Stuart in Bahrain

24 June onwards: Farewell Bahrain

2010-06-20T19:26:00.002+03:00

I can now reveal that I am retiring from my firm and returning permanently to the UK. The tandem and Tri bikes in Bahrain are sold, and the other two bikes are packed and looking forward to joining my bike stable in the UK.

So the title of this blog is now redundant. I will retire it, and start a new one 'mafimuskala', linking back to it for the historical record.

Thank you for letting me share my journey to date with you. Happy stalking for the future!

Stuart

13 - 23 June: Back in Bahrain, waiting for Stoker to arrive

2010-06-17T11:28:00.002+03:00

And its very very hot!

1 - 12 June: Recovery and Return to Bahrain

2010-06-01T12:42:00.001+03:00

Well, we made it back. What a great trip - much like LE2JOG but without the short sharp climbs of Devon and Cornwall, not rain to speak off, good french food and wine, sunny hot weather, glorious scenery, no brake failures, no new tandem. So in fact nothing like LE2JOG.

Working in London office this week, then back to Bahrain on Monday 7 June.

. . . I spoke too soon. Thanks to BA Unite Union strike, I am now flying back to Bahrain on Saturday 12 June.

15 - 30 May: Channel to Med

2010-05-13T11:05:00.000+03:00

We will be tandeming (supported by Bike Adventures again) across France, and attempting to blog our progress on:
http://channel-to-med.blogspot.com/
Please pop over on this link and see whats up.

7 - 14 May: BtoB (Back to Blighty)

2010-05-10T21:31:00.004+03:00

Fri -
Thu -
Wed -
Tue - Work for the day in London. Brompton and train in.

Fri - Mon: Off to Isle of Wight with Stoker, her Mum and Nigel to stay in Bembridge. Lovely time and we took our Bromptons which we used every morning to see the seaside.

30 Apr - 6 May: Still in Bahrain

2010-04-30T16:15:00.009+03:00

Thu - Woke up at 4am, thinking what had I forgotten to pack? Nothing. But got up and checked in online. Went to Ritz gym before work for 1 hour cycling on a spin bike, worked up a good sweat and left feeling energised. Soon brought back to earth with filling in budgets at work. Blues show/buffet at Dilly tonight, then off to airport around 11:30.
Wed - Felt exhausted, must have been having to be sociable with my guests. Normal work day and in evening checked I had packed.
Tue - 20 mins swim. Took Pascale to lunch at Coco's then the famous Tree of Life and No 1 Oil Well experience. Then off to drop off at airport, and dash back to catch choir. Decided that I won't be able to perform in the concert due to not attending enough rehearsals.
Mon - Picked up Pascale and friend from airport in morning. Spin booked up so did solitary cycle at Ritz gym for an hour after work dinner with them at Trader Vics. We started outside, then it thundered and lightening and rained so we went inside. Very pleasant evening.
Sun - 6:30 at parking after bridge 1 on the Durrat highway to meet up with J, I and M from work. We then cycled to the coast to Al Dar to the end of the jetty, down to Durrat for a food stop at the Alosra there and to sit next to their 'beach' to eat it, then back to car. Wind variable, overcast yet hot. I felt good and powered back. 59km.

In the afternoon went to Saar Cinema to see Iron Man 2 (thats as exciting as it gets on a cloudy blustery day in Bahrain). A load of tosh, but it did keep me awake. The best bit was the trailer for Gladiator 2 aka Robin Hood with Russell Crowe reprising his Maximus role.

Sat - Feeling much better this morning. Up at 6:15 and over to Awali. R. was feeling too well, so we had a 20km recovery cycle round the desert to the Golf Club and a bacon and egg butty. Wind was the same as yesterday, cloudy and threatening rain. Spin/Abs tonight.
Fri - Full of good intentions, I had stated the night before I was going to do 100 miles. So up and out at 5:10. It was cloudy and spotty with rain. Riffa, Alba and down the highway to Durrat. Average speed 28kph due to tail wind. My back had a slow puncture which I pumped up twice but checking at Durrat I heard the valve stem was hissing and had come away from the rubber, so changed tube no probs. Then it got grim cycling back into the strong headwind it was also still cloudy and dusty (so not too hot). I was clearly not going to do 100miles as I was pushing hard with the legs all the time. Pulled into the Golf Club for a bacon butty (usual yummy) and recovery. Started well again down the highway to Zallaq, but that was just being fooled by it being downhill. Hamad Town was head down and push hard into the wind. T 112km in 51/2 hours. Now feeling absolutely knacked.

