Been quiet for a couple of weeks. Back in UK for mum's funeral and sorting things out, went as well as can be hoped for. Am working from the London office til I go back on 9 Jan (with stoker for a week) to Bahrain.
For some silly reason I decided to try cycling to work (Mayfair) from Chorleywood on Wednesday 15 Dec. This just happened to be the first snowy day of the winter. Going in it was dark and cold, but getting lighter. Coming home was cold, wet and dark with sleet near Watford. 23 miles each way in 2 hours. Only to be repeated on a long warm summer's day.
20 - 26 Nov: End of a family chapter
Thur -
Wed -
Tue -
Mon -
Sun - Not a day to remember with joy. Colonoscopy in the morning, clean bill of health so next test in 5 years. Then throughout day increasingly negaive news about mum who has just had an operation. She died this afternoon so we are flying back to UK tonight.
Sat - Lazy start to day, then tandemed 14km to Hamala where we had a drink overlooking the 'sea front'.
Fri - Stoker failed to wake up, so I went alone to follow the office team on the Bahrain Relay Marathon. Parked at Awali and cycled 45km, hopping along the 3km stages. Nice weather, team did well, bettwe position than last year and most did personal bests.
Wed -
Tue -
Mon -
Sun - Not a day to remember with joy. Colonoscopy in the morning, clean bill of health so next test in 5 years. Then throughout day increasingly negaive news about mum who has just had an operation. She died this afternoon so we are flying back to UK tonight.
Sat - Lazy start to day, then tandemed 14km to Hamala where we had a drink overlooking the 'sea front'.
Fri - Stoker failed to wake up, so I went alone to follow the office team on the Bahrain Relay Marathon. Parked at Awali and cycled 45km, hopping along the 3km stages. Nice weather, team did well, bettwe position than last year and most did personal bests.
13 - 20 Nov: Looking forward to Stoker arriving
Thu - 21 mins swim, it felt chilly getting in, so I asked caretaker to turn on the heating, he said he would.
Wed - Only 20 mins swim, lost count of the lengths. Spin/abs tonight with Whalid, it was tough and I sweated buckets.
Tue - Mandal has bought a bike, never having ridden in Bahrain, so with him we went out at 6am from Jeff's place, over Hidd bridge and coffee at Starbucks in Juffair. Only 16k in 45mins but a lovely ride in the cool of the morning. Showered and changed at Jeff's then into work. Choir this evening to start practising for the Christmas concert.
Mon - 60 lengths in 26 mins before work. Spin/abs in evening, See goes through the routines and stretches a little bit to fast for my liking.
Sun - Slept through till 7! Must have been the adrenaline drop after the concert, but I still felt mentally tired. Decided to kick start myself with a 2.94k "run" in 23:48 mins. Absolutely pathetic pace but for me it was good to get round without stopping (in my MBT trainers!).
Sat - Up at 5:45 to take final guest to airport, then round to Jeff's with bike in back of car for 7am. Rode across Hidd bridge to Amwaj, around and back. Had coffee in Starbucks in Juffair. 42km in 2 hours. When got back, after shower went to bed for a "little snooze" and woke up 6 hours later, just in time to have some soup and go to bed again. Bahrain lost 0-1 to NZ so no world cup for them this time round.
Fri - Big day. Rehearsal in morning 10-1pm, then drove guest oboists around the sights of Bahrain, concert 6:30-11pm, took some folks to airport, then back to party in Juffair. Lovely indian food, and still no booze for me. In bed at 2am. Great concert, everyone was very happy.
Wed - Only 20 mins swim, lost count of the lengths. Spin/abs tonight with Whalid, it was tough and I sweated buckets.
Tue - Mandal has bought a bike, never having ridden in Bahrain, so with him we went out at 6am from Jeff's place, over Hidd bridge and coffee at Starbucks in Juffair. Only 16k in 45mins but a lovely ride in the cool of the morning. Showered and changed at Jeff's then into work. Choir this evening to start practising for the Christmas concert.
Mon - 60 lengths in 26 mins before work. Spin/abs in evening, See goes through the routines and stretches a little bit to fast for my liking.
Sun - Slept through till 7! Must have been the adrenaline drop after the concert, but I still felt mentally tired. Decided to kick start myself with a 2.94k "run" in 23:48 mins. Absolutely pathetic pace but for me it was good to get round without stopping (in my MBT trainers!).
Sat - Up at 5:45 to take final guest to airport, then round to Jeff's with bike in back of car for 7am. Rode across Hidd bridge to Amwaj, around and back. Had coffee in Starbucks in Juffair. 42km in 2 hours. When got back, after shower went to bed for a "little snooze" and woke up 6 hours later, just in time to have some soup and go to bed again. Bahrain lost 0-1 to NZ so no world cup for them this time round.
Fri - Big day. Rehearsal in morning 10-1pm, then drove guest oboists around the sights of Bahrain, concert 6:30-11pm, took some folks to airport, then back to party in Juffair. Lovely indian food, and still no booze for me. In bed at 2am. Great concert, everyone was very happy.
6 - 13 Nov: Messiahering
Thu - Visitors asleep - do they really exist? - when I left. 60 lengths in 33 minutes. Big last rehearsal tonight, that will be enough exercise for the day.
