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October 28 cycle london to devizesNot sure what happenned but my report of the cycle has failed to go on to the Blog! Computers are a mystery to me - like people they only work sometimes, ocassionally they make no sense and sometimes they are just useless!!!!
CYcling along the Thames from London you notice many things that you do not see froima car and or are unaware of them. It must be about 12 miles of wall to wall £million houses along the river - immaculate gardens and conditions and more than often with an expensive boart moored at the front - OH how the other half live.
As you pass people on the towpath it is remarkable how many to not reply to your friendly greeting - very few smile and most people look as if they have the worries of the whole world on their shoulders.
The canal route takes you through some beautiful countryside and is sworth following - it is very rough in places which makes riding painful in places.
We went through Richmond park and it is staggering in its size and beauty - we even saw deer grazing about 25 yards from us. Lots of wildlife and wild flowers, not just in the park but throughout the length of the cycle.
More to follow September 07 countdownOnly a few more days until I get the train from Bristol to LONDON to start the final chapter of my cycles for this year raising money for British Heart Foundation. I hope to leave London around 1300 on Sunday and arrive in Bristol some time on Thursday. If the weather stays good, with little wind I could be back home late on Wednesday. I am looking forward to the cycle but aprehensive as I have done very little training since my London to Brighton cycle.
The last few weekends we have spent on the boat and this has been to the detriment of cycling. My weight is hovering around 12 stone and while better is still some way short of my ideal. 2010 is the year I will get my weight down to 11st 4lbs by the middle of the year - I know I will have to put in a lot of hard work but that is the challenge.
Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me so far but if you have not you can do so at: www justgiving.com/donaldking all donations are gratefully received.
take care and stay safe
August 31 September cycleHave now decided I will cycle from London to Bristol in September, leaving London 13th Sept and expect to take 3 - 4 days. Will depend on the weather and how I am feeling. Just realised I am cycling the wrong way as the prevailing wind comes from the West - not too bright. Hope it stays dry with nice gentle winds.
Booked a train from Bristol to take me to London. Tried to boook from our local station in CAm but they could not pre book my bike. When I then asked to book from Bristol to London it was £2.00 more expensive - shorter distance and no fee for booking bike. Does not make any sense.
If I get reasonable weather I expect to do around 40 - 50 miles per day as cycling in the canal towpath is much slower than on the open road. Intend to book B&B as it starts to get dark or I am tired - probably the latter - have not been doing much training, as spending most of my free time on the boat at the moment.
Will put some photos up this week of sites from the boat. and blog some more later in the week.
Take care and stay safe August 13 weddingSo much to tell not enough time to write it all. Jsut a quick overview at the moment. It was a great day - bride was radiant and looked great in her dress, groom looked good in his kilt - weather stayed dry. I know the wedding was weeks ago - but been having problems with computer
More tomorrow
Take care and stay safe July 12 new boatYesterday we paid a deposit on a 1982 Sealine Sports Cruiser and will collect it after we return from our holiday/wedding in Scotland next week. This is a compromise as we had initially intended to sell our house, purchase a Dutch Barge and live on board. Unfortunately the current financial state of the country means our house has fallen in value by over £20k since we purchased it over 18 months ago - it does not make any sense to sell at the moment.
The intention is that we can use th eboat at weekends, holidays etc. With a top speed of 25knts and a maximum canal speed of 4knts we are looking forward to many hours of peace and quiet on the canals and rivers.
Not been out cycle training for some time but I am tking the bike to Fort William and hope to do some cycling there - will depend how I feel and how much we have to do.
Take care and stay safe July 10 weight still offSome good news in that I am still below 12 stone and look forward to it coming down some more. The lighter I become it should make cycling easier, especially up the hills.
Now getting ready to go to Scotland to Sharons weddding - really looking forward to it
 Hope the weather is good especially for the Saturday.When I return from holiday some more serious cycle training to get ready to cycle from London to Bristol with most of it being along the Avon & Kennett Canal. At least the most of this cycle will be on the flat!!!
Take care and stay safe July 02 weight lossWeighed myself the other day and I was just under 12 stone - that is great but I guess the real challenge will be to keep under 12 stone. Ideally would like to be just over 11stone but think that is highely unlikely.