23 - 29 April: BtoB (Back to Bahrain)

2010-04-23T11:45:00.009+03:00

Thu - Stayed latish as work to have a meeting with Y. Then went straight to Paul Entwistle's in Sar for a Wheelers party. Great braii and nice to chat to othe other and meet Paul's generationally extended family. However the chicken tikka massala made the next days ride interesting.
Wed - Good Spin/Pump with Walid. Tooth is like new, no issues, strange feelings or pain, so thats over.
Tue - No exercise. Had permanent crown put in to replace temporary one that has survived a week longer than it was supposed to due to the flight delay. Now I can bite on both side of my mouth, a strange feeling at first. Choir in evening. Am not finding African Sanctus uplifting, its not Mozart. With a month away for the France ride coming up, I don't think I will be up for the concert. Lets see.

Mon - easy 20 mins swim in morning. Spin/abs at Ritz was a good workout. Feeling in reasonable condition, shame about the weight not moving. Typed up some childhood diaries we found when clearing out Mum's flat. You can read them on the link on the right, and find out how I learnt to swim and ride a bike, how much Christopher was not well and skipping school, and how often it rained, especially on holiday in Wales. But looking back, it was idyllic very very mild 'Just William' (I was a real goodie at school).
Sun - BtoWork. Decided to stop being miserable, and accepted offer of dinner at Bapco Club with S&R and Lucy. Had a good time.
Sat - BA 10:50 flight BtoB. 6 hr flight on time. Weather breezy but not too hot. Villa looks clean. Miserable to be back alone
Fri - Stoker had a meeting at Mt Vernon in the morning, so I got the bike ready and we cycled to the Cafe at the Aquadrome for breakfast, as recommended by Stalker and P. It was awesome, a lovely setting (wooden cafe) and great food. We didn't cycle long enough to make up the calories though, but did deserve a hot tub.
http://www.thecafeinthepark.com/#

Stoker went doctoring again, then off to Cambridge in the afternoon to catch up with P&M and go with them to hear Montiverdi Vespers at Girton. A Magnificat performance with very strong voices seeming to be effortlessly generated.
Would have got back by 11:30 but J18 & J17 closed with no warning, so had to detour via J16 and Denham back. At least they were all working on the motorway with large mchine steaming away.

16 - 22 April: Grounded by ash

2010-04-19T10:46:00.009+03:00

Thu - Train into work and walked. At lunchtime got bike and decided to train home rather than cycle all the way, I think I had done enough for the week. Played at home with new MacBook Pro and worked out how to embed Garmin Connect activities into this page (see below). Delightful meal with S & L, S & P, at The Coriander in Amersham. Fell asleep at 10pm after 2.5 pts of Kingfisher.
Wed - 1hr45mins cycle in. It seemed faster than yesterday, but wasn't. Wore less layers, temperature was just right. Felt great after it.

After work, Jon took for a tour round the FCO, fabulous. Then a lovely meal with whole family at La Barca in Lower Marsh. Messed around with tubes/trains on the way back, trying to beat waiting for the Chiltern line but ended up getting on it at Harrow.
Tue - Needing the exercise, decided to cycle to work. Left at 6:35. 38km in 1hr43mins, As last time, it was a cold start, but I was warmly kitted up. The ride really makes one feel alive. 2:hr12mins for 36km back, the ride through Moor Park is gorgeous with views over sunny Watford, not a cloud or a contrail in the sky, then straight into hot tub.
Mon - Working from home. 25 min cycle ride in afternoon around village and up a hill. That was enuff!
Sun - Tempted to lie in bed, but Stoker persuaded me to get on the tandem and cycle via Mill End to Cinnamon Square for a coffee and muffin. They have expanded into the shop next door, and its a really nice passagey warren to relax, and the coffee is excellent. Then we popped back in the car to pick up the cake for A's 18th. Onto Aspley Heath via Hemel station to collect the kiddies and roof downed in the BMW via A41 and LB bypass in glorious weather. Lunch at Paris House in grounds of Woburn Abbey. It has just been renovated and is an Alain Murtchison restaurant. Novel takes on presentation, not too nouvelle. Nice BA sent me a text to say my flight tomorrow was cancelled. Rebooked at earliest available via their website for next Saturday. Hot tub when we got back.
There is no escape from the Stalker, she spotted us going round the aquadrome roundabout on the tandem in the morning. Its getting more like The Prisoner everyday.
Sat - Domestic affairs in morning and round to Fairlawns to continue clearing up Mum's flat with Bro. Lunch on lawn outside in the sun. In late afternoon tandemed 15 miles to Coleshill and back round, stopping for tea at G&Cs. Amersham-Colehill hill wasn't too bad. Had pint on Common in lovely weather. England is rather pleasant sometimes. Hot tub when we got back.
Fri - Dawdled around Chorleywood. Stoker decided to go to gym in evening, and I got out the Dahon and cycled to William Penn and back for a quick spin. Hot ub when we got back.

