well technically no, not until later in the month but it is the summer term in Euro schools.

Yep, its the season of cricket, exams and trips to the seaside and whilst i'm ambivalent about the former, am beyond the second, i do enjoy the latter which is why yesterday's ride was out to the local seaside 'destination' of Weston Super Mare, other coastal communities are available! I'll freely admit that part of the attraction, well most if i'm honest, is the availability of 'reasonably' priced food in a choice of venues although i generally stop at the same place. And on this weeks visit i rven eschewed the usual seaside staple of chips instead having an altogether healthier poached eggs on toast. It was a mixed day with the weather, warm sunshine followed by showers and back to dry, at least the wind wasn't too bad so damp and warm isn't so bad, i was almost dry by the time i completed the 108km.

But what about Monday i hear you ask, well it was a day of shopping and a bit of gardening - of the maintenance side of things a theme i've returned to today, installing some anti critter defenses around the soft fruit and a bit of weeding of the pea/bean beds - how come the weeds grow and the veg seeds in the same beds don't?

Next week i head off to GOC again to attend the York Cycle Rally, an annual gathering of like minded folk, we socialise, do some shopping and even, heaven forbid, go for bike rides! It started in 1945 as a gathering of Yorkshire cyclists and whilst its popularity has risen and waned over the years for many its the highlight of the cycling calendar. Whilst most visitors now arrive by motor vehicle you gain brownie points for riding to the event and even more if you camp which is what i shall be doing, the difference this time is that i'm starting a bit further away, i shall log @ 400km to get there ridden over 3 days.

Day one is a mere 135km up to Shakespeare country where i'll camp for the night, day two is longer, a full century with a sting in the last stretch from Derby to Sheffield, bigger hills than the rest of the trip! After an overnight at my Dad's place i then go up to Leeds to see my kidlings before heading across to York. I'll spend a couple of days in Sheffield on the way back but as yet i've not decided exactly my transport mode for the return so i could be back in Brizzle on Thursday or as late as the Saturday.

As i depart on Wednesday, Sunday therefore will be my last post for perhaps a fortnight so don't be alarmed. Keeping my phone and GPS charged will be a bit of a challenge so its unlikely i'll even get a chance to look at tinternet until the Monday!

So there we go, i'll get in a short exercise trip this afternoon but right now some lunch is calling!

Moine, moine,
Madeline Anafrid