Sunday, 21 December 2014
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Birthday boy
13th December 2014
Lovely day today celebrating Philip's 24th birthday, shopping & lunch down at gunwharf, presents, evening at Brighton Greyhound Racing and watching a meteor shower on Harting Hill on the way home!
And top it all we even had a few winners at the dogs which is very unusual.
Lovely day today celebrating Philip's 24th birthday, shopping & lunch down at gunwharf, presents, evening at Brighton Greyhound Racing and watching a meteor shower on Harting Hill on the way home!
And top it all we even had a few winners at the dogs which is very unusual.
Thursday, 11 December 2014
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
Puppies
9th December 2014
This morning Maisy gave birth to 3 puppies, 2 boys and 1 girl. No drama, no fuss just got on with it.
For the record the first one was born at 8:50 (boy), 2nd 9:50 (boy) and finally the girl at 11:13 (girl).
This morning Maisy gave birth to 3 puppies, 2 boys and 1 girl. No drama, no fuss just got on with it.
For the record the first one was born at 8:50 (boy), 2nd 9:50 (boy) and finally the girl at 11:13 (girl).
(correction - boys are girls and the girls are boys, if that makes sense. Recap 2 girls and 1 boy!!)
Cute..
Cute..
Saturday, 6 December 2014
Club ride
6th December 2014
Traditional post a3 party night Club ride this morning with just a few riders, mind you it was cold.
All going well until Darryl slid off on a sharp corner going into Midhurst, I just managed to avoid him but he was in a lot of pain. A very kind lady took us back to her house and looked after him, but it was clear he had broken his wrist.
Sad end to a good ride.
Monday, 10 November 2014
Matilda
9th November
Went up to london for the day, just caught the 2 minutes silence at the Cenotaph in Whitehall - mega busy with street security checks. Met Tom, had lunch and then went to see Matilda at The Cambridge theatre. Jason played a key role in a really entertaining show, which we both really enjoyed! Went over to see the poppies at The Tower of London, met Alex and the 4 of us went for a meal.
Snooze on the train home to finish!
Monday, 27 October 2014
Great South Run 25th Anniversary
26th October 2014
Myself and Gilly ran this together after both being lucky enough to receive free places. Gilly really suffered with her knee and hip but struggled on through the pain, we both finished together in 1:47:54 and around 11500 out of 25,000.
Ali also ran and finished in 1hr 29mins a PB for her.
Myself and Gilly ran this together after both being lucky enough to receive free places. Gilly really suffered with her knee and hip but struggled on through the pain, we both finished together in 1:47:54 and around 11500 out of 25,000.
Ali also ran and finished in 1hr 29mins a PB for her.
Revolution
Friday 24th October 2014
Evening with Darryl, John & Trevor (Rob couldn't make it) at the first of the weekends track racing at the Olympic Velodrome at Stratford. After spending most of the day in Chelsea I met up with the guys at Waterloo and we travelled over to Stratford, had a quick meal and went to the track.
The racing was pretty good, although not a full-house as there were a few empty seats. The tussle between Marianne Vos and Laura Trott was good in the omnium with Laura showing who was boss. Alex Dowsett raced in the Madison but they were dominated by the team from Madison-Genesis.
There was also an amateur team pursuit competition which was also entertaining especially the final between which Loughborough won by a very small margin.
Evening with Darryl, John & Trevor (Rob couldn't make it) at the first of the weekends track racing at the Olympic Velodrome at Stratford. After spending most of the day in Chelsea I met up with the guys at Waterloo and we travelled over to Stratford, had a quick meal and went to the track.
The racing was pretty good, although not a full-house as there were a few empty seats. The tussle between Marianne Vos and Laura Trott was good in the omnium with Laura showing who was boss. Alex Dowsett raced in the Madison but they were dominated by the team from Madison-Genesis.
There was also an amateur team pursuit competition which was also entertaining especially the final between which Loughborough won by a very small margin.
Sunday, 12 October 2014
Mate
12th October
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Run cycle run
4th/5th October 2014
Saturday 4th - Tom entered his first of a Winter Series of 10k runs at the Olympic Village, legs were still sore after the Butser Run but still managed a respectable 16th out of 100 competitors.
Sunday 5th - Bright and early 25 mile TT on the a3, very bright cold start and it took a while to get going, finished in 58:47 which considering had a dose of the man flu during the week wasn't too bad.
Oh and went for a 7.5 mile run with Gill afterwards!
Saturday 4th - Tom entered his first of a Winter Series of 10k runs at the Olympic Village, legs were still sore after the Butser Run but still managed a respectable 16th out of 100 competitors.
Sunday 5th - Bright and early 25 mile TT on the a3, very bright cold start and it took a while to get going, finished in 58:47 which considering had a dose of the man flu during the week wasn't too bad.
Oh and went for a 7.5 mile run with Gill afterwards!
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Butser Run
Tom without any specific training went into this run, after the 1st climb I suspect he was questioning the wisdom of this. Did really well though with a 12th place finish!
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Road Race
21st September 2014
While myself and Tom where competing in the triathlon, Phil was racing in the Worcester Trophy Road Race along with Ryan and Henry. Top class E12 field and after mixing it with the big boys finished 20th, an excellent end to the season.
While myself and Tom where competing in the triathlon, Phil was racing in the Worcester Trophy Road Race along with Ryan and Henry. Top class E12 field and after mixing it with the big boys finished 20th, an excellent end to the season.