9 - 15 Apr: Olympic Tri Bike leg + Home

2010-04-09T11:42:00.008+03:00

Thu - Train and walked into work as going to ballet tonight. Very nice walking through London to Mayfair. Went to Canary Wharf for a meeting at 2. Stopped off at Canada Water and did some Decathalon cycle shopping on way back, walked from Waterloo to Covent Garden to meet family for dinner at Sappori, then ballet. Home on 11:27 train.
Wed - Overcast and dismal. Train and Brompton into work today. Dinner at The Gate with Stalker and partners.
Tue - I am mad. Out at 6:20 to cycle into work. It started off cold so I wrapped up. Missed a turn in Oxhey and added 1/2 mle to the route, but it all went well to Stanmore, then down A5. How they are going to make this a 'cycle superhighway' into London is a mystery as the road is appallingly poorly maintained and the bus lane stop/start as do the buses so you have to keep popping out into the main traffic. 39.5km in 1hr50mins. Shower at work, felt really good and energised by the ride. Ride back wasn't as much fun. Seemed uphill, a headwind and nasty potholes to avoid. Stopped for coffee in Stanmore. 2hr5mins for 38km, Lovely hotub, then cleaned bike.

Mon - Took BMW via country roads and A10 via Downham Market for bacon butty and cup of tea, to Kings Lynn for Auntie Ethel's funeral, the last matriarch if you don't count Auntie Val. Everyone was very friendly. Brought back recent memories of Mum's funeral. I have decided dress at my funeral will be NO ties but shorts. I was told I need to make sure I die in a hot summer.
Sun -We all slept on the flight, back home at 8am. Stoker went to gym, I pottered around doing DIY repairs. Cooked roast chicken and veggies, yum. Tandem ride in afternoon to Stalker's house. "Is anybody there" the traveller said "knocking on the door" (apologies to Walter De La Mare). No, because she was out at the footie! 18km round trip, lovely weather, felt good. Took up garden chairs to Jon's London flat for roof terrace, had cup of tea watching the London Eye as sun went down. Then home, just watched TV, drank a bottle of red wine and nibbled nuts. Bliss.
Sat - Checked in online and put us all together in one row - nearly all flight seats already taken. Pool in morning followed by bacon & sausage brunch (for O from Qatar). I then did nothing whilst others went into City Mall & Seef area, Fort etc. O took taxi to airport, we went to Country Club for a meal. Took J to airport, then drove the rest with hire car to airport for 01:40 flight. Yawn.
Fri - Thanks to neighbours, found a team member for the swim leg, and O. said he would do the run. Left at 6am to go down to Al Jazera Sailing Club. Weather was cloudy, which was nice, but windy, which wasn't. K. swam well and came out about 1/3 in the field. The cycle was 3 loops, one way into an increasingly stronger headwind, then a easier cycle back. You can see the effect in the profile:

I was knackered and the legs really felt the pushing on the outward leg. O. ran really well, 44 mins for 10km, again half was into the wind. Support team chatted to neighbours, whose girls won the mixed team. Back for quick bacon (to give O. a pork hit as he hasn't had any in Qatar), then off to Golf Club for brunch. Drove back via No 1 Oil Well, F1, and villages where we paniced when in a convoy of 20 riot police land cruisers. Lazed around and dozed rest of day, but took L&O into JJs for an evening of clubbing. We went to bed though.

2-9 April: Full House

2010-04-04T10:41:00.008+03:00

Thu - Easy swim again in morning. Picked up O. at 8pm from Qatar, then met up with J, J & P at outside sisha/lebanese restaurant near Ramada in Adliya. Had dips and various nibbly plates, J took J&P to airport and back to villa. Straight to bed as early start for bike leg in Olympic Tri tomorrow!
Wed - Easy swim again, Stoker going to gym later. I went to the gym in the late afternoon. Went to see the sun go down and have a sundowner at the Hamala Beach Resort. Total failure on both counts - the sun went behind a cloud, but much worse, they have been stopped from serving alcohol a couple of weeks a ago. What is the Shura Council trying to do, destroy all of Bahrain's tourist attractions? So its good bye to:

Meat Co in evening outdoors on roof terrace. Then took H. to airport.
Tue - Easy 30 lengths swim with Stoker before work. Afternoon tea at Ritz. Teppanyaki dinner at Bushidos.
Mon - Gym before work with Stoker. Met Stoker, L&H for a lunch time coffee at the Coffee House in Muharraq and looked around Sheikh Isa's house:

