Yeah, it was all the pizza's fault, first I had to make it (well load it with goodies at least), then I had to cook it and lastly I was forced to eat it! by the time I'd finished dessert that was an hour gone. Of course, if I'd got back earlier, if I hadn't uploaded my ride stats before eating, well you might've seen this a bit earlier, but I did so you didn't.

Today of course, being the nearest Sunday to 11/11 was/is Rememberance Day, the day UK and Commonwealth countries pay their respects to the fallen of not just two World Wars but other too that our soldiers, sailors and airmen have been involved in since 1945. I found myself in the city of Wells this morning and found myself a fringe participant in the traditional Last Post / minutes silence outside the Cathedral. It was planned, just how the time worked out on my ride.

What struck me was that, the gathering, if you discount the Scouts, Guides and military presence, was just how small the 'congregation' was and the disrespect of others in the locale. Oh they make a big fuss up in the Capital but elsewhere, well it seems that younger generations don't want to remember those that have fallen on their behalf, don't respect their own ancestors enough to stop for just 2 minutes a year.Its a sad reflection on our society that I passed on my way to Wells, hundreds of kids and their parents attending some sort of football (real football that is) tournament without a thought for the day's significance.

We should remember them.

Now that's off my chest so to speak, what did I do today and Thursday?

Thursday arrived bright enough so I set off against the morning commuters for a sort of north easterly loop into the Cotswolds. Across the rolling south Gloucestershire countryside before picking up the A38 northbound. Not for too long, as the sun broke through I turned east for Stroud where I stopped for an excellent cuppa before heading more southerly to my lunch stop at Tetbury. There were so many Union flags (its only a Jack on a ship technically) that you'd think they were expecting Royalty - I'm guessing curtsey and bow 101 is a requirement in the local schools - lol.

I had my sandwiches and set off for the return leg, south towards Bath with a dog leg to use the quiet road through Badminton (I winder if they ever reached a verdict?) before changing tack to return to base, but not before another tea stop! A measley 115km and only one halfway serious climb all day.

Well it was another Sunday ride today (obviously) as the weather here was nasty for much of yesterday, I thought a bit more exploration of the Mendip massif was in order so I set off quite early to get maximum daylight. it was a bit chilly, damp and overcast but the forecast looked quite promising. I picked my way around the city and out into the Chew valley which took me to the northern edge of the Mendip. (they call it the Mendips but in reality its a single lump which butts up against the southern edge of the Cotswolds (of which there are many!)).

Think of an artisan loaf, the sides are steep and the top uneven, that's pretty much a description of the Mendip, so it was straight into a long, steep climb to reach the rolling terrain which separates the two long edges. A bit of a grind on the over geared bike I'm using atm but I got there eventually after about 150 vertical metres gained. Topping out at a mere 250 metres its not dissimilar to the