Monday, 22 September 2014
Petersfield Triathlon
21st September 2014
Myself, Tom and Trevor took part in this years triathlon, interesting day with lots of mistakes but also lots of positives. Tom did exceptionally well with a very good swim, decent ride and very good run. Trevor did the best of the trio but this was mainly down to his transition times which were much better than mine and Toms.
My swim was steady, pretty good bike ride and a run which was also steady. My first transition was a bit of a mess what with a rebellious jersey.
Total number of competitors was around 270, so our placings were very respectable.
Not having number belts for myself and Tom was an oversight as it meant having to wear a separate jersey to pin the numbers onto.
Enjoyable event but even though sprint distance still quite tough combining all the disciplines.
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
Tour of Britain
14th September
Myself, Gill & Phil went up to London for this 2 stage final day. Caught up with Tom later in the day as he was working. Some great racing with Wiggo winning the TT, Cav a close second in the main race.
Highlight was Gilly nabbing Wiggo for a photo on Westminster Bridge as he was getting onto the team bus, funny thing was none us realised she was going for it, I just spotted her cuddling him!
Sunday, 14 September 2014
Hillingdon
13th September
Full team out today (except for the injured George) for this e12 circuit race, fast and furious on this tight but great little course. Team CSE were pretty much into everything with Phil doing more than his fair share. Came down to a bunch sprint with Gibby just missing out to Lewis Atkins, same guy that beat Phil last week!
Monday, 8 September 2014
Welsh Wales
6th/7th September 2014
An enjoyable short weekend in South Wales for the weekend to celebrate Ted's 77th birthday, the sun was shining and we stayed in a delightful cottage right by the beach in Saundersfoot.
An enjoyable short weekend in South Wales for the weekend to celebrate Ted's 77th birthday, the sun was shining and we stayed in a delightful cottage right by the beach in Saundersfoot.
Racing
Late Summer 2014
After the disappointment of not finishing the big race at Goring on Thames, North of Reading due to a mechanical he rode a great race to finish 2nd in the E123 race at Hillingdon, much to the annoyance of the team leader, yes weird that!
Meanwhile myself and Tom are busy training for the Petersfield Triathlon, running & cycling are ok, swimming is well glug, glug!
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Ice bucket challenge
Ali nominated me for this and I nominated the boys and Trevor,very very cold !!
Monday, 25 August 2014
Dorset
16th August 2014
Hired a holiday home for a long weekend at the Durdle Door campsite, great time including the monkeys at Monkey World (esp the Orangutans!), walking, cycling & running.
Sunday, 3 August 2014
Milland Hill and Windsor
27th July 2014
Full team for this race except for Gibby, a wise call though, 11 times up Milland Hill in the hot sun meant for a very tough day in the saddle. Phil went for an early break which soon got reeled in, another break went without any CSE lads and stayed away for the duration.
Plenty of effort though and only Phil and Henry stayed in until the end and Phil in particular was exhausted.
3rd August 2014
Only Al skipped this one on this fairly flat and very fast course, Phil was in an early break for a whole lap before we even arrived and got caught, another break went with no CSE lads in, sound familiar? Typically nobody was interested in chasing and CSE with only a little help from others failed to catch the break. Gibby finished high up in the chasing pack to grab 12th place.
Lovely day and a nice part of the world with an abundance of buzzards, red kites and kestrels, stopped for a picnic by the River Thames just on the outskirts of Windsor on the way home.
Full team for this race except for Gibby, a wise call though, 11 times up Milland Hill in the hot sun meant for a very tough day in the saddle. Phil went for an early break which soon got reeled in, another break went without any CSE lads and stayed away for the duration.
Plenty of effort though and only Phil and Henry stayed in until the end and Phil in particular was exhausted.
3rd August 2014
Only Al skipped this one on this fairly flat and very fast course, Phil was in an early break for a whole lap before we even arrived and got caught, another break went with no CSE lads in, sound familiar? Typically nobody was interested in chasing and CSE with only a little help from others failed to catch the break. Gibby finished high up in the chasing pack to grab 12th place.
Lovely day and a nice part of the world with an abundance of buzzards, red kites and kestrels, stopped for a picnic by the River Thames just on the outskirts of Windsor on the way home.
Monday, 21 July 2014
Thursday, 17 July 2014
Time trials
16th July 2014
New 10 mile course PB on the P881, 21:42 at just over 27mph average.
It's taken a long time to get into the 21s on this not particularly fast course after many years of trying.
Doesn't beat my all time PB of 21:12 on the old Andover course but that was on an exceptionally fast day back then.
Pic taken on Monday nights 25 mile TT by Seb
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Cycling
Mid July
Lots of racing;
Phil had 2 races over the weekend, both eventful with various course issues. Sunday was his best result coming 7th in an E123 national B race with his only team mate Hen finishing 8th.
TTs
Successful 2 up with Darryl on the Bentley course.
Slightly disappointing 12th place in our 25mile middle markers event, blustery evening made it hard work.
Wednesday, 9 July 2014
London
5th July 2014
Weekend in London for our anniversary meal, courtesy of Ali & Chris. Good food but marred by Gilly's allergic reaction to something in the starter. Sunday was fun in the parks, met up with Phil &Tom and we messed around on the Boris bikes and watched LeTour in Green Park.