Buffet in evening at Lanterns Indian.
Sun - 40 lengths swim with Stoker, then dropped off at Alosra to pick up hire car and into work. Dentist in afternoon for a broken filling that turned into a temporary crown with permanent to be done in a couple of week - by end of evening mouth was back to relative normal feeling.
Sat - Up early and out of house at 6:15 to tandem to Awali, join Seana and friends to cycle down to Zallaq, Al Areen then Costa for Coffee. Back home by 10:00 after 54km. Both feeling tired, more from early rising than the cycle. Usual tourist tour of the island (Tree of Life, No 1 oil well, Banyan Tree for the usual slowly served drink and snack). Trader Vics in evening where we sat outside, v. nice.
Fri - Early and late trips to airport to pick up kiddies and their friends. We now have 8 in the house. Golf Club Cafe for late breakfast butty i.e. lunch. Lazed around pool during day. Thai beef salad for evening meal, yummy.

26 Mar - 1 Apr: Marking time

2010-03-26T13:56:00.010+03:00

Thu - Lazy 25min swim in morning. Picked up Stoker at 19:10.
Wed - Spin/Pump@ Ritz in evening. It felt tough, but the shoulder/arm exercises were much easier than the abs the time before. Did some food shopping for the visitors.
Tue - 60 lengths/35mins swim before work. Sorted out bedrooms for visitors.
Mon - Light 20 min swim before work, Spin/Abs @ Ritz in evening. The abs seemed difficult for some reason, I blame the pilates the day before. Afterward dropped into Dilly Diving for a chat and pint.
Sun - Pilates class at Ritz in the morning with See. It at first seems easy, but then keeping your core muscles tense while making slow movements does work up a sweat. Got to office at 9:50 which didn't seem to be noticed or matter.

Started to tidy up for the hordes of visitors. Very bored in evening, so went to see "The Green Zone" at Saar Cinema. Just a vehicle for Jason to do his Bourne impression but in uniform this time. Bagdad alleys are just like my walk through old Manama last week, but with the gunfire.

Sat - Up and out at 6:45 to join S&R + friends for a ride down from Awali, Zallaq, Al-Areen then F1 Costa for coffee. There were splodgey rain drops but on my return via Hamad Town the wind got up, changed direction and as it does became a headwind. 53km. Then it immediately blew up a thick dust for the rest of the day. Spin at Ritz with Nong which wasn't very inspiring (she has the music loud so you can't hear what she says), so I didn't stay for the the 15 mins abs. Watched 'Maurice" DVD with some evocative scenes of Cambridge, Backs, Kings Chapel etc.
Fri - turned over and went back to sleep, so missed the Wheelers start. Decided this was pathetic, so finally got out of bed at 8am, and cycled off to Awali. The wind was strong and variable Easterly i.e. in my face. Popped into S&R's for a cuppa, then we leisurely cycled round Awali together for 5km to give R's healed leg an airing. I then went onto Riffa Fort, Golf Club, round the back of Awali (when the wind was finally from behind) and via Hamad town to home, with the wind making it a nice run back for 62km. No twinges from skiing knees, and legs felt good. BBQ at M&P's in the afternoon in Juffair. Very windy on their apartment block roof, but great views and lots of Spanish people.

19 - 26 March: Mozart

2010-03-19T16:53:00.011+03:00

Thu - No time for exercise in the morning as I took the car in for service at 7:30. I walked back to the office through old Manama. Its a grotty, rundown, rabbit warren of narrow air conditioner dripping alleys, but I did come across some old style house balconies, juxtapositioned with the new towers.

It took 35 mins to walk back in the aternoon, so all in all my exercise for the day was an hour's walking. Poker fund raising for Dive Club at Terry's house, I almost swept the table at one point, but then steadily lost the lot.

Wed - Spin/pump in morning as I am going to see Mike Franklin in "Jeffery Barnard is Unwell" tonight at the British Club. Mike usually sings in the basses next to me, and is a dead cert for the part! I was the only bloke in the class, but See worked me into a sweat.

The review in todays' Gulf Daily News was terrible - I hope that Mike has learned his line overnight!
Play falls flat on its face
By Les Horton, Posted on » Wednesday, March 24, 2010

