very dull and damp, cold at the top of Puig Major and low cloud. Heating back on at the room.

Day 5 Friday
Just myself and John today as Darryl & Rob were on passport duty, Darryl had to get a train from Inca to Palma. Rode out to Petra and up to the Monastery, then to Inca where we met Darryl & Rob. Darryl came with us up to the Monastery while Rob did his own loop. The 3 of us then rode via the orange groves. Petra was really nice sitting in the square with coffee & cake. Coffee back in Pollensa in Tolos.

Day 6 Saturday
Up sharpish and out the door by 8:30 for the out to the lighthouse and back ride. Bit of rain made this a UK type of ride and especially easy on the descents. Nightmare traffic because of the ride 312. Late lunch in Santa Maria, typical Easyjet flight delay.







Great week of cycling with a good bunch of guys.


Sunday 24 April 2016

Cycling

2up Wessex Vets

Myself and John teamed up again for this one, John bless him suffered a bit on the climbs but we still both put in a reasonable time of 47:08 on this really hilly course.


Stockbridge April 2016

Phil finished 17th in his first "proper" road race of the year, each year these races attract a stronger field and he did really well to get in the front group.
Chapeau!


Monday 18 April 2016

April owls

Sunday 17th April 2016

Thanks to Clare, we got to get up close and personal with several different types of owl today.

A charming couple have been keeping and displaying these amazing birds for years and we were very lucky to have been invited in to their home. 

Sussex 2up Championship

17th March 2016

Myself and John took part in this event on a very chilly Sunday morning, lumpy and country lanes makes for an interesting event.

20 seconds into our ride, disaster struck, John's left hand tri-bar snapped and was dangling! Fortunately he was able to keep going but not in an aero position, the second lap he managed to get in a better position and our speed increased.

Finishing in 1:10:00 ish was very respectable considering and we were both very happy with that, couple of minutes behind the chuckle brothers, Rob & Darryl.








Monday 14 March 2016

London weekend

11th to 13th March

Friday;
Drove up to London and parked at Tower Bridge, we then walked to the hotel, which was the Tower of London Hilton with the amazing rooftop sky lounge. We had a light lunch in Leadenhall Market right in the heart of the City. In the evening we took a taxi over to Roux@Parliament Square, after champagne we had an 
amazing 10 course taster meal, with a few glasses of matched wine! What a privilege to eat at this restaurant, top class food & service. Not biased but my favourite course was the sea bass (prepared by Tom), oh and the pig, oh and don't forget the chocolate dessert!

Saturday;
We went for a stroll via the Tower of London then over to the Monument (The Great Fire), up the 311 steps to the top to enjoy the view! Coffee followed at the Hydrant courtesy of Sarah. More meandering before hooking up with Tom.

In the evening we took another taxi (courtesy of Uber) to the Dominion Theatre to see World of the Worlds, which was epic, the music was spine tingling. Finished the evening off with Prossecco at the sky lounge.

Sunday;
Checked out, walked over to the Shard where we had coffee on the 32nd floor, slightly awkward as I had to go back to the car for my smart shoes as I wasn't smart enough! Drove home via Richmond Park where we stopped for a quick late lunch by the river.

Fab weekend!



Friday 4 March 2016

Worlds champs

3rd March 2016

World track championships at the Velo Park with Rob & Darryl, had the good fortune to see Wiggo in action in the pursuit, unfortunately after an epic final we just missed out on the gold. Superb ride from Laura Trott taking gold. The atmosphere was amazing.

Tuesday 1 March 2016

Timetrials

First TT of the year on our clubs hard riders open event, second of the sporting time trial series, unfortunately I was unable to make the first event due to manflu and still felt chesty on this ride. Still good to get the first one out of the way and also try out the new TT helmet.

27:21 put me in the must try harder category and behind all my chums.

Saturday 23 January 2016

London

16th January 2016

Shopping & Natural History Museum with Tom & Sarah.


Saturday 12 December 2015

Birthday boy

Grand old age of 52, the night before in London having a nice steak at the Flat Iron Steak House!


Wednesday 18 November 2015

Amsterdam

Wednesday 11th November
Out Wednesday 11th November on an early BA flight our first time with hand luggage only!

Once checked in we went for a wander around the museum quarter and vondel park, in the evening went to the old town. Nice steak meal and an interesting walk around the red light district, beautiful and not so beautiful girls. Made me realise how nannified our country has become, everyone cycles, no one wears a helmet even on scooters and are completely open about sex and drugs. Took some night pics.