Wed - short 15 minute swim. Had to prepare villa for 2 visitors who are in the orchestra for the Messiah. As it was, I didn't see them all day, but they do exist. Spin/pump in evening with Whalid.
Tue - Thought I was going mad - Was just going to do a swim, but decided to try a run first to get training for the Dec tri. Well, could I find my MBT trainers? I looked everywhere, no luck. I knew I had worn them back from HK, so they were somewhere. Very worrying, was I becoming a Thora Hird? Pulled on normal trainers, and did 2.9km in 23 mins around the back of the compound. I didn't walk, a slow pace but its a start. Then had a 15 swim to stretch. Felt good, except my mind was puzzling over the trainers. As I left for work, I passed the door to the back garden ajar, and 'click!' I remembered that I had put them out when I got back into the sun to dry them out as they were a little wiffy. They had been there for 10 days. No harm done and lots of relief. Ah, these small things do dominate the mind unduly.
Rehearsal in evening. A lot left to do and only 3 days to go.
Mon - 30 mins swim, then spin/abs in evening. The King's Uncle has died (after being very quiet for 7 years in ICU in Awali) so all music is banned for 3 days. Weird spinning in silence. Popped into Dilmum Diving for dinner afterwards.
Sun - 30 mins swim.
Sat - 48k to Riffa Fort, then golf club for bacon sarnie. Popped into Awali hospital to see Richard who is recovering from a broken femur, caused when he fell off his bike at 2mph doing a U turn due to slippery road. Spin/abs with See in evening, legs felt good.
Fri - Jeff from work wanted to get his bike going again (He hasn't cycled for 2 years and then only a few time before then in NY), so he came over and I took him for the usual 58km to Banyan Tree in 2:48hrs. Now Jeff is a youngster, very fit, works out everyday and doesn't drink. He was knacked and almost collapsed after getting up the Banyan Tree hill. I felt fine, legs are strong. So at least I'm cycling fit! Stopped for coffee and cakes at F1 Costa Coffee. Messiah rehearsal at 5pm then C&L's delayed flat warming party at Amwaj tonight, so don't know how I'll be in the morning.
Jon's brithday today, congratulations my boy for getting off to a good start in your new job.
Wed - short 15 minute swim. Had to prepare villa for 2 visitors who are in the orchestra for the Messiah. As it was, I didn't see them all day, but they do exist. Spin/pump in evening with Whalid.
Tue - Thought I was going mad - Was just going to do a swim, but decided to try a run first to get training for the Dec tri. Well, could I find my MBT trainers? I looked everywhere, no luck. I knew I had worn them back from HK, so they were somewhere. Very worrying, was I becoming a Thora Hird? Pulled on normal trainers, and did 2.9km in 23 mins around the back of the compound. I didn't walk, a slow pace but its a start. Then had a 15 swim to stretch. Felt good, except my mind was puzzling over the trainers. As I left for work, I passed the door to the back garden ajar, and 'click!' I remembered that I had put them out when I got back into the sun to dry them out as they were a little wiffy. They had been there for 10 days. No harm done and lots of relief. Ah, these small things do dominate the mind unduly.
Rehearsal in evening. A lot left to do and only 3 days to go.
Mon - 30 mins swim, then spin/abs in evening. The King's Uncle has died (after being very quiet for 7 years in ICU in Awali) so all music is banned for 3 days. Weird spinning in silence. Popped into Dilmum Diving for dinner afterwards.
Sun - 30 mins swim.
Sat - 48k to Riffa Fort, then golf club for bacon sarnie. Popped into Awali hospital to see Richard who is recovering from a broken femur, caused when he fell off his bike at 2mph doing a U turn due to slippery road. Spin/abs with See in evening, legs felt good.
Fri - Jeff from work wanted to get his bike going again (He hasn't cycled for 2 years and then only a few time before then in NY), so he came over and I took him for the usual 58km to Banyan Tree in 2:48hrs. Now Jeff is a youngster, very fit, works out everyday and doesn't drink. He was knacked and almost collapsed after getting up the Banyan Tree hill. I felt fine, legs are strong. So at least I'm cycling fit! Stopped for coffee and cakes at F1 Costa Coffee. Messiah rehearsal at 5pm then C&L's delayed flat warming party at Amwaj tonight, so don't know how I'll be in the morning.
Jon's brithday today, congratulations my boy for getting off to a good start in your new job.
30 Oct - 5 Nov: "normal service is resumed"
Thu - 25 min swim before work.
Wed - Medical results at 10, so booked for spin/abs 8:30 session for a change. Ole back for it. Medical OK.
Tue - 20 mins swim in morning. Choir in evening, only 10 days till Messiah amd lots to cover.
Mon - 20 min swim in morning. Spin/abs in evening.
Sun - Medical & work
Sat - Cycled to Hamala Beach Resort and swam the length of the inlet (15 mins so probably 750mish). 15km cycle in total, SE wind for a change. Then spin/abs in evening - tough session with Whalid. I have my 'executive medical' tomorrow so no alchohol, and nil food after 9pm.
Fri - Back to Lamia Garden by 9:30pm. Feeling spaced out, but managed to do washing, read books, get up to date on internet, replenish food supplies. In bed by 9:30pm
Wed - Medical results at 10, so booked for spin/abs 8:30 session for a change. Ole back for it. Medical OK.
Tue - 20 mins swim in morning. Choir in evening, only 10 days till Messiah amd lots to cover.