JEFFREY Bernard would have walked out the second the curtain went up last night, simply because the bar closed for the performance. Ironic really, given that this was the stage chronicle of the downfall of a fatally addicted drunk.
I am searching for kind words about a production that would be beyond the skills of many professionals, let alone an amateur theatre group. This is not a whodunnit or a farce, where the flaws can be easily hidden amidst twists in the plot or the slapstick. This is a one-man show of more than two-and-a-half hours, punctuated only by cameo appearances by the supporting cast.
Bernard would no doubt have raised a glass to Mike Franklin for trying to bring him back from the grave and so do I, but I am sorry, the role is just too much for him. Repeated stumbling over the words, audible prompts from off-stage and frequent disappearances from view, most likely for a glance at the script, spoiled what should have been a performance packed with incisive wit.
There were some excellent moments and all credit to Mike - and the audience - for sticking out to the end what was a tortuous performance, with little better from the supporting cast.
It simply didn't work either on stage or off, with awkward seating around dinner tables at which barely a handful of the audience members actually dined.
Last night was billed as theatre only, but ticket-holders turned up to find an optional buffet laid on for extra cash - a surprise to most, judging from the remarks within my earshot.
I have been to Manama Theatre Club productions before and thoroughly enjoyed them, but this one fell flat on its face, just as Bernard no doubt did with alarming regularity.

Just before I left at 7pm, I managed to fit in a short swim.
Well the play, it wasn't as bad as the review. Mike seemed to know his lines, but they weren't very funny or witty and the cameo walk-ins were laboured.
Tue - Easy 20 mins swim in the morning. Managed to squeeze in going to the compound gym for a BodyDoctor workout before starting African Sanctus rehearsals in evening.
Mon - Spin/Abs at Ritz in evening. As my right knee is still creaking after skiing I didn't go as hard as usual, and kept the sweating under control, but the abs were a struggle.
Sun - As I was so underwelmed at work, I came home in time to toss the bike in the back of the car and drive down to the F1 MacDonalds, and do 32k to beach and up Banyan Tree hill. It was very windy (20knots) so I was either slogging along at 15kph or screaming at 40. Finished as sun was going down. Made a nice change to start the evening. Tried alternate routes to drive there, its actually quicker and more restful to go slower via villages and Hamad than to use the highway all the way.
Sat - Work up late with a muzzy head form the concert party last night, so just waddled around the villa till 4:30 when it was into DJ and off to ...

It was the best concert yet, we were crisp and together. I even thought I was good, though I detected 3 very minor mistakes in my personal performance. I can't decide which is my favorite section, they are all awesome. Praise from Alistair: "Oh, choir! Why do I leave you till last? Because you were and are, the most significant part of this and every Manama Singers concert. Did I forget to acknowledge you in the heat of the moment, during the bows? It wasn’t intentional and to me, all the final applause was for you. The balance, nuance, detail, diction and commitment were all there. I could not have asked for more and I genuinely feel that you surpassed yourselves. Yours was a performance made in heaven. I do not exaggerate. It was extraordinary."

Fri - Up and out of house at 6:20. Awali, F1, up Banyan Tree, to Camel roundabout, Zallaq and back for 9:15. 65k. SE winds so nicer coming back for a change.

Then 10 till 4pm at British School for final Mozart rehearsal. Its soundng very good, lets hope we keep it up for the concert tomorrow.

5-18 Mar: Off skiing!

2010-03-03T14:22:00.004+03:00

We survived the skiing with no injuries. A couple of very very cold days, but then the sun came out. Chalet was excellent, company was varied and fun.

Not a cloud in the sky

A sandwich lunch

Its a long way down to Le Fornet

Still no clouds in the sky!

Then we we got back had to reschedule Stoker's next flights out to Bahrain because of the BA strike.
I fly back on the Monday, work on Tuesday, Mozart rehearsal, and no exercise for the rest of the week. Pathetic.

26 Feb - 4 Mar: Looking forward to skiing with Stoker

2010-02-26T11:45:00.009+03:00

Thu - Great start to the day: checked in online, lovely weather, pool heaters were on so swim was delightful and very relaxing. Weather makes a difference, must be the genetic ancestral memories of african savannas, with bright blue sky, clear air, light breeze and warm sun uplifting the spirits. Blues evening at Duilmun club tonight (on table with some manama singers) then off to airport.
Wed - Evening spin class was full, so went to the 8:30 one. I was the only bloke with the girls. It was Ole's last class as he has got a promotion to the Ritz in Abu Dhabi, but he didn't let up. Showered and changed at Ritz and into work by 9:55 feeling great. Lovely clear fresh weather with warm sun, shame it doesn't stay like this all summer.
Tue - Back to bright warm weather. Swam the whole of Mozart's Requiem again, just over an hour, before work. Choir in evening, more Requiem!
Mon - Leaving the training a bit late for skiing, but signed up for the circuits class in the morning before work. Nice to exercise different bits. Overcast and grey with some spotted rain. Spin/abs in the evening with Whalid, it was tough..
Sun - Public holiday for Prophet's (PBUH) Birthday. Weather coolish in morning, left at 7am cycled to Ritz for Sea's Pilates class (1 hour) which was like slow abs exercises but it made me sweat, then cycled back with the wind behind me. 39km in total cycling.