Weekend in London for our anniversary meal, courtesy of Ali & Chris. Good food but marred by Gilly's allergic reaction to something in the starter. Sunday was fun in the parks, met up with Phil &Tom and we messed around on the Boris bikes and watched LeTour in Green Park.
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Racing
End of June 2014
Me - 1st 50 mile TT for a few years resulted in a new PB of 1:57:31 beating my previous all time best by around two and a half minutes.
Phil - 2 races over the weekend;
Saturday - Redhill E123 with Ryan, Al and George. Ended with just Phil & Ryan finishing in the top 20.
Sunday - This was then followed by another hilly road race with a full-team, Phil's main role was to keep Tony near the front which he managed with Tony taking 5th place.
Saturdays race;-
Me - 1st 50 mile TT for a few years resulted in a new PB of 1:57:31 beating my previous all time best by around two and a half minutes.
Phil - 2 races over the weekend;
Saturday - Redhill E123 with Ryan, Al and George. Ended with just Phil & Ryan finishing in the top 20.
Sunday - This was then followed by another hilly road race with a full-team, Phil's main role was to keep Tony near the front which he managed with Tony taking 5th place.
Saturdays race;-
Wimbledon
27th June 2014
Incredibly lucky to have Centre Court tickets for the first Friday, very brief spell of rain when we first arrived but for the rest of the day it was hot and sunny. Sampled the traditional Wimbledon treats of strawberries, scones, pimms and wine but also treated to some very fine tennis, Murray's match was excellent.
Incredibly lucky to have Centre Court tickets for the first Friday, very brief spell of rain when we first arrived but for the rest of the day it was hot and sunny. Sampled the traditional Wimbledon treats of strawberries, scones, pimms and wine but also treated to some very fine tennis, Murray's match was excellent.
Saturday, 28 June 2014
Racing
Stockbridge RR - Sunday 22nd June
Racing with Ryan & Henry from the team on a very hot and sunny day proved to be a tough one, a very strong elite field and an early break saw the race basically over very early.
Henry had a problem with his gears and Ryan pulled out with a lap to go, but even with a full team this would've been a tough one, even Wouter Sybrandy missed the break and struggled.
Time-trials
Myself and Trevor did a 21:46 in a club 2up, not bad for a couple of old fogeys.
Racing with Ryan & Henry from the team on a very hot and sunny day proved to be a tough one, a very strong elite field and an early break saw the race basically over very early.
Henry had a problem with his gears and Ryan pulled out with a lap to go, but even with a full team this would've been a tough one, even Wouter Sybrandy missed the break and struggled.
Time-trials
Myself and Trevor did a 21:46 in a club 2up, not bad for a couple of old fogeys.
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Monday, 9 June 2014
Meal out
Friday 6th June 2014
As an anniversary present from Phil & Tom we were treated to the taster menu for 2 at Roux at Parliament Square, Westminster.
Tom was working in the kitchen and Gaby & Phil joined us for the evening.
The food was amazing as was the wine and 10 courses later we were very full. We were also treated to a tour of the kitchen and met the head chef Steve Groves. To match the quality of the food, the service was top class.
The time flew and before we knew we had a mad rush to catch the last train, luckily we grabbed a taxi and with 4 minutes to spare boarded the packed train.
A very enjoyable evening.
As an anniversary present from Phil & Tom we were treated to the taster menu for 2 at Roux at Parliament Square, Westminster.
Tom was working in the kitchen and Gaby & Phil joined us for the evening.
The food was amazing as was the wine and 10 courses later we were very full. We were also treated to a tour of the kitchen and met the head chef Steve Groves. To match the quality of the food, the service was top class.
The time flew and before we knew we had a mad rush to catch the last train, luckily we grabbed a taxi and with 4 minutes to spare boarded the packed train.
A very enjoyable evening.
Sunday, 1 June 2014
Brugge Cruise
30th May 2014
To celebrate Ali's 50th birthday we went on 2 night cruise to Zeebrugge aboard the P&O Azura, very busy on board due to numerous stag and hen parties. Had a few hours in Brugge which was very pleasant especially the waffles with chocolate sauce and strawberries! Fun weekend with plenty of food, drink and partying!
Pics here...
To celebrate Ali's 50th birthday we went on 2 night cruise to Zeebrugge aboard the P&O Azura, very busy on board due to numerous stag and hen parties. Had a few hours in Brugge which was very pleasant especially the waffles with chocolate sauce and strawberries! Fun weekend with plenty of food, drink and partying!
Pics here...
Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Winner
26th May 2014
Tony led Phil out for the final sprint winning by a few bike lengths.
Awesome result!!
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
25th Wedding Anniversary
Far East diary
6500 miles to Singapore & 1000 miles from Singapore to Bali.
Monday 12th May;
Flew out at 1:35 pm, with the time difference of 7 hours we arrived at Singapore on the Tuesday at 9:00, pretty much a 13 hour flight. Taxi was waiting for us and we checked in at the Rendezvous Grand at approximately 10:30. Paid extra for a club suite which was really nice. Heat is quite something as we went round the shops, went to Raffles and down to the Singapore flyer which is the equivalent of the London Eye, right on the street circuit for the F1 Grand Prix. Evening we went to the esplanade which was very nice, music, laser show, bright lights and lots of restaurants, ended up having pizza and salad, some of the restaurants are very expensive. Ice cream on walk back to hotel.