Thursday 12th 
Sunny but fresh.
Tram & foot tour, markets, coffee, cake, canals and repeat. Evening photo walk and dinner at a tapas bar which was just ok.

Friday 13th 
Mainly sunny.
Tram & walk to Anne franks huis, massive queue so decided to have some coffee & cake and a canal trip instead, this was very nice. More walking and a lovely lunch in a Thai restaurant in the Joordan quarter. Started to rain so got the tram back to the hotel. Superb evening meal at Humphreys, 3 courses, 2 beers & 2 wines & coffee €70 fantastic.


Saturday 14th
Tram, walking, coffee, cake, nice food, churches, redlight district (again), drug shops but not a chemists, bikes and more bikes, but what a lovely place!
Arrived at the airport in plenty of time, security scare at Gatwick meant flight delayed by 2.5 hours, home very late :(





Wednesday 28 October 2015

Engaged

25th October 2015

After weeks of planning, Phil proposed to Gaby and they're now officially engaged!

This was done with bags of style & sophistication, staying at The Shard for the night, private area overlooking the City, hand made bespoke diamond ring, six course meal and champagne!

Setting the bar very high! But we are all so happy & proud of them both.





Thursday 22 October 2015

Birthday Girl



20th October 2015

Went up to London for the afternoon and evening, met up with the boys for dinner, then went to watch "Thriller Live". 
Great, fun and a lively show, the birthday girl was very happy!





Monday 12 October 2015

Chippenham 3up

11th October 2015

Last time trial of the season for me, the 3up TTT organised by Chippenham Wheelers with Rob & Darryl. Weather was dry but with a strongish Easterly wind. 
Having struggled a bit all year with TTs this was going to be tough and sure enough it was, the two guys were on form and in the flat we were motoring. The hills gave me a chance to shine and did most of the pace making on these. 
We had a great ride bar a chain off on the first big hill and this cost us probably 20 to 30 seconds, aside from this it was smooth and fast.
We finished in 59:06 and were awarded prize money for being the fastest vets.


Friday 9 October 2015

John Wood RIP


29th September 2015

As usual a sad occasion but also pleasant to hear he had done so much in his life.

Saw some old faces plus these pics;

Thursday 1 October 2015

More sport


27th September 

Milland Hill Surrey League 

Awesome ride from Phil on this sunny morning, in a break with 2 others on the first lap, gap increased to just under 2 minutes.
Unfortunately, the peloton started to chase and the cramp was starting to kick in. On the last lap they were caught by a chasing group and Phil finished a very respectable 7th!








Sunday 20 September 2015

Sport round up

19th September

...a3crg hosted its last TT of the year on the p881R in warm sunshine.

Phil raced and posted a very quick 20:14, which for only his 2nd TT for 2 years was amazing. I managed a pretty average 22:40 something but did have an excuse that my back was really uncomfortable, that's my excuse and I'm using it.

20th September

Myself, Ali & Chris entered the Petersfield Triathlon today, swim went okay - smooth but steady, the morning mist meant for a sluggish bike ride and the run was well, pretty uncomfortable. Nearly embedded myself in a tractor on the bike section but all good, back not too bad. Ali & Chris did very well, seeing as it was only there 3rd or 4th ride on a road bike.











RIP

Thursday 17th September 2015

Sadly, John Wood passed away in the early hours, will be missed by many.
Before he became ill was always very friendly and very happy.

Has left a football legacy in Petersfield Town Juniors.

R.I.P.

Tuesday 8 September 2015

Car Fest South

28th August 2015

Fab day at the Chris Evans/Children in Need car and music show. The One Show was filmed live whilst there which was also entertaining...


Monday 24 August 2015

Cruise from Venice



Cruise diary

Thursday 13th July;
EasyJet flight delayed by 1 hour but rest of journey ok, hilton hotel in Mestre very nice. Purchased a 48hour travel ticket. Bus into Venice. Walked to the Rialto Bridge, reasonable meal close to the canal. Vaporetto back to the bus station. Drink at hotel. 

Very warm.