Still using my mountain bike for cycling and not really having any pain in my shoulder - so far so good. As my leg muscles become more used to the normal bike I am feeling less pain so hopefully will be pain free in the next few weeks.
I find it strange listening to the radio today that more is being made of the two dogs that died in the car than of the two soldiers who died. Having two dogs in the house it is not that I do not like dogs I just think that we have our priorities wrong. The loss of human life is a greater tradegy. especially of two young men doing their duty.
Now I am back on line - will be able to blog on a regular basis.
Take care and stay safe June 29 What Rest Day!!!!I always thought Sunday was the day of rest - alarm went off at 0605. Vanessa was going to a horse show so had to get up and out to prepare Shannon. Regular readers will know that Shannon is a horse and the ,ove of Vanessas life.
I cycled 5 miles to Vanessa around 0800 and we drove to Leyland Court where the show was. It was very poorly organised (my opinion) the 0930 event started at 0958. Shannon was placed 6th out of 16 entries which is very good. In between the second event and third event was a 20 minute gap, for no apparent reason. It shows a poor standard when they cannot organise properly and a disrepect to the people who pay good money to participate. Shannon again came 6th out of 8 - again very good.
We drove down the A38 and I then cycled 8 miles to the Bristol American Car Show (photos on the web) and met our friend John Long who was showing his Corvette - what a car!!!!!! Great show with plenty of entries and stalls - well worth a visit.
Again I jumped on my bike to cycle home - phoned Vanessa after 13 miles and she kindly collected me about 6 miles from home. I was very hot and tired - not the restful Sunday you think off.
I am back to using the mountain bike that Vanessa bought me in France last year as I start training for my cycle from London to Bristol along the Kennett and Avon canal - the long bike would not manage it. As I am using different leg muscles it is like starting training all over again and I guess I have to build up slowly.
Over time I am sure all of the aches and pains will vanish but at the moment it is quite difficult.
Keep checking back - take care and stay safe June 24 L2BI was due to leave at 0830 but was much nearer to 0900 when we finally cleared the start gate. At the start everyone was buzzing with excitement and from people who had done it before they said "wait to you reach the HILL" All the people I talked to were very friendly and with the weather so good it was really a carnival atmosphere.
Going out of London was very slow due to the numbers of bikes - some 27000 started and it was not very long until we came to a stop and had to start walking - it turned out it was a hill and due to people walking who would not stay to the left side this resulted in everyone walking up the hill - this happened on 2 ocassions. All of this meant that the first 20 miles were covered in 4 hours - bear in mind some of the people who left at 0600 finished the complete cycle in 3.5 hours it gives some idea of the congestion at the later start times.
At least everyone resigned themselves to enjoying the experience rather than must reach Brighton by a certain time. The public were out in force all along the 54 miles of the route - people on their own, parties in gardens and at roadside, people in pubs - was really brilliant. At one point just before "the HILL" a brass band was playing. People on stilts, guy playing a guitar and loud music from many house. The public really added to the atmosphere and boosted our sagging strength at various points. People with free water, cakes, biscuits etc were at various points and all helped to make the day really special.
A huge thank you to the organisors, Police, St Johns Ambulance, Marshalls and all of the other people who helped to keep us safe and make the day special.
I had to stop at the first bike repair stop - I think 10 miles as I had lost the lowest gear on my rear gears and with hills it was a problem. I have a granny gear, which is a very low gear for unfit, old fogeys like me!!!!!! A short while later I lost the lowest ring of my front chain set, but got it fixed just before "the HILL"
The bike stood up well, no punctures and I did not have any accidents. I thought overall the standard of riding was good, but like with many things in life the idiots were also out in force. Cycling and phoning, stopping without warning and not pulling over to the side, riding in the middle of the road, and weavi8ng without warning. I saw a number of accidents, not sure of the causes but only one looked serious. Possibly next year they may have to limit numbers, change route or have longer start times.