Wednesday;
Breakfast at hotel ok, raining first thing but stopped by the time we hit the streets. Walked by religious temples on way to Bugis area, market stalls and malls, City really is a shoppers paradise. Headed down to Funan digital mall which was stuffed full of electronics. Had lunch in Clarke Quay which was very good, Gilly had a Singapore Sling! Walked back via Fort Canning Park, in there for ages as it was easy to go round in circles. Had a quick dip in the hotel pool.
MRT ride down to Clarke Quay for dinner, very nice steak. Trains and stations have air-con.
Thursday 15th May;
Very brief visit around the malls, some expensive coffee, picked up at 1:30pm for flight to Bali from Changri, had time to look around the airport which is huge, filled with shops, koi ponds, butterfly and sunflower gardens. 2 hour flight to Bali, 1 hour queue at immigration, no taxi waiting for us, another 1 hour until sorted. Interesting taxi ride to resort, motorbikes everywhere, often no lights or helmets. Checked in about 10pm at the Grand Mirage and had a very nice meal.
Friday;
Ok breakfast, sunbeds on the beach, very warm and humid. Went for a MTb ride with a guide and 2 young ladies, crappy old bike but interesting meander through the streets, off the beaten track plenty of poor but happy people, lots of temples.
Chilled out by the beach again, very nice Asian Buffet followed by listening to music sipping cocktails, singer murdered many popular tunes.
Saturday;
Awoke early, 5:30 am early!! Left Gilly in bed and went down to the beach to watch the sunrise which was pleasant, lots of crabs about early as well. Spent the rest of the day chilling by the beach. Had a coconut to drink, purchased some local goods which were very cheap. We both also had a massage by the beach. Evening entertainment consisted of a Balinese buffet with a show, although colourful went on a lot.
Sunday;
Picked up at 9:30 by our tour guide and driver from Destination Asia, this was complimentary to compensate for the airport fiasco. Set off for the temple by the lake (Pura Ulun Danu) at Lake Beratan which was a 3 hour-ish drive away, stopped at a coffee brewery and tasted different types of tea and coffee which were brewed there, even had a taste of luwak coffee which is pooed out of a mongoose, tasted nasty.
Stopped off at the temple by the lake, very pleasant although very popular.
Drove to the next temple (Pura Tanah Lot) which was on a rock separate from the mainland, it was low tide and we were able to visit it and also have a the blessing with the holy spring water, again this spot was very busy.
Last stop was Pura Uluwatu which we timed perfectly as the sun was just about to set, also there were lots of monkeys about, one in particular ran off with a ladies flip flop which was very entertaining.
Back to the hotel for just after 7:00pm, nice steak meal followed by cocktails at the bar listening to the band, this one was actually pretty good. Got talking to an Aussie couple who were very pleasant.
Bed 1:00am, knackered but a really interesting day.
Comedy moments;
Monday 19th May;
Chill out day today, although I had a go at paragliding which was really good, take off and landing only a little sketchy.
Early evening caught the bus to "the Collection" a shopping mall! A few nice shops; reminded me of Whitely Village but a lot bigger.
Finished the evening off with a White Russian and a coffee.
Tuesday 20th May;
Hired a day bed for our special day which included a fruit basket and a coconut cut open for us to both drink out of.
Stayed by the beach for most of the day. A young Chinese were getting married on the beach which looked very nice.
Australian themed buffet, more balinese entertainment and a dance act. Ended up in stage doing gangnam style. We also had a cake presented to us, had to make a wish, wear a crown, cut the cake and dance. Pleasant but embarrassing!
Actually a very nice evening with Aussie friends Jenny & Damien and some short bloke called Glynn from Gosport!
Wednesday;
Quick trip down to "The Collection" for souvenirs, quiet day today as it's a big festival day "gulada?" with not all shops open, hardly any water sports on the beach.
Towards the end of the day I borrowed one of the mtbs and did a quick tour round, rode back with a flat tyre.
Went to the hotel cocktail party and then for our special meal tonight at La Cascata, excellent 5 course meal plus coffee and cocktails.
Very full.
Thursday;
Picked up at 9:30 by Sumantra and his driver, arrived at the Samaya in Ubud at around 11:00am. What a fantastic place, 5* luxury, villa by the river, own infinity pool, indoor jacuzzi, his and hers wash basins and an outside day bed.
Had a swim and chill, afternoon tea at 3:00pm then a walk down by the river, watched the local boys playing in the river.
Evening meal at the resorts restaurant by the river, fantastic top quality meal which although expensive was worth it.
Friday 23rd May;
Lovely breakfast overlooking the paddy fields. Picked up at 10:00am and dropped off at the monkey forest, heaving with monkeys, many of them were snatching items off people. Gilly a bit stressed so we moved onto the main street and headed towards our pick-up point. Stopped for a pizza and a drink, a quick shop and then back to the hotel. Swim & then afternoon tea. I went for a 1.5 hour trek with a guide through the crops and back streets, really good to see lots of happy children playing in the streets. Guide showed me his house which consisted of 5 small buildings, each family has a dog, chicken and a pig, very basic lifestyle.
Meal at the resorts "Swept away" restaurant which again was excellent.
Saturday 24th May;
Lovely breakfast, eggs benedict plus fruit pancakes, yummy! Made the most of the pool and facilities, lunch and afternoon tea, picked up at 16:30 by "Destination Asia" for flights home. Flight from Bali to Singapore delayed which meant we missed the connecting flight, luckily they'd already booked us onto the next one which was an 1.5 hours later, as compensation we had a free meal and drink plus approximately £20 each. Comfortable but long flight back to London Heathrow, both could've done with a bit more sleep.