Had to stay in all afternoon while workmen fixed the bath that a visitor broke the bottom. They glass fibred it then sprayed with white acrylic and it looks better than new! Villa smells like a glue sniffer's paradise though.
Sat - Swam the whole of Mozart's Requiem! Decided I was bored with failing to count laps, so dug out my rarely used waterproof iPod case and headphones and listen to Requiem which is over an hours worth of swimming, must be over 2km. Could have carried on, I can't be swimming hard enough. Read 'One Day' by David Nicholls, characters weren't believable to me. Strong NE breeze, haze and weak sun. Decided to go for a walk to Al Jasra "Harbour and Beach" 7.4km in 1hr 24mins.

Fri - Up early, packed for a long ride and left at 6am. Riffa fort, Awali (where I saw Seana going to Budiya for a ride), Zallaq, end of the beach road till the signs got too threatening about PRIVATE, up to Banyan Tree, Al Areen, F1, new road past Sakhir air base when it got very headwindy and blown sand/dust (this road without wind would be good for a 10 mile time trial). Was making slow pogress at 10-15kph. So decided that was enough, turned around and with wind behind me flew home via Hamad Town, often hitting 40kph. 110km. Washed down bike, fry up for breakfast, feeling good and relaxed.

Decided just to lie down for "a little rest" and crashed out for 4 hours, waking after sundown.

Staff party tonight at Sheraton. Turned out as expected, remind me never to have an Iranian singer at a party, it was only marginally better than the music at the Bahrain/NZ foorball match. Back home at 10:45 "and so to bed".

19 - 25 Feb: Qatar interlude and "its the rules"

2010-02-21T13:13:00.004+03:00

Thu - Felt much better this morning, with tummy settled down. 60 lengths before work.
Wed - 30 lengths with Stoker. Lovely lunch at Zoe's, then took her to airport for flight back to Blighty. Spin/Abs at Ritz in evening, but was still full up after lunch, felt burpey and a bit sickey so only did the spin (plus 20 mins row beforehand).
Tues - 30 lengths with Stoker. Then we both went to Choir and onto Country Club for a meal afterward, joined by S & G.

Mon - 50 lengths with Stoker. Then Diving AGM at Dilly - with usual small club politics just about under control!
Sun - Recovery Day from Qatar excesses!

Sat - Lovely start to day - clear sky and breeze. Went to get dinghy out, but couldn't till 10am when Mr Dexter was to arrive "its the rules". So in meantime went out on the dolphin watch and saw lots that played with us. Out on Trimaran which was fun though wind started to die. Lunch, packed and back to S&N where R&G came round for pizzas and final drinks. Back to airport and to Bahrain by 10:30.
Fri - up at 7:30 to catch 9:30 flight to Qatar. Met by S&N, then driven down to QP beach club where we camped, eat lunch, drank, swam, "braiied" (we were surrounded by SAs), talked, drank and staggered back to campbeds to sleep in the open air. Almost like a Saudi desert trip.

12 - 18 Feb: Tour du Bahrain and visitors

2010-02-12T15:46:00.005+03:00

Wed -
Tue - Up early (5:00 yawn, no time for swimming) to go on day business trip to Dubai, then choir on way back from airport. G&S coming over from Riyadh.
Mon - 60 lengths this morning. It all seems too easy. I am obviously not trying hard enough. Broke a filling, so off to the dentist this afternoon, then if feeling OK I have booked for spin/abs tonight. Did feel OK, hard intense class with Walid.
Sun - Still feeling good in the morning, but legs a little 'heavy'. 50 lengths, mixture of breaststroke, crawl and arms only. The Stoker and Stalker had a girls night out at the O2 arena.
Sat - Amazingly I was not aching at all this morning. Woken up by some workman chipping away at something by the side of the house at 6:30, but dozed till 9:30. Hot sunny day. 50 gentle stretching lengths in afternoon, and spin/abs in evening which I took easily though still sweated. Watched Hurt Locker on DVD, tense film but episodic and not much of a storyline.
Fri - ' Tour du Bahrain'. My first 100 miles. As I was feeling antsi, decided to burn off frustrations by cycling round Bahrain. Left at 6:20, Budiaya, Amwaj, Sitra, down to Dhurat where I met up with Les who kept me company for a while . Tree of Life, over to walk up track to Banyan Tree, down to Al Areen, along to Camel roundabout, then home. 177km in 7:37hours and I allegedly burned over 7,000 cal. Felt fine up to about 125km, then slowed down across desert to get to160km - the century miles!, and feeling tired back fairly slowly. Every two hours stopped for stretch, water and dates. Wind was kind and light from the west, Shower, stretch and bacon and eggs when got back.