Mon - 20 min swim in morning. Spin/abs in evening.
Sun - Medical & work
Sat - Cycled to Hamala Beach Resort and swam the length of the inlet (15 mins so probably 750mish). 15km cycle in total, SE wind for a change. Then spin/abs in evening - tough session with Whalid. I have my 'executive medical' tomorrow so no alchohol, and nil food after 9pm.
Fri - Back to Lamia Garden by 9:30pm. Feeling spaced out, but managed to do washing, read books, get up to date on internet, replenish food supplies. In bed by 9:30pm
23 - 29 Oct: Hong Kong reunion - 2000th run of LH4
Fabulous week in HK. 3 runs, a ball at Cricket Club, celebration meal at Aberdeen Boat Club, dinner at Sai Kung, meals out with Graham (and George) Harris, shopping and sightseeing. HK has got better - cleaner, more friendly, up market trendy western but also the same local colour in places.
We will return.
We will return.
15-22 Oct: More visitors
Thu - Swim before work, off to airport in evening to go to Hong Kong.
Wed - Swim before work, and spin/pump afterwards, though Stoker opted to run in gym instead of spin.
Tue - Swim before work, Messiahering in evening - sang through all of Part 2
Mon - 30 mins row and 40 lengths swim before work, spin/abs in evening, popped into Diving to pay our dues.
Sun - Swim before work, Stoker gymed and swam
Sat - Recover, Muharaq houses, La Fontaine and City Centre Mall for Lunch at Totally Fish. Took visitors to airport for 21:00pm
Fri - All change - S, N & T from Qatar can for the weekend, so today was Tour 1 around island. In evening the Migrant Workers Charity Ball.
Wed - Swim before work, and spin/pump afterwards, though Stoker opted to run in gym instead of spin.
Tue - Swim before work, Messiahering in evening - sang through all of Part 2
Mon - 30 mins row and 40 lengths swim before work, spin/abs in evening, popped into Diving to pay our dues.
Sun - Swim before work, Stoker gymed and swam
Sat - Recover, Muharaq houses, La Fontaine and City Centre Mall for Lunch at Totally Fish. Took visitors to airport for 21:00pm
Fri - All change - S, N & T from Qatar can for the weekend, so today was Tour 1 around island. In evening the Migrant Workers Charity Ball.
9-15 Oct: Stalker in town
Thu - All Change! Packed off visitors to airport in morning, and pick up S, N & T from Qatar in evening
Wed - Short swim before breakfast. Andy Fairweather Low at Upstairs/Downstairs in evening - great fun.
Tue - Up 5:15 to get out with full peleton to attempt to get nice pictures of the sunrise so P could win the Amersham Photo Club competition. Round the houses opposite, then back through Al Jasra to see the 'beach' which is under construction. Saw Mike & Steve out cycling round the loop.
Mon - Spin/abs at Ritz. Full class but we all managed to get in. Then off to Lanterns for the buffet curry night.
Sun - Lunch at Cafe Ventana, dinner at Trader Vics. Exercise has fallen by the wayside.
Sat - Muhharaq old buildings, Manama Souq to buy football shirts to support Bahrain v NZ for World Cup qualifying. Lots of fun but too loud inappropriate thumping music
Fri - Tour of Bahrain Island - Riffa Firt, Golf club cafe for bacon sarnie, Tree of Life, Dhurat Al Bahrain development, Oil Museum, Banyan Tree for coffee.
Wed - Short swim before breakfast. Andy Fairweather Low at Upstairs/Downstairs in evening - great fun.
Tue - Up 5:15 to get out with full peleton to attempt to get nice pictures of the sunrise so P could win the Amersham Photo Club competition. Round the houses opposite, then back through Al Jasra to see the 'beach' which is under construction. Saw Mike & Steve out cycling round the loop.
Mon - Spin/abs at Ritz. Full class but we all managed to get in. Then off to Lanterns for the buffet curry night.
Sun - Lunch at Cafe Ventana, dinner at Trader Vics. Exercise has fallen by the wayside.
Sat - Muhharaq old buildings, Manama Souq to buy football shirts to support Bahrain v NZ for World Cup qualifying. Lots of fun but too loud inappropriate thumping music
Fri - Tour of Bahrain Island - Riffa Firt, Golf club cafe for bacon sarnie, Tree of Life, Dhurat Al Bahrain development, Oil Museum, Banyan Tree for coffee.
2 - 8 Oct: Getting ready for visitors
Thu - Stoker and Stalker arrive in evening.
Wed - Spin/pump after work.
Tue - Choir after work.
Mon - Spin/abs after work (full class for first time in living memory) then popped into diving at Dilmun for a pint and eats. Lots of new folks.
Sun - work.
Sat - Got up late again after too many beers by the pool. Decided had to do something, so went out north on the MTB to check out the Marina West development and to the north cost, then zoomed back with the very strong tail wind to Hamala Beach Resort for a beer for lunch. Its tough in Bahrain innit? 26km. Spin/abs in evening. Legs still feeling good, so Corsica effect hasn't worn off yet.
Fri - Didn't manage to get up for 6:30 cycling due to too much from last night, but felt guilty so went out at 9:30 to Awali to get new Wheelers shirt from Tim, then around to Golf Club for bacon butty and back via villages. There was a strong N headwind going back, but my legs felt good. 51km. In evening there was a compound pool bbq get together so chilled out there.