Pictures;
Singapore...
Bail - Nusa Dua...
Bali - Ubud...
6500 miles to Singapore & 1000 miles from Singapore to Bali.
Monday 12th May;
Flew out at 1:35 pm, with the time difference of 7 hours we arrived at Singapore on the Tuesday at 9:00, pretty much a 13 hour flight. Taxi was waiting for us and we checked in at the Rendezvous Grand at approximately 10:30. Paid extra for a club suite which was really nice. Heat is quite something as we went round the shops, went to Raffles and down to the Singapore flyer which is the equivalent of the London Eye, right on the street circuit for the F1 Grand Prix. Evening we went to the esplanade which was very nice, music, laser show, bright lights and lots of restaurants, ended up having pizza and salad, some of the restaurants are very expensive. Ice cream on walk back to hotel.
Wednesday;
Breakfast at hotel ok, raining first thing but stopped by the time we hit the streets. Walked by religious temples on way to Bugis area, market stalls and malls, City really is a shoppers paradise. Headed down to Funan digital mall which was stuffed full of electronics. Had lunch in Clarke Quay which was very good, Gilly had a Singapore Sling! Walked back via Fort Canning Park, in there for ages as it was easy to go round in circles. Had a quick dip in the hotel pool.
MRT ride down to Clarke Quay for dinner, very nice steak. Trains and stations have air-con.
Thursday 15th May;
Very brief visit around the malls, some expensive coffee, picked up at 1:30pm for flight to Bali from Changri, had time to look around the airport which is huge, filled with shops, koi ponds, butterfly and sunflower gardens. 2 hour flight to Bali, 1 hour queue at immigration, no taxi waiting for us, another 1 hour until sorted. Interesting taxi ride to resort, motorbikes everywhere, often no lights or helmets. Checked in about 10pm at the Grand Mirage and had a very nice meal.
Friday;
Ok breakfast, sunbeds on the beach, very warm and humid. Went for a MTb ride with a guide and 2 young ladies, crappy old bike but interesting meander through the streets, off the beaten track plenty of poor but happy people, lots of temples.
Chilled out by the beach again, very nice Asian Buffet followed by listening to music sipping cocktails, singer murdered many popular tunes.
Saturday;
Awoke early, 5:30 am early!! Left Gilly in bed and went down to the beach to watch the sunrise which was pleasant, lots of crabs about early as well. Spent the rest of the day chilling by the beach. Had a coconut to drink, purchased some local goods which were very cheap. We both also had a massage by the beach. Evening entertainment consisted of a Balinese buffet with a show, although colourful went on a lot.
Sunday;
Picked up at 9:30 by our tour guide and driver from Destination Asia, this was complimentary to compensate for the airport fiasco. Set off for the temple by the lake (Pura Ulun Danu) at Lake Beratan which was a 3 hour-ish drive away, stopped at a coffee brewery and tasted different types of tea and coffee which were brewed there, even had a taste of luwak coffee which is pooed out of a mongoose, tasted nasty.
Stopped off at the temple by the lake, very pleasant although very popular.
Drove to the next temple (Pura Tanah Lot) which was on a rock separate from the mainland, it was low tide and we were able to visit it and also have a the blessing with the holy spring water, again this spot was very busy.
Last stop was Pura Uluwatu which we timed perfectly as the sun was just about to set, also there were lots of monkeys about, one in particular ran off with a ladies flip flop which was very entertaining.
Back to the hotel for just after 7:00pm, nice steak meal followed by cocktails at the bar listening to the band, this one was actually pretty good. Got talking to an Aussie couple who were very pleasant.
Bed 1:00am, knackered but a really interesting day.
Comedy moments;
- Monkeys
- On the drive home saw a man on a scooter with golden Labrador straddled across the bike, really funny.
Monday 19th May;
Chill out day today, although I had a go at paragliding which was really good, take off and landing only a little sketchy.
Early evening caught the bus to "the Collection" a shopping mall! A few nice shops; reminded me of Whitely Village but a lot bigger.
Finished the evening off with a White Russian and a coffee.
Tuesday 20th May;
Hired a day bed for our special day which included a fruit basket and a coconut cut open for us to both drink out of.
Stayed by the beach for most of the day. A young Chinese were getting married on the beach which looked very nice.
Australian themed buffet, more balinese entertainment and a dance act. Ended up in stage doing gangnam style. We also had a cake presented to us, had to make a wish, wear a crown, cut the cake and dance. Pleasant but embarrassing!
Actually a very nice evening with Aussie friends Jenny & Damien and some short bloke called Glynn from Gosport!
Wednesday;
Quick trip down to "The Collection" for souvenirs, quiet day today as it's a big festival day "gulada?" with not all shops open, hardly any water sports on the beach.
Towards the end of the day I borrowed one of the mtbs and did a quick tour round, rode back with a flat tyre.
Went to the hotel cocktail party and then for our special meal tonight at La Cascata, excellent 5 course meal plus coffee and cocktails.
Very full.
Thursday;
Picked up at 9:30 by Sumantra and his driver, arrived at the Samaya in Ubud at around 11:00am. What a fantastic place, 5* luxury, villa by the river, own infinity pool, indoor jacuzzi, his and hers wash basins and an outside day bed.