Extra Mozart rehearsal 5-7, then I went to see The Book of Eli at Saar Cinema. Not original - a mixture of Mad Max, David Carradine Kung Fu and Clint Eastwood Man with No Name, and the revelation at the end was not believable - but heh, the whole film isn't supposed to be believable!

A full, long and satisfying day.

5 - 11 Feb: Good while it lasted, now all alone again

2010-02-07T16:04:00.005+03:00

Thu - No exercise
Wed - 50 in 24 again, but this time I was faster and more sure of the counting, so I reckon yesterday I skimped on the number of lengths. Spin/Abs tonight.
Tues - 50 lengths in 24 mins in morning. Choir tonight.
Mon - 40 lengths in 21 mins (quite slow!). Spin/abs in evening at Ritz - abs session was 12 mins of continuous sets of squats/pressups/crunches, I didn't stress myself too much!
Sun - 30 lengths swim with stoker. Cooler day (18 deg) and very windy. Then bit of shopping, finalise stoker's new glasses, lunch at Cafe Coco and take her to the airport, and into make an impression at work. 15 mins row and BD gym routine in evening. The villa seems very lonely without my stoker and her guitar! Just heard that Verdi in Dubai has been postponed to May, which I can't do 'cos of cycling through France.
Sat - Lazy start to day, then gym (rowing and BodyDoctor exercises for me) and 20 lengths swim. Seef Mall and Frangipani for sushi lunch. Spin/abs in evening with See, not too strenuous.
Fri - Stoker went to gym, I was pathetic and didn't. Friday brunch at Riffa Golf Club with Seana and Richard. Very good spread, especially the japanese. Managed not to go to the cinema in the evening, much to stoker's annoyance.

29 Jan - 4 Feb: Looking forward to a long w/e with Stoker

2010-01-29T12:28:00.006+03:00

Thu - Stoker arrived at 5:45am. Back to Villa and for her to catch up on sleep, but she needs to get up for 3pm for her pedicure and haircut. Very windy and dusty out our way. Trader Vics books for the evening, sat outside even though it was windy.
Wed - Spin/'pump' with See. It felt tough at the time, but very quickly recovered so I couldn't have really pushed myself.

Tue - Choir
Mon - Feels like Sunday as the actual Sunday was a blur of travelling and sitting in a meeting room trying to keep up with what was being said. Went to spin/abs with Walid, it wasn't too hard but I sweated enough to make it look so. Why can't I do press ups? (yes I know, too much weight to lift).

Sun - Up at 4:45 to go to Dubai to attend a due diligence meeting with the Gulf Fund. In a conference room all day, just dashed to and from airport back to Bahrain at about 8pm. This is not a jet set life.
Sat - Relaxed start, bacon and eggs. Weather was so nice I had to go out, so cyled over to Dilly to get a library book, then up past Marina West development to Budiaya 'beach', just 24km. But I do have spin tonight. Tomorrow is a business trip to Dubai to see a potential investment in an IT company.
Fri - 100km in just over 4 hours saddle time (avg 24.3kph)!! Had set alarm for 5:45, but it was still dark. Decided to shift myself, so got up at 6 and was on road at 6:15. Cols start but soon warmed up. Riffa Fort, then down to Zallaq, Camel roundbout and then along to end of road till signs got too 'prohibited'. Passed 2 groups of Wheelers coming back but decided not to turn to join them as they were looking too fast. That was 45km. Drank gatorade and ate dates. Back to AlAreen, up to Banyan Tree with hill no probs. Down past water park to Fuds for breakfast, 69km. Back to AlAreen, Zallaq and through villages (via Hamala for a toilet stop) to villa for 99.7 so poddled up road to make it 100.2km. Knees and inner thighs are feeling it, but could have continued. The weather made it - clear sky, sun and NO WIND. It was still. That makes all the difference. Would have been a great day for going out on the boat diving but as the engines are kaput then cycling it is.

22 - 28 Jan: Back in the groove, sort of

2010-01-23T10:43:00.004+03:00

Thu - In early for meeting. Did nothing in evening.

Wed - Legs achey and wobbley, must be from the spin class!. 'Misery' dinner/theatre at Dilly tonight.

Tue - Choir tonight.
Mon - Spin/abs with Walid in evening. Had a few minutes beforehand so did some Bodydoctor upper exercises. Hadn't been for 2 months, so it was a bit of a shock to the system. But it felt good. Then popped into Diving at the Dilly to see what thoughts there were on the lack of an engine for the boat - its costing 3,500BD to repair and a new pair costs 11,000BD. This is a bummer as I wanted to have a few dives now the weather was nice. They are waiting to hear what the Dilmun committee have to say, if they will pay for a new pair then diving trip charges will have to go up, it would still be a bargain through.