Wed - Spin/pump after work.
Tue - Choir after work.
Mon - Spin/abs after work (full class for first time in living memory) then popped into diving at Dilmun for a pint and eats. Lots of new folks.
Sun - work.
Sat - Got up late again after too many beers by the pool. Decided had to do something, so went out north on the MTB to check out the Marina West development and to the north cost, then zoomed back with the very strong tail wind to Hamala Beach Resort for a beer for lunch. Its tough in Bahrain innit? 26km. Spin/abs in evening. Legs still feeling good, so Corsica effect hasn't worn off yet.
Fri - Didn't manage to get up for 6:30 cycling due to too much from last night, but felt guilty so went out at 9:30 to Awali to get new Wheelers shirt from Tim, then around to Golf Club for bacon butty and back via villages. There was a strong N headwind going back, but my legs felt good. 51km. In evening there was a compound pool bbq get together so chilled out there.
28 Sept - 1 Oct: back in bahrain
Thur - Work and corporate dinner at Trader Vics
Wed - Work and spin/pump. I didn't try hard on the bike, and the pump is about light weights to strengthen upper body so was a nice change from abs.
Tue - Work and choir. A good rattle through many of the Messiah choruses.
Mon - Plane arrived 6:45 am. Got Taxi to pick up car from body shop where it was being de-scratched, home and shower then into work by 8:30! As expected, bed early.
Wed - Work and spin/pump. I didn't try hard on the bike, and the pump is about light weights to strengthen upper body so was a nice change from abs.
Tue - Work and choir. A good rattle through many of the Messiah choruses.
Mon - Plane arrived 6:45 am. Got Taxi to pick up car from body shop where it was being de-scratched, home and shower then into work by 8:30! As expected, bed early.
11-17 Sep - 'EFI' Lands End to John O'Groats
Thur - One work phone call, then pottered around and packed.
Wed - Bromptoned to meeting at Shad Thames, cycling from London Bridge. Cycled back to Investcorp, a lovely ride across Westminster Bridge, Horseguards, the Mall & St Jame's Palace
Tue - EFI day - Train arrived at Exter at 4:15. Dark and quiet. I loaded up and headed out on the main road to Tiverton, deciding that I would not risk the longer road to Crediton. Cycling with a light in the dark on unknown roads was hard work as I couldn't see the ups/down and road surface. At least there were no cars. The road seems relatively flat. A blustery headwind did not bode well for the day and I was concerned I was being a little silly doing this ride! The sky slightly lightened but it was overcast as I came into Tiverton.
The Stoker had explained how to get through the town via the one way which I did (cycling as it was empty) to find the 'Four & Twenty Blackbirds' shut (obviously as it was 5:15), only the dustbin men were out working. I tried to find a toilet but they were locked up, this was feeling it was going to be a problem. [The Stoker has censored how I gained my relief.]
About 6:30 was sunrise and I stopped for refuelling on sandwiches, bannana and dates on a pub bench. Cars were now starting to appear, as well as very wide farm vehicles.
The route was typical Kevin rural undulates with no problems....but look ahead, the dreaded Quantock Hills
I stopped half way for a breather. The gradient wasn't unrelenting but some bits were pretty steep. The road bike is easier up hill than a tandem!
Then from the top views, back and forwards across the Somerset levels
Bridgwater was only 11 miles, a great run down and I stopped for a picture at Thorn. It was only 10:30 so I decided to make a dash for the train and home instead of waiting for my 4:45 booking - I had a conference call at 2:30 with Bahrain and I needed to be somewhere with a decent phone and reckoned I could make it back. So got the Garmin to autoroute to Taunton Railway Station, 9 miles away.
The road was busy but fast. I couldn't resist calling into a layby for Jed's bacon and egg bap and a coffee - it was delicious. No caramel slices though!
Got to the station at 11:10 and onto the 11:24 for 30 quid, throwing away my previous booked seat on the 6pm train. Paddington at 13:40 where it absolutely poured down - the water was up to my ankles cycling to Marylebone where the drains were blocked. Only a 5 min cycle but enough to get me soaked, though in time to catch the 13:57, back to Darvells at 2:29 and into the conference call at 2:30!!!!!!! Noone guessed what I had just done and assumed I was in the London office. It last just over an hour, thenI went into the hotub to ease the aches which were less than at the weekend. Stoker and I are going out to a Jazz night at the Peppermill in Chorleywood to celebrate the "EFI"
Here's the route and the elevation profile, you can see the Quantocks!
94km (56 miles) in 5:14 saddle time, average 19.9km/hr with max of 55.9 km/hr
So now I can just about say I cycled Every F......g Inch of LEJOG.
Mon - Bromptoned into work.
Wed - Bromptoned to meeting at Shad Thames, cycling from London Bridge. Cycled back to Investcorp, a lovely ride across Westminster Bridge, Horseguards, the Mall & St Jame's Palace
Tue - EFI day - Train arrived at Exter at 4:15. Dark and quiet. I loaded up and headed out on the main road to Tiverton, deciding that I would not risk the longer road to Crediton. Cycling with a light in the dark on unknown roads was hard work as I couldn't see the ups/down and road surface. At least there were no cars. The road seems relatively flat. A blustery headwind did not bode well for the day and I was concerned I was being a little silly doing this ride! The sky slightly lightened but it was overcast as I came into Tiverton.