How did I fair, well I did not have any pain during or after the cycle. made good time after the 20 mile point until I cam to "the HILL" having got to the top of "the HILL" I am convinced that Brightom is about 3 miles above sea level - as the sea is at Brighton it must come up hill. Ditching Kill, the Beacon is about 1 mile long and I think someone said it climbs about 1000 feet - will try and find correct informaiton at the weekend. I walked pushing the bike up "the HILL" but even so still had to stop several times. My hat off and huge respect to the many people who cycled from the bottom to the top - very impressive. "the HILL" is about 6 miles from Brighton so you are at your tiredest and even shouts of it is all downhill from the top is not much of a help.
After "the HILL" it was downhill or flat so really great and as you got closer to Brighton more people and shouts of encouragement. The last part of the cycle was through a huge crowd of cheering people and I was glad to spot Vanessa as I turned into the straight leading up to the finish.
A truly great spectacular event that I would love to do again - but onky if I am much fitter and lighter. Recommend to all of you to enter next year - it really is very special.
Thank you to everyone who sponsored me - you can still do so at www.justgiving.com/donaldking where you will also see details of the other rides I am doing this year. BHF is a great charity and one that we hope we will never need.
Take care and stay safe London TO Brighton - Finally arrivedWell finally the day of the L2B arrived but let me first go back to the previous day. We left Cam at around 4.00pm to drive to London and finally arrived in London after 10.00pm due to a bad accident on the M4. We all complain about being held up on Motorways and other roads but we should spare a though for the person/people involved in the accident that causes the hold up. In many cases a fatality is involved - at least we arrive at our destination in safety, and in the great scale of things what does a few hours extra make.
Next day Vanessa drove me to the start at the Common and then left me to drive to Brighton - I thought how lucky, couple of hours drive and then spend the day in the shops or at the seaside. Vanessa finally parked the car in Brighton around 2.30pm as the amount of traffic was horrendous.
When I finally arrived at Brighton I chilled out with fish and chips and a glass of red wine - pure heaven. Next blog will have details of the ride - please check back soon.
Take care and stay safe June 20 ONE DAY TO GOOnly one day to go before I cycle from London to Brighton along with around 27,000 cyclists.
Danny & George have sponsored me £30 off line and many thanks to them for that and also to everyone else who has sponsored me at www.justgiving.com/donaldking
Bike is almost all ready, new brakes not working great at the moment?? still I am sure they will be OK. Bags packed and getting ready to leave for London. My cycle start time is 0830 and this means I will not see the British Grand Prix - was looking forward to seeing Jenson win again.
Just to reiterate that my Hotel cost, fuel, food etc is paid for by myself and does not come out of any sponsorship money - I know many people take expenses but to me it is morally wrong to ask people to support a charity and use some of that money for my expenses.
Talking of expenses the daily revelation of MPs expenses is long past a joke. Why do they keep on thinking that we are mugs - the best thing that could happen is that they all get kicked out and we have new people in place who are not in the position to see how much they can make out of us.
If you go to my just giving site you will see details of my other cycles due later this year
Take care and stay safe June 18 nearly SundayStarting to worry I maynot make it - lack of training, unfit, overweight and old all makeme think should have trained harder and longer
I had thought my start time was 0730 but it is actually 0830- gives me an extra hour in bed. Weather forecast is good sunny and little wind yiiiiiiiiiipppppppppeeeeeeee
Thank u to everyone who has sponsored me and if you wish to see my other cycles later this year go to. Www.justgiving.com/donaldking
Keep checking back. Take care and stay safe June 14 TRAININGCycled yesterday just over 32 miles at an average of 12.9mph. It was very hot and on the way back it was quite windy - and as you would expect the wind was against me. For the first time on the recumbent I had a few aches and pains - probably just another sign of old age.
Today we went to a horse show and Vanessa was showing Shannon in hand. Not sure how Vanessa manages to lift Shannon who is nearly 1/2 ton on to her hand!!! Mind you I know little about horses. Shannon entered two sections and came third in both of them, so that is good. I am certain that horses and horse shows has to be in your blood to enjoy but a lot of people were at the event. I like going with Vanessa but am not nearly as enthusiastic.
Just thinking that this time next week I should be on my way home having hopefully finished the cycle by now!!! I am leaving London at 0730 and hope to be in Brighton somewhere between 1430 - 1600. As long as I finish I will be happy.
Will write more next week.