Had a swim and chill, afternoon tea at 3:00pm then a walk down by the river, watched the local boys playing in the river.
Evening meal at the resorts restaurant by the river, fantastic top quality meal which although expensive was worth it.
Friday 23rd May;
Lovely breakfast overlooking the paddy fields. Picked up at 10:00am and dropped off at the monkey forest, heaving with monkeys, many of them were snatching items off people. Gilly a bit stressed so we moved onto the main street and headed towards our pick-up point. Stopped for a pizza and a drink, a quick shop and then back to the hotel. Swim & then afternoon tea. I went for a 1.5 hour trek with a guide through the crops and back streets, really good to see lots of happy children playing in the streets. Guide showed me his house which consisted of 5 small buildings, each family has a dog, chicken and a pig, very basic lifestyle.
Meal at the resorts "Swept away" restaurant which again was excellent.
Saturday 24th May;
Lovely breakfast, eggs benedict plus fruit pancakes, yummy! Made the most of the pool and facilities, lunch and afternoon tea, picked up at 16:30 by "Destination Asia" for flights home. Flight from Bali to Singapore delayed which meant we missed the connecting flight, luckily they'd already booked us onto the next one which was an 1.5 hours later, as compensation we had a free meal and drink plus approximately £20 each. Comfortable but long flight back to London Heathrow, both could've done with a bit more sleep.
Pictures;
Singapore...
Bail - Nusa Dua...
Bali - Ubud...
Thursday, 8 May 2014
Monday, 5 May 2014
Phil Corley Stage Race
2nd May 2014
Phil travelled to Milton Keynes Friday evening to join 4 other CSE team mates for the Phil Corley 3 day stage race which consisted of a circuit race on Friday evening, 60 mile road race Saturday morning, 5 mile team trial Saturday afternoon and an 85 mile road race on Sunday. The race was top quality with elite teams.
Friday
Crit - Milton Keynes bowl
Fast and furious around a tight circuit with only Phil and Tony Gibb staying in the bunch, Tony finished 8th.
Saturday - AM
Circuit race - Cranfield
24 laps of flat tight circuit saw a group of 10 riders get away and towards the end of the race were 2 minutes in front, CSE with a few other teams closed them down to 20 seconds to keep it close.
Saturday - PM
TTT - Cranfield
You guessed it - fast and furious with CSE in the top ten.
Sunday
Road race - Astwood
Undulating course with no major climbs saw another very fast race (over 26mph average for 85 miles) saw another early break. Towards the later part of the race, Phil punctured and was joined by Tony and George? to chase back on behind the team car, this coincided with the bunch upping the pace to catch the break and it took them a few laps to rejoin the bunch. Coming up to the finish was manic and ended in a bunch sprint, CSE were wise and stayed safe in bunch.
Very tough racing of a very high standard, but so good for Phil to be racing for proper organised team.
Team work..
At the finish..
Phil travelled to Milton Keynes Friday evening to join 4 other CSE team mates for the Phil Corley 3 day stage race which consisted of a circuit race on Friday evening, 60 mile road race Saturday morning, 5 mile team trial Saturday afternoon and an 85 mile road race on Sunday. The race was top quality with elite teams.
Friday
Crit - Milton Keynes bowl
Fast and furious around a tight circuit with only Phil and Tony Gibb staying in the bunch, Tony finished 8th.
Saturday - AM
Circuit race - Cranfield
24 laps of flat tight circuit saw a group of 10 riders get away and towards the end of the race were 2 minutes in front, CSE with a few other teams closed them down to 20 seconds to keep it close.
Saturday - PM
TTT - Cranfield
You guessed it - fast and furious with CSE in the top ten.
Sunday
Road race - Astwood
Undulating course with no major climbs saw another very fast race (over 26mph average for 85 miles) saw another early break. Towards the later part of the race, Phil punctured and was joined by Tony and George? to chase back on behind the team car, this coincided with the bunch upping the pace to catch the break and it took them a few laps to rejoin the bunch. Coming up to the finish was manic and ended in a bunch sprint, CSE were wise and stayed safe in bunch.
Very tough racing of a very high standard, but so good for Phil to be racing for proper organised team.
Team work..
At the finish..
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Race reports
26th April 2014
RR
Phil raced at the Archer GP at Hillingdon with a full team, team rode well together on a tricky circuit pulling back an earlier break with a lap to go, also getting Tony Gibb near the front and he duly won. Great team effort.
The next days race at Stockbridge was cancelled due to a waterlogged course, shame as it would've been an interesting race, but the organisers made the right call.
TT
I competed in the Hants RC 10 on the P881, felt tired before the race and this showed with a 22:28 which although good compared with previous years was a bit down on my close rivals. a3crg won the team prize and Michael Hutchinson won with a mid 19 !!
RR
Phil raced at the Archer GP at Hillingdon with a full team, team rode well together on a tricky circuit pulling back an earlier break with a lap to go, also getting Tony Gibb near the front and he duly won. Great team effort.
The next days race at Stockbridge was cancelled due to a waterlogged course, shame as it would've been an interesting race, but the organisers made the right call.
TT
I competed in the Hants RC 10 on the P881, felt tired before the race and this showed with a 22:28 which although good compared with previous years was a bit down on my close rivals. a3crg won the team prize and Michael Hutchinson won with a mid 19 !!
Sunday, 20 April 2014
Good Friday 10
18th April 2014
10 mile TT for me on the P883 (Buriton course), my main aim was to beat my course PB of 23:04 back in 2010, although a breezy day I was able to beat this bringing the time down to 22:19, also managing to beat my main rivals. Really pleased with the performance.
10 mile TT for me on the P883 (Buriton course), my main aim was to beat my course PB of 23:04 back in 2010, although a breezy day I was able to beat this bringing the time down to 22:19, also managing to beat my main rivals. Really pleased with the performance.
Monday, 14 April 2014
Sussex CA 2up
13th April 2014
Myself and Darryl entered this event, the last time we had ridden together in earnest in a 2up was a Chippenham Wheelers event which went very wrong with Darryl making me suffer big-time. In the build-up to this event though are times were very similar, the sun was shining and it promised to be a good ride. The course was tough, rolling and the long-sections through the back lanes were into a head-wind, the tough-section also had to be completed twice. Team leader DCB also turned up with his camera!
The ride went very well and my legs felt very good, we kept together well for the first half but Darryl was beginning to suffer and I started doing longer turns, a few drifts on some of the drags but we kept together and finished in 1:06:45.
This gave us 3rd overall and 1st veterans team and we both came away with 2 nice trophies, really pleased with the result and also loving the new set of legs and lungs, hoping it lasts!
Myself and Darryl entered this event, the last time we had ridden together in earnest in a 2up was a Chippenham Wheelers event which went very wrong with Darryl making me suffer big-time. In the build-up to this event though are times were very similar, the sun was shining and it promised to be a good ride. The course was tough, rolling and the long-sections through the back lanes were into a head-wind, the tough-section also had to be completed twice. Team leader DCB also turned up with his camera!
The ride went very well and my legs felt very good, we kept together well for the first half but Darryl was beginning to suffer and I started doing longer turns, a few drifts on some of the drags but we kept together and finished in 1:06:45.
This gave us 3rd overall and 1st veterans team and we both came away with 2 nice trophies, really pleased with the result and also loving the new set of legs and lungs, hoping it lasts!
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
Ronde Van Vlaanderen Cyclo
5th April 2014
Flanders diary
Friday 4th April
Left early to pick Rob up, car was totally packed with 3 blokes and 3 bikes in the car. Got to Folkestone early for Le Shuttle and was put on an earlier train, met Andy & Tom at Folkestone but they were on the later one. Once in Calais, fairly straightforward drive to Brugge. Andy & Tom however ended up driving to Paris and arrived about 2 hours later! Hotel ok, great location but not luxury by any means. Once all sorted just the 3 of us went for a easy spin. Never been beeped at by motorists so many times, turns out that you must use the cycle lanes whenever available. All met up for a pasta meal.
Saturday 5th April 2014
Up early for breakfast and set off for the 2 mile ride to the Stadium to pick up our numbers. We then followed the signs to the official start which became a 4 mile ride. Once there we set off;
First 50/60 miles were mainly urban with cycle lanes, lots of groups but conscious of the time (shuttle bus leaves at 7pm) myself and Phil were constantly on the front keeping the pace up. Joined by a small group of riders where a couple were on TT bikes and the pace quickened. After 70 miles the route became more scenic and then the cobbles and climbs started. The cobbles were relentless and hard work to keep any speed. The climbs were mainly cobbled and a few were very steep namely The Koppenberg, Oude de Kwaremont and the Pattenberg. Towards the end of the ride the climbs came thick and fast and the sight of the last climb (Pattenberg) filled us all with nerves as this was very steep but also relief as we were all very tired, we all made it up apart from Andy we had to walk a bit.
Easy-ish ride to the official finish, stopped for photos and a chat then went into the centre of Oudenaard for a drink, most opted for a beer! After that we then trundled down to the final stop and collected our medals! Caught the shuttle bus back to Oudenaard and then a short ride home in the dark. Finished off the evening with a very nice steak and beer.
Very pleased with the day, the organisation was first class with marshals stopping the traffic at all junctions, feed stations were full to the brim with food & drink. The weather was also perfect, in the rain it would have been a nightmare.
Sunday
The start of the Pro-Race and all the teams assembled in the square right by our hotel, we wandered over and managed to sneak into the VIP area (naughty) where all the teams gathered, excellent to see all the pro's and teams getting ready, the biggest gathering was to see Cancellara. After the riders departed myself and Phil wandered around Brugge and even went up the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry. Went back to the hotel to watch the finish of the Pro-race which Cancellara won - legend!
We then went for a ride out to Blankenberg which is a sea-side town, very flat but it was hard work with a bitch of a head-wind back home. Meal out in the evening in the Market Square, I also took some pics around the canals.
Monday, quick look around the town souvenir shopping and packed up and left around 11:30am.
15:00 - Sat in the car waiting to board in torrential rain, thunder and lightening!!
Race numbers - Me 3369, Phil 3368
Link to the official videos.. just type in the race number.
Video of myself and Phil on the Molenberg
Flanders diary
Friday 4th April
Left early to pick Rob up, car was totally packed with 3 blokes and 3 bikes in the car. Got to Folkestone early for Le Shuttle and was put on an earlier train, met Andy & Tom at Folkestone but they were on the later one. Once in Calais, fairly straightforward drive to Brugge. Andy & Tom however ended up driving to Paris and arrived about 2 hours later! Hotel ok, great location but not luxury by any means. Once all sorted just the 3 of us went for a easy spin. Never been beeped at by motorists so many times, turns out that you must use the cycle lanes whenever available. All met up for a pasta meal.
