Cycling in Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum

Vanessa speaks Spanish and she asked a cyclist for the directions to the sea (we had only started cycling 2 miles earlier) and we followed him 26 miles over some truly spectacular scenery: beaches, gentle climb lasting 10 km, viewing fireworks, train home again, eating tapas in a square etc. We did 32 miles today.

Benito, our Guide for the Day

No Pain No Gain

All of us except Liz, cycled for 20 miles today. Two days ago I had a pint of blood pumped out and today I got my cleats stuck in the pedal, fell off my bike and bloodied my knee. No pain no gain...

4 straight days of cycling!

Friday: Vanessa, Graham, Steve, Brian, Nick & myself cycled 18 miles over plodding, repetitive hills but the views were stunning. Nick is a new young man to the Team - well - middle aged.

Saturday: Vanessa, Liz and I did 13.5 miles. Liz bought a spanking new racing bike 3 weeks ago. She  cycles with Hugh on the weekends and plays tennis - so she's fit.

Steve, Me & Brian at Draycote Water

Sunday: Brian, Steve, Vanessa & I went out to Draycote Water, a 4.5 miles circumference, flat as a pancake but there was a strong wind. We went round 3 times.

Monday: I cycled 40.07 miles on my own, my most miles ever!!  My behind is now very tender.

My Birthday

For my birthday, this weekend, we went to the Forest of Dean. Over 3 days we covered 45 miles (mostly off road) in driving rain and slippery mud. It was exhilarating – and painful! I fell off my bike on the first day and grazed my knee and knocked the mirror off my bike.

Up to Symonds Yat Rock, watched a Peregrine through binoculars, then descended a slip road for emergency vehicles to Peregrine Cycle Path.

Down the Peregrine Cycle Path we came across the suspension bridge and crossed it gingerly!

As the day went on I climb up the stairs wearily in Redbrook.

In all the trip fore-warned me that it's hard to do the charity cycle ride but I am sure it will be rewarding.