Friday;
Bus in, walk via Rialto bridge to St Marco Square, very busy. Quick lunch, vaporetto across to San Giorgio Maggiorie bell tower with spectacular views. Gelato then a ride on a Gondola, this was very pleasant. Back to hotel then swim. Bus back in, vaporetto to San Marcuola, walk to Fondamentadella Della Misericordi for a meal, restaurants were very busy. Disappointing meal and bus back. Shattered but a really nice day. Treated to a full on thunderstorm at midnight.
Very warm.

Saturday;
Left hotel at 11:00 with a short taxi ride to the ship.
Set sail at 6pm, weather again very warm.
Very nice meal in the grand Pacific restaurant. Bit of a boogie.

Sunday;
Nice breakfast, very angry storm came in. Myself & Gilly went for a jacuzzi in the storm which was weird with the thunder and lightening.

Arrived at Dubrovnik late due to the storms. Usual bun fight to get off the ship. Walked to the old city, a long walk but some nice views, especially the looming dark storm. Nearly made it into the old city before the heavens opened, probably the worst storm I've been out in, took shelter in a bus stop, moved to another location but got absolutely soaked, very dangerous with the lightening plus flooded roads. We all decided to bail out and clambered onto a shuttle bus, at the last minute I jumped off as it looked to be brightening up, the others stayed on the coach and went back to the ship to dry out.

Rain and thunder eased off and eventually stopped. Dubrovnik was lovely with lots of streets and lanes with cafes, shops etc. did the walk around the walls which was good. Trek back to ship, storm clouds looming again.

Weather - wet but warm.

Monday;
Day at sea.
Very sunny and a bit breezy equals sun burn.
70s dance class was fun.
Meal plus 70s disco till late. Knackered.

Tuesday;
Arrived early at Piraleaus.

Got 2 taxis who took us to the Acropolis who then offered to take us around the sites and back to the ship for €25 each. Started off with the Acropolis which was extremely busy and hot, next stop was the Olympic temple the very original. Next up was where they were changing the guard which was amusing. Then we went to the first modern day Olympic stadium 2500 years ago. The drivers then dropped us off at Plaka (sp) the old town, had some souvlaki which was expensive and dull. Old town was nice though. Back to ship, driver wanted more money which he didn't get. Dined in the Asian restaurant which was very good, plus went for a round of Tequila shots.

Wednesday;
Kusadasi-turkey

Very hot.
Myself, Gilly, Philip, Gaby & Clare jumped in a taxi to Ephesus, walked through the remains of the old roman city which was pretty stunning and not too busy. Clare slipped on the marble but luckily was ok. In particular the old library was stunning. The taxi then picked us and took us to Adaland where we met Tom & Sarah who had caught the bus. Very big & expensive water park, the youngsters however were in their element with the number of slides. I did a couple of the slides but wasn't allowed to wear my glasses which was a real pain.

Taxi then dropped us off near the port and we wandered through the shops. Experienced baclava which was very tasty. Quiz and then a very tasty meal. Then off to the White night disco.

Thursday;
Day at Sea, warm but windy, no sun burn this time!

Gilly feeling under the weather, she went back to bed.

Myself and Tom went for a massage followed by the usual quality meal.

Tour of the onboard shops followed by a Jazz nightcap.

Friday;
Arrived at Split around 10:30am, warm and sunny, disembarked at 11:00am.

Tour of the taxi ranks and tourist shops, Gilly found a reasonable deal to take us to krka national park by minibus, journey took about an hour.

Very picturesque place with a big river and a series of waterfalls. Myself, Phil, Tom & Sarah went for a swim in the river which was nice. GoPro packed up, didn't help dropping it in the water!

Back in time for a quick spin around the old town which was lovely, nice meal again.

Saturday;
Venice arrival
Warm and sunny

Off the ship around 10:30

Vaporetto into San Marco, wandered around Venice, not as busy as before, vaporetto back to cruise terminal.


Fantastic memorable holiday with so much packed in.

Monday 27 July 2015

Milland Hill Road Race

26th July 2015

Torrential rain for most of this E12 road race today meant this was going to be a tough one, Phil dug in really well and managed to get in the lead-group, finishing an impressive 10th place.


Result – Rake National B Road Race
1. Lloyd Chapman, Richardson Trek RT
2. Max Stedman, Pedal Heaven RT
3. Ashley Dennis, Catford CC at 6 seconds
4. Andrew Feather, Bikeshed Exter Uni
5. Ashley Cox, CC Luton
6. Edward Leverack, JLT Condor
7. Anthony Moye, Easton Ritte
8. Robert McCarty, Pedal Heaven
9. Sam Redding, Easton Ritte at 20 seconds
10. Phillip Peters, Danny Share Stork Racing
11. Mitch Webber, Pedal Heaven
12. Luke Ryan, Richardson Trek RT
13. James Wilson, VC St Raphael
14. Joel Natale, Dulwich Paragon CC
15. Callum Gillesie, Cycleworks


A picture speaks a thousand words...