Saturday 5th April 2014
Up early for breakfast and set off for the 2 mile ride to the Stadium to pick up our numbers. We then followed the signs to the official start which became a 4 mile ride. Once there we set off;
First 50/60 miles were mainly urban with cycle lanes, lots of groups but conscious of the time (shuttle bus leaves at 7pm) myself and Phil were constantly on the front keeping the pace up. Joined by a small group of riders where a couple were on TT bikes and the pace quickened. After 70 miles the route became more scenic and then the cobbles and climbs started. The cobbles were relentless and hard work to keep any speed. The climbs were mainly cobbled and a few were very steep namely The Koppenberg, Oude de Kwaremont and the Pattenberg. Towards the end of the ride the climbs came thick and fast and the sight of the last climb (Pattenberg) filled us all with nerves as this was very steep but also relief as we were all very tired, we all made it up apart from Andy we had to walk a bit.
Easy-ish ride to the official finish, stopped for photos and a chat then went into the centre of Oudenaard for a drink, most opted for a beer! After that we then trundled down to the final stop and collected our medals! Caught the shuttle bus back to Oudenaard and then a short ride home in the dark. Finished off the evening with a very nice steak and beer.
Very pleased with the day, the organisation was first class with marshals stopping the traffic at all junctions, feed stations were full to the brim with food & drink. The weather was also perfect, in the rain it would have been a nightmare.
Sunday
The start of the Pro-Race and all the teams assembled in the square right by our hotel, we wandered over and managed to sneak into the VIP area (naughty) where all the teams gathered, excellent to see all the pro's and teams getting ready, the biggest gathering was to see Cancellara. After the riders departed myself and Phil wandered around Brugge and even went up the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry. Went back to the hotel to watch the finish of the Pro-race which Cancellara won - legend!
We then went for a ride out to Blankenberg which is a sea-side town, very flat but it was hard work with a bitch of a head-wind back home. Meal out in the evening in the Market Square, I also took some pics around the canals.
Monday, quick look around the town souvenir shopping and packed up and left around 11:30am.
15:00 - Sat in the car waiting to board in torrential rain, thunder and lightening!!
Race numbers - Me 3369, Phil 3368
Link to the official videos.. just type in the race number.
Video of myself and Phil on the Molenberg
Monday, 31 March 2014
Preston Park II
30th March 2014
A re-run of last weeks event saw Phil and all of his team-mates in this race. Phil's was role was to be a thorn in everyones side and very early on launched an attack, multiple attacks followed and at one point he and one other were about half-lap up.
Other attacks saw him, Tony Gibb and one other off the front but the bunch was watching Tony and any move was brought back.
Last few laps Phil was squeezed out and it was left to his team-mates to get Tony into a good position, unfortunately the pace wasn't high enough and Tony was beaten into 3rd place.
Entertaining race with a very strong ride from Philster.
More pics here...
A re-run of last weeks event saw Phil and all of his team-mates in this race. Phil's was role was to be a thorn in everyones side and very early on launched an attack, multiple attacks followed and at one point he and one other were about half-lap up.
Other attacks saw him, Tony Gibb and one other off the front but the bunch was watching Tony and any move was brought back.
Last few laps Phil was squeezed out and it was left to his team-mates to get Tony into a good position, unfortunately the pace wasn't high enough and Tony was beaten into 3rd place.
Entertaining race with a very strong ride from Philster.
More pics here...
Tour of the Lod Valley
30th March 2014
This hilly event is a tough one and I was looking forward to it but also dreading it, a change to the course meant going up Museum Hill which although not long was fairly steep. Conditions were dry and bright and it was game on.
Although getting held up by a horse-box going downhill, I managed to better previous years times by about 5 minutes which I was really pleased with.
This hilly event is a tough one and I was looking forward to it but also dreading it, a change to the course meant going up Museum Hill which although not long was fairly steep. Conditions were dry and bright and it was game on.
Although getting held up by a horse-box going downhill, I managed to better previous years times by about 5 minutes which I was really pleased with.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Preston Park
23rd March 2014
Philip raced today with 4 of his new CSE team mates today including the pro cyclist Tony Gibb at the outdoor velodrome in Preston Park, Brighton. Unfortunately their new kit hadn't arrived and they each raced in different kit.
Phil pinged off early in a break and stayed away for quite a few laps before being reeled in, Tony counter attacked and was joined by two others and they gained a lap.
In the style of Jens Voigt, Phil with 5 laps to go pretty much kept the bunch in check single handedly, but a London Dynamo rider made a charge for the line with over a lap to go and Tony had to respond and slowly started to reel him in, this ended in a dead-heat both sharing 1st place!
Very entertaining race and a great result for the team. More pics here..
Philip raced today with 4 of his new CSE team mates today including the pro cyclist Tony Gibb at the outdoor velodrome in Preston Park, Brighton. Unfortunately their new kit hadn't arrived and they each raced in different kit.
Phil pinged off early in a break and stayed away for quite a few laps before being reeled in, Tony counter attacked and was joined by two others and they gained a lap.
In the style of Jens Voigt, Phil with 5 laps to go pretty much kept the bunch in check single handedly, but a London Dynamo rider made a charge for the line with over a lap to go and Tony had to respond and slowly started to reel him in, this ended in a dead-heat both sharing 1st place!
Very entertaining race and a great result for the team. More pics here..
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