The Stoker had explained how to get through the town via the one way which I did (cycling as it was empty) to find the 'Four & Twenty Blackbirds' shut (obviously as it was 5:15), only the dustbin men were out working. I tried to find a toilet but they were locked up, this was feeling it was going to be a problem. [The Stoker has censored how I gained my relief.]
About 6:30 was sunrise and I stopped for refuelling on sandwiches, bannana and dates on a pub bench. Cars were now starting to appear, as well as very wide farm vehicles.
The route was typical Kevin rural undulates with no problems....but look ahead, the dreaded Quantock Hills
I stopped half way for a breather. The gradient wasn't unrelenting but some bits were pretty steep. The road bike is easier up hill than a tandem!
Then from the top views, back and forwards across the Somerset levels
Bridgwater was only 11 miles, a great run down and I stopped for a picture at Thorn. It was only 10:30 so I decided to make a dash for the train and home instead of waiting for my 4:45 booking - I had a conference call at 2:30 with Bahrain and I needed to be somewhere with a decent phone and reckoned I could make it back. So got the Garmin to autoroute to Taunton Railway Station, 9 miles away.
The road was busy but fast. I couldn't resist calling into a layby for Jed's bacon and egg bap and a coffee - it was delicious. No caramel slices though!
Got to the station at 11:10 and onto the 11:24 for 30 quid, throwing away my previous booked seat on the 6pm train. Paddington at 13:40 where it absolutely poured down - the water was up to my ankles cycling to Marylebone where the drains were blocked. Only a 5 min cycle but enough to get me soaked, though in time to catch the 13:57, back to Darvells at 2:29 and into the conference call at 2:30!!!!!!! Noone guessed what I had just done and assumed I was in the London office. It last just over an hour, thenI went into the hotub to ease the aches which were less than at the weekend. Stoker and I are going out to a Jazz night at the Peppermill in Chorleywood to celebrate the "EFI"
Here's the route and the elevation profile, you can see the Quantocks!
94km (56 miles) in 5:14 saddle time, average 19.9km/hr with max of 55.9 km/hrSo now I can just about say I cycled Every F......g Inch of LEJOG.
Mon - Bromptoned into work.
Sun -
Up at 6:45 to leave before breakfast for the 'Circuit of Kent' spotive just after Sevenoaks. We were the only tandem. Did the 80km route in 3:51 saddle time, 4:15 elapsed. Legs felt it, and there was a sting in the tail with the steepest uphill just before the end, but we cycled up it though many solos were walking.
Then off round M25 to drop tandem off at BikeAdventures for them to take it down in their van to Corsica. Home, hot tub and recover.
Up at 6:45 to leave before breakfast for the 'Circuit of Kent' spotive just after Sevenoaks. We were the only tandem. Did the 80km route in 3:51 saddle time, 4:15 elapsed. Legs felt it, and there was a sting in the tail with the steepest uphill just before the end, but we cycled up it though many solos were walking.Sat - Off to Tandridge for A&P's wedding. Checked into Whyte Harte to find room not made up and this was after they had not got our booking due to change of wnership. Not impressed. Wedding was fantastic, Stoker didn't look a numpty in her hat despite what Lulu said.
Fri - Flight home. Pick up new Dahon Cadenza folding bike from Mums. Practiced getting tandem in back of Prius, it gopes fine with the front wheel hanging out the back. Pack and get ready for weekend.
4-10 Sept: Looking forward to going back to Blighty
Thu - Cunningly took car into body shop to have various scratches repaired, though this seems to require replacement of door and bumper. Will be leaving it there for 2 weeks and pick up when return as off to Blighty at 1:35 Friday morning. 11:30pm In Gulf Air lounge. Drink is available, so much for an islamic airline in Ramadan.
Wed - Spin/abs in evening, sweaty. Packed (case not the class being)
Tue - Trying to get on UK time so got up late. Unfortunately the NY Office email system had crashed so I had to rush into work anyway! First Choir practice of season in evening, its going to be Messiah, so thats an easy peesy one.
Mon - 20 mins swim before breakfast. Spin/abs with Walid, he made it an uphill session.
Sun - Doss day. Glad to read on the emails that others found the return on Friday from Al Dar hard with the headwind, so its not just me. Sorted out stuff for next 2 weeks, loaded Garmin with routes etc.
Sat - 25k local meander on MTB, started late at 9:30 so it was getting hot with the same north wind. After recovered, 20 mins swim. Spin/abs in evening with Nong, not as interesting as Walid or Ole, but abs were tuff, and stretching was impossible for me! Finished 'French Revolutions' by Tim Moore where he traced a Tour de France route, didn't find it as funny as the reviews had made out.
Fri - 89k, Awali, Al Dar jetty and back via Hamad Town. Fine for first half, not too hot, kept with the group, but struggled on way back into a strong headwind and getting hotter so had some rests in shade. Surreptitiously drank 4.5L water, .75L gatorade, a lime Miranda, one Alpen bar and 3 dates - not enough food. Took 45 minutes to cool down in villa and recover. Here's the route:
Gentle swim in afternoon.
Wed - Spin/abs in evening, sweaty. Packed (case not the class being)
Tue - Trying to get on UK time so got up late. Unfortunately the NY Office email system had crashed so I had to rush into work anyway! First Choir practice of season in evening, its going to be Messiah, so thats an easy peesy one.