Sun - Recovery day!
Sat - Short morning ride with Seana and group, Awali to Riffa Fort and then Golf club coffee. Just 24km. A nice way to loosen up after yesterday.
Fri - Right, decided to have a cycle, even though the wind was strengthening from the north. Left about 8:30. Awali then Riffa Golf Cafe for breakfast. Down into desert, up soap box hill (the Wheelers call it this, I don't know why), then cut off road (over a ditch, i wouldn't do this again) to join the Dhurat highway. Down to Bridge 3. It was all going well and smooth, too well. Turned back across oil field and into the headwind. Ground along with the wind noise blowing in my ears. Dusty. Stopped off for a cuppa at Richard's, then back via Hamad Town. 80km in all. Felt tired but in a nice way, and pleased I survived the wind back.

15 - 22 Jan: Home alone

2010-01-17T20:51:00.004+03:00

Thur - Still no exercise

Wed - Still no exercise.
Tues - Slept too late for gym/swim in morning. Chair at night - Mozart Requiem for 20 March in Bahrain and Verdi Requiem in Dubai on 26 March.
Mon - Got ready for a spin class, gear i the car, only to find its full and they aren't taken a waitlist. I am not going to turn up in case there are no shows. So lets see if I manage to get to the compound gym instead.
Well I did, just. 15 min row then 15 min weights. Its a start! Felt pool - it was cool but not too cold for swimming. Lets see if I manage to have a swim in the morning. Off to Dilmun Diving now.
Sun - Doss day. Stayed a bit later at work to start to create an impression that I actually do work there. Got Skype working on Asus notebook with webcam. Fiddled with Sony ereader which didn't like having been totally discharged but its now started again.

Sat - Decided I had to start afresh (5kg put on over UK break). Cycled 58km down to Al Jazyrer beach. SE wind so it was a brezze coming back. Caught some youngster Bahraini cyclists by F1 and they drafted me, so I had to appear nonchelant and keep up 38kph for a while till I pulled over at Costa's for a coffee. Didn't feel too tired. Used new workstand and cleaned bike, I wonder if it will go faster? Decided I had done enough exercise so didn't go to Ritz spin.

Fri - Relaxing day. Managed a short tandem to Hamala Beach Resort with Stoker. Go karting with Investorp staff outing in evening at F1 circuit (I was rubbish, I could have cycled faster), then dinner round at Seana's. Took Stoker to airport for her 1am flight.

18 Dec - 14 Jan: Shovelling snow in UK

2010-01-17T20:40:00.000+03:00

Xmas and NY fun in Chorleywood, Woburn Sands and Norfolk.
Back to Bahrain on 9 Jan

week ending 17 Dec: UK and snow

2009-12-22T16:40:00.000+03:00

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

2009-11-22T05:02:00.001+03:00

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.

13 - 20 Nov: Looking forward to Stoker arriving

2009-11-12T10:06:00.009+03:00

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.

6 - 13 Nov: Messiahering

2009-11-06T12:07:00.005+03:00

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.

30 Oct - 5 Nov: "normal service is resumed"

2009-10-31T10:12:00.004+03:00

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

23 - 29 Oct: Hong Kong reunion - 2000th run of LH4

2009-10-22T21:40:00.003+03:00

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.

15-22 Oct: More visitors

2009-10-18T21:28:00.003+03:00

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.

9-15 Oct: Stalker in town

2009-10-12T11:11:00.004+03:00

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.

2 - 8 Oct: Getting ready for visitors

2009-10-04T14:09:00.011+03:00

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.

28 Sept - 1 Oct: back in bahrain

2009-10-01T14:09:00.002+03:00

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.

18 - 27 Sept: Corsica 416km, 8000m

2009-10-01T14:08:00.002+03:00

See link.

11-17 Sep - 'EFI' Lands End to John O'Groats

2009-09-14T16:48:00.025+03:00

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.

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.

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

2009-09-04T11:48:00.011+03:00

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.

28 Aug - 3 Sept Stoked then Stokerless

2009-08-30T12:06:00.005+03:00

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.

21-27 Aug: Still hot & humid & Ramadan

2009-08-21T09:00:00.009+03:00

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.

14 - 20 Aug: Hot and humid

2009-08-14T17:34:00.014+03:00

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.

7 -13 Aug: Dusty and hot

2009-08-14T17:23:00.003+03:00

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.

31 July - 6 Aug: Back in the groove

2009-08-14T17:02:00.003+03:00

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.

Back on Air

2009-08-14T15:53:00.003+03:00

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!