Sunday 12 July 2015

Dorset

10th July 2015

Lovely weekend in Dorset, myself and Gill left earlyish on Friday morning via the New Forest, usual wrestle with traffic but arrived in Lulworth Cove for lunch-time, Phil and Gaby arrived in the evening.
Stayed in the Lulworth Lodge which was a very pleasant hotel on the lane down to the Cove.
Lovely weather on the Friday and Saturday with plenty of walking on the Saturday, I braved the cold sea for a very brief swim but we all caught the sun!
Left for home in drizzle on the Sunday but paid a visit to the deserted town of Tyneham plus a tour of the Corfe Castle village which was very picturesque even in the dull weather.



Images from Dorset



Monday 6 July 2015

Summer luvin

July 2015

Seb and Claires wedding at Pembrook Lodge, Richmond Park..









Sotonia Road Race

July 2015

Phil raced this 2/3/4 cat  race on the Owslebury course with just one team mate, Rob. 
Early break of 4 got away and held quite a large gap, Phil then attacked and was joined by Ben Marks of CycleWorks, these two worked well together and bridged the gap to the lead-group.

This group stayed away until the end of the race where Ben Marks got away with James Boyman to finish first and second respectively, Phil finished close behind for 3rd and came away with £60 prize money. (Also 3rd in the prime).

Great result for Phil.






Link to more pictures...

Race report....


More June

June 2015

Enjoying some sunshine at last, we went to see Chris do his tandem skydive, unfortunately right at the last minute it was put on hold due to strong winds. Stayed for the rest of afternoon but the rest of the days skydives were cancelled. Nice afternoon though for a picnic.


Sunday 28 June 2015

Taste London

20th June 2015

Tom was working with Roux at Parliament Square's stand at the Taste London food festival, Hyde Park.

Smuggled in by Tom with staff passes we were well looked after by the Roux team, with food and champagne.

Met plenty of celebrity chefs and we both had a very enjoyable day.





Thursday 4 June 2015

Timetrials

3rd May 2015

























Myself & Rob finished a 2up and Phil & Paddy rode as well..

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Lake Garda


Day - 1
Flight with EasyJet went ok, although late by about 45 minutes. Usual car rip off, extra insurance required at a cost plus the smallest Peugeot ever, who drives this crap? Greeted by typical UK weather, rain! Drove to Sirmione, hotel in a fabulous location on the waters edge, cross between Brugge/Prague & Venice. Had a wander, late lunch and a late meal. Knackered!

Day - 2
Woke up to a cloudy day, ok breakfast, lovely boat-trip around the peninsula. Pizza for lunch followed by the rain, so a wet trip around the Castle. Went to the spa which was very good, natural hot spring water ala Iceland, very warm and sulphurous. Very nice meal out, got talking to an Isreali couple who recommended Portofino as a holiday destination.

Day - 3
Sunshine! Set off around 10am for a drive around the island, West coast was extremely pretty, Loadsa cyclists and lots of long tunnels. Stopped at Riva Del Garda to look around plus lunch. Drove back along the East Coast which was more beachy but still pretty. Traffic busy as we got closer to Sirmione. Coffee and cake by the lake, quick spa. Watched the sunset and went for a meal, bumped into the Isreali couple and awkwardly ended up having a meal with them. Interesting couple.

Day - 4
I woke up early at 6:30 and went for a wander. Breakfast and then a stroll before heading off to the airport. Fairly straightforward trip home.

Conclusion:- Extremely pretty place, lovely hotel in a fantastic location. 




More pics here...


Wednesday 20 May 2015

South Divisional Champsionships

17th May 2015

Big race this one, E123, 11 laps of the Owslebury course and some very tough opposition.

Team mates were Matt and Rob.

Phil started an early move and this formed into a good group including Will Bergfelt and some of the top other riders, This lasted for quite a few laps but alas the group split up and Phil ended up back in the bunch.

Finished 25th in the end but this wasn't a true reflection of a superb ride by Phil, shame the break didn't stick!