Mon - 20 mins swim before breakfast. Spin/abs with Walid, he made it an uphill session.
Sun - Doss day. Glad to read on the emails that others found the return on Friday from Al Dar hard with the headwind, so its not just me. Sorted out stuff for next 2 weeks, loaded Garmin with routes etc.
Sat - 25k local meander on MTB, started late at 9:30 so it was getting hot with the same north wind. After recovered, 20 mins swim. Spin/abs in evening with Nong, not as interesting as Walid or Ole, but abs were tuff, and stretching was impossible for me! Finished 'French Revolutions' by Tim Moore where he traced a Tour de France route, didn't find it as funny as the reviews had made out.
Fri - 89k, Awali, Al Dar jetty and back via Hamad Town. Fine for first half, not too hot, kept with the group, but struggled on way back into a strong headwind and getting hotter so had some rests in shade. Surreptitiously drank 4.5L water, .75L gatorade, a lime Miranda, one Alpen bar and 3 dates - not enough food. Took 45 minutes to cool down in villa and recover. Here's the route:
Gentle swim in afternoon.
28 Aug - 3 Sept Stoked then Stokerless
Thu - Doss day.
Wed - Spin/abs as usual.
Tue - New theory - 20 mins swim after work, felt a lot of laps. Pool chillers seem to be working.
Mon - Up late. Spin/Abs with Walid. Felt tough again, but my "planks" are getting better.
Sun - Stoker left late after a final swim and attempt to have a drink at a meal at the Country Club - last year there were serving, this year not. The thought police are clamping down.
Sat - Found a great shop (Kondor) in Seef Mall to get Blackberry covers and a charge (USB Micro B) cable for Stoker's new Curve. 20 lengths again, chatted to neighbours who had returned from vacation. Spin/Abs in evening with Ole, then went to Butchers Shop in City Centre Mall for best steak in Bahrain - no alcohol though.
Fri - Managed 20 lengths with Stoker in pool, then a short 15k tandem ride in late afternoon. Dinner at Jeff and Vi's. When we drove there the road was empty with locals at home Iftaring.
Wed - Spin/abs as usual.
Tue - New theory - 20 mins swim after work, felt a lot of laps. Pool chillers seem to be working.
Mon - Up late. Spin/Abs with Walid. Felt tough again, but my "planks" are getting better.
Sun - Stoker left late after a final swim and attempt to have a drink at a meal at the Country Club - last year there were serving, this year not. The thought police are clamping down.
Sat - Found a great shop (Kondor) in Seef Mall to get Blackberry covers and a charge (USB Micro B) cable for Stoker's new Curve. 20 lengths again, chatted to neighbours who had returned from vacation. Spin/Abs in evening with Ole, then went to Butchers Shop in City Centre Mall for best steak in Bahrain - no alcohol though.
Fri - Managed 20 lengths with Stoker in pool, then a short 15k tandem ride in late afternoon. Dinner at Jeff and Vi's. When we drove there the road was empty with locals at home Iftaring.
21-27 Aug: Still hot & humid & Ramadan
Thu - No exercise in the morning, I was tidying up for Stoker arrival tonight at 7:00 pm airport.
Wed - 30ish lengths of the pool. I lost count again, so decided that I will bring a watch, set the alarm and use that next time. Spin/abs in evening.
Tue - Despite aching after last nights later spin, I shuffled out of bed at 5:30 and went for a MTB ride through the plantation where the green and irrigation make it degrees cooler, then around AlJasra for 25k. Followed by 20-30 lengths in the pool - I got in a reverie about how tough it was in Bahrain and lost count. A nice way to start the day.
Mon - Spin/abs in evening. Its starting later at 8pm, so missing Dilmun Diving, but thats OK as the Stoker is coming out for the weekend. When I got in the car at 7:30pm it was still 41C. Walid was a bit grumpy over have a late class and gave a tough session. I canvassed others to get the time changed earlier but 2 fasters wanted it at 8 for Ramadan.
Stoker send me a picture of her training in the garden
Sun - Lethargic. Must be Ramadan!
Sat - Ramadan starts. Small lie in till 8:30. 19k on MTB exploring date plantations north of Waqif. Could be 50 years ago with a bullock cart loaded with dates, labourers hiding in the shade and being relaxed about working. Then to Hamal to see the seaside. Had to sneakily drink from the camelback to avoid a 100BD fine. Cooled down in pool. Spin/Abs in evening.
Fri - None saw the moon last nigh so we could drink on the ride. 62k to Awali, Riffa Golf, HR 155 - couldn't keep it up so fell off back of peleton, Oil Well No1, (Ironman Ruth tagged along) down and up track to Banyan Tree, Al Areen, Zallaq (water stop) and home with a nice limp SE wind.
Wed - 30ish lengths of the pool. I lost count again, so decided that I will bring a watch, set the alarm and use that next time. Spin/abs in evening.
Tue - Despite aching after last nights later spin, I shuffled out of bed at 5:30 and went for a MTB ride through the plantation where the green and irrigation make it degrees cooler, then around AlJasra for 25k. Followed by 20-30 lengths in the pool - I got in a reverie about how tough it was in Bahrain and lost count. A nice way to start the day.