Take care and stay safe
June 06 chickened outOnce again I chickened out from cycle training – too wet, windy and cold. I am really a fair weather cyclist. Vanessa keeps telling me I should train in the wet as it could be raining when I do the London to Brighton cycle, I know she is right but I do not wish to get wet. When I cycle from London to Paris last year I was caught in a thunderstorm and managed!! Will reorganise my cycle trips to still do over 600 miles. Check details at www.justgiving.com/donaldking
take care and stay safe April 26 bristol - bath - bristolOn Saturday I cycled along the bristol to bath cycle track which is an old disusd railway line. It really is so good to be cycing over 15 miles each way wihout any cars - pure heaven. I was pleased with my tim in that averaged 12.6mph for the journey and I did stop to take a number of photographs.
On the down side I am suffering today with shoulder pains so I think I may have to get my recumbent out for the rest of my rides.
Weather was good and only a few drops of rain when I arrived back in Bristol - got the bike loaded n to the back of the Jeep and the rain cam belting down - how lucky is that.
I will upload some photographs on this site later today - watching the Marathon a the moment and then the Grand Prix starts - super Sunday. April 19 MAN FLU What can I say - I contacted Man Flu on Easter Sunday and today (1 week later) is my first day out.I find it surprising that many people do not realise and understand that Man flu is a life threateningconditions that we men hove to deal with on a regular basis - I truly believe if ladies had to endure this condition they would be off work for at least 12 weeks and all the PC correct media/government would be clamouring that we spend somwehere around £56m per yer to find a cure - in the meantime us poor men just have to frin and bear it.
Like all men you make the effort to carry on but sometimes are forced to a near stop, but you still try not to complain as it could upset others and you do not wish anyone to help as you do not want to be a nuisance.
I did a short cycle to slimbridge from the house at an average speed of 15.5mph, a total distance of 4.20miles and a maximum speed of 28.4mph. Not very far or quick but after the week I have had I feel pretty good. For details of my formal cycles go to www.justgiving.com/donaldking and you will see what I am attempting to do. If you can sparea couple of pounds feel free to sponsor me - all donations are gratefully received.
Thank you and take care
April 12 swansWent for a cycle from the house to Hardwicke near Gloucester - the sun was out but quite cold while cycling. Of course it could just be that I am old and feel the cold more than most!!!
I was reasonanbly happy with my training - 30.8mph (going down the hill from Cam past Tescos, an average speed of 12.9mph and a distance of 10.97 miles. It is not earth shattering but it is getting better.
Vanessa joined me and we then cycled down towards the Severn, cycled with the river on our right and then reached the Canal and cycled along the towpath back to Hardwicke. By now the weather was hotter and we had a great cyccle of just over 4 miles and it took as somewhere around 50 minutes - we were just checking out a route that Vanessa and some friends are possibly going to use for running training.
When I was waiting for Vanessa to arrive withe the Jeep I saw a swan on her nest - very nice. The canal at this point has a number of swans and they just look so majestic and regal when they are swimming. Some photos on this page.
Have decided last night that I need to tackle my weight very seriously at the moment I weigh 12s 7 lbs - which means I need to grow at least another 2 feet or lose some weight - would like to lose around 1st for my cycles that are coming along.
Take care and stay safe April 01 CYCLE TRAININGI have now started training for all the miles I am planning to cycle over the coming months. Rather than do a one long cycle like last year (London to Paris) I am doing a number of rides that will add up to over 500 miles.
Not having cycled for at least 7 months I know that I have a lot of hard work ahead of me. I wnet out for a cycle on Tuesday and cycled 8.61 miles in 45.56 mins which is an average of 11.2 mph - I feel quite pleased with that but need to do so much more.
If you wish to donate to my charity this year, it is the British Heart Foundation and you can access it at: www.justgiving.com/donaldking I know times are difficult but I also know how each of you do all that you can to help others less fortunate than yourself. charity cycle link to page.
Have decided to use this site for blog as you are able to access the blog and photographs from the same site. Will start taking photographs as from next week.
Big thank you to Vanessa for her support and the £20 donation to charity. Keep watching this space as it will be added to on a regular basis.
Take care and stay safe
Don |
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