Mon - Spin/abs in evening. Its starting later at 8pm, so missing Dilmun Diving, but thats OK as the Stoker is coming out for the weekend. When I got in the car at 7:30pm it was still 41C. Walid was a bit grumpy over have a late class and gave a tough session. I canvassed others to get the time changed earlier but 2 fasters wanted it at 8 for Ramadan.
Stoker send me a picture of her training in the garden
Sun - Lethargic. Must be Ramadan!
Sat - Ramadan starts. Small lie in till 8:30. 19k on MTB exploring date plantations north of Waqif. Could be 50 years ago with a bullock cart loaded with dates, labourers hiding in the shade and being relaxed about working. Then to Hamal to see the seaside. Had to sneakily drink from the camelback to avoid a 100BD fine. Cooled down in pool. Spin/Abs in evening.
Fri - None saw the moon last nigh so we could drink on the ride. 62k to Awali, Riffa Golf, HR 155 - couldn't keep it up so fell off back of peleton, Oil Well No1, (Ironman Ruth tagged along) down and up track to Banyan Tree, Al Areen, Zallaq (water stop) and home with a nice limp SE wind.
14 - 20 Aug: Hot and humid
Thu - "Last supper" with guys at lunch (takeout Chinese). Played with www.Bikehike and downloaded the Corsica routes to Garmin.
Wed - I am pathetic. Failed to get out of bed in time. Humidity has shot up. Spin/Abs with Walid
in evening, heart rate up more than last time. This must be doing me some good?
Been having some slight ache at the front of the knees, and I read that this can be due to the saddle being too low, so I've raised it on the bike and at Spin the last couple of times. Seems much better. could be coincidence, but I'll keep it this way.
Tue - Recovery day
Mon - 32k local. Light dust haze so less direct sun, but humid. Saw Mike & Steve (AWs) cycling other way round. Toughish Spin/abs in evening with Walid, and popped into diving at Dilmun. Their kitchen is still under renovation, so left after a chat to prepare dinner at home. Diving already full for Friday which is a relief as I think its too hot to be out all day on the boat, but I still want to appear keen! Booked Stoker to come out in 10 days for a long weekend, something to look forward to.
Sun - quiet day
Sat - Diving cancelled as not enough signups. Probably for the better as it is damm hot. Cycled my tuna roll that I had made for lunch to Hamala Beach Resort and sat by the seaside to eat it. Strong headwind as I meandered back on tracks across the fields to the pipeline (I was on the MTB). 12k. Spin/Abs in evening.
Fri - 57k with AWheelers. Awali, Riffa fort, Hamad, then I slipped off back of peleton and came home via Malakiya. Felt much better than last week, though eyes are watering even though I have been back on anti-histamines again. I can keep up with the group for about an hour, then I feel like slowing down....so I do.
Yesterday friends John Scoble and Paul Stephens (+ his son Charlie) finished walking the GR10 from Atlantic to Med in 45 days. Well done guys! It sounded like it wasn't much fun, with lots of up and downs and alongs, and big storms, without the biking thrill of descending without brakes. I think I'll stick to cycling.
Wed - I am pathetic. Failed to get out of bed in time. Humidity has shot up. Spin/Abs with Walid
in evening, heart rate up more than last time. This must be doing me some good?
Been having some slight ache at the front of the knees, and I read that this can be due to the saddle being too low, so I've raised it on the bike and at Spin the last couple of times. Seems much better. could be coincidence, but I'll keep it this way.Tue - Recovery day
Mon - 32k local. Light dust haze so less direct sun, but humid. Saw Mike & Steve (AWs) cycling other way round. Toughish Spin/abs in evening with Walid, and popped into diving at Dilmun. Their kitchen is still under renovation, so left after a chat to prepare dinner at home. Diving already full for Friday which is a relief as I think its too hot to be out all day on the boat, but I still want to appear keen! Booked Stoker to come out in 10 days for a long weekend, something to look forward to.
Sun - quiet day
Sat - Diving cancelled as not enough signups. Probably for the better as it is damm hot. Cycled my tuna roll that I had made for lunch to Hamala Beach Resort and sat by the seaside to eat it. Strong headwind as I meandered back on tracks across the fields to the pipeline (I was on the MTB). 12k. Spin/Abs in evening.
Fri - 57k with AWheelers. Awali, Riffa fort, Hamad, then I slipped off back of peleton and came home via Malakiya. Felt much better than last week, though eyes are watering even though I have been back on anti-histamines again. I can keep up with the group for about an hour, then I feel like slowing down....so I do.
Yesterday friends John Scoble and Paul Stephens (+ his son Charlie) finished walking the GR10 from Atlantic to Med in 45 days. Well done guys! It sounded like it wasn't much fun, with lots of up and downs and alongs, and big storms, without the biking thrill of descending without brakes. I think I'll stick to cycling.
7 -13 Aug: Dusty and hot
Thu - Rest day. Busy at work phoning up guys to tell them their bonuses.
Wed - 28k to new area and around Aljasra. Spin/Abs
Tue - Rest day
Mon - 21k exploring the housing area other side of pipeline road (between BDF and main saudi highway). No traffic, clear roads around big houses. Police presence so security is good. Spin/Abs
Sun -
Sat - 48k to Riffa fort, Golf Club cafe for bacon butty (yummy), Hamda and home. Felt much better than yesterday.
Fri - 85k with Awheelers. Very fast run down to Soap Box Hill, Tree of Life, left on Al Dhurat highway. Rest peeled off to Al Dar on coast. There was a N headwind so I carried on slower up highway , round back of Awali, Zallaq and home. 3:30 hours. Suffered from heat even though drank 4 litres of water on ride. Whacked for rest of day.
Wed - 28k to new area and around Aljasra. Spin/Abs
Tue - Rest day
Mon - 21k exploring the housing area other side of pipeline road (between BDF and main saudi highway). No traffic, clear roads around big houses. Police presence so security is good. Spin/Abs
Sun -
Sat - 48k to Riffa fort, Golf Club cafe for bacon butty (yummy), Hamda and home. Felt much better than yesterday.
Fri - 85k with Awheelers. Very fast run down to Soap Box Hill, Tree of Life, left on Al Dhurat highway. Rest peeled off to Al Dar on coast. There was a N headwind so I carried on slower up highway , round back of Awali, Zallaq and home. 3:30 hours. Suffered from heat even though drank 4 litres of water on ride. Whacked for rest of day.
31 July - 6 Aug: Back in the groove
Thu - Rest day after yesterday
Wed - 38k to Malakiya. Spin/Abs
Tue - Rest day
Mon - 36k Hamad and back. Spin/Abs
Sun - 29k around AlJasra
Sat - Spin/Abs at Ritz
Fri - Stoker and Jon left late last night. B&M from the Magic Kingdom stayed over. I was going to cycle with the AWheelers, but the weather was shite, very low viz with dust. So I stayed in bad, then went to the gym and had a swim.
Wed - 38k to Malakiya. Spin/Abs
Tue - Rest day
Mon - 36k Hamad and back. Spin/Abs
Sun - 29k around AlJasra
Sat - Spin/Abs at Ritz
Fri - Stoker and Jon left late last night. B&M from the Magic Kingdom stayed over. I was going to cycle with the AWheelers, but the weather was shite, very low viz with dust. So I stayed in bad, then went to the gym and had a swim.
Back on Air
After LE2JOG I had 2 weeks in Bahrain, then back to the UK for a week's work and wedding anniversay, daughter's graduation, parties and meals out.
Stoker and Jon came back to Bahrain for a great 2 weeks - we explored new places to have light lunches, and got in some early morning tandem riding having persuaded British Airways to allow on the brake-poor tandem. We just got in under the wire as now BA have sneakily put on their website that that forn Oct they are reducing the checked in baggage size to below what a tandem can be compressed into. Shame we don't have S&S couplings on the Thorn, but I had to buy what was on offer at the time.
They both went back 2 weeks ago, and I was faced with 6 weeks alone before getting back to UK for a week's cycle across Corsica with Bike Adventures again -yes we (or at least I and the Stoker acquieses) are suckers for this now. We are going to wedding in Kent on 12th September and have entered for the Kent Sportiv on 13th Sept as its just down the road from where we are staying. And then I decided also to "fill in the LE2JOG" hole by nipping down to Devon on 15th Sept and cycling from Crediton to Bridgewater to make up the day I missed due to the "St Neots experience". Trains are booked for a crazy day out.
So I need to get back into the routine. This isn't helped with the weather in Bahrain being unreasonably dusty if not downright unhealthy, and the temperature being rather warm (45C+ in the day). I decided putting down what I do in the blog makes it more likely I will continue to do it! I have reconfigured the blog to be active for what is the current escapade and focus, and to archive previous ones in links you can get to on the right. I've archived LE2JOG and put up an old writeup on the Coast to Coast (Whitehaven to Tynemouth) from Sept 2002. I'll put up weekly entried, adding to them daily as things happen and keep the lastest at the top for my blog stalkers (only one so far!) need not scroll down too far.
Off we go again!
Stoker and Jon came back to Bahrain for a great 2 weeks - we explored new places to have light lunches, and got in some early morning tandem riding having persuaded British Airways to allow on the brake-poor tandem. We just got in under the wire as now BA have sneakily put on their website that that forn Oct they are reducing the checked in baggage size to below what a tandem can be compressed into. Shame we don't have S&S couplings on the Thorn, but I had to buy what was on offer at the time.
They both went back 2 weeks ago, and I was faced with 6 weeks alone before getting back to UK for a week's cycle across Corsica with Bike Adventures again -yes we (or at least I and the Stoker acquieses) are suckers for this now. We are going to wedding in Kent on 12th September and have entered for the Kent Sportiv on 13th Sept as its just down the road from where we are staying. And then I decided also to "fill in the LE2JOG" hole by nipping down to Devon on 15th Sept and cycling from Crediton to Bridgewater to make up the day I missed due to the "St Neots experience". Trains are booked for a crazy day out.
So I need to get back into the routine. This isn't helped with the weather in Bahrain being unreasonably dusty if not downright unhealthy, and the temperature being rather warm (45C+ in the day). I decided putting down what I do in the blog makes it more likely I will continue to do it! I have reconfigured the blog to be active for what is the current escapade and focus, and to archive previous ones in links you can get to on the right. I've archived LE2JOG and put up an old writeup on the Coast to Coast (Whitehaven to Tynemouth) from Sept 2002. I'll put up weekly entried, adding to them daily as things happen and keep the lastest at the top for my blog stalkers (only one so far!) need not scroll down too far.
Off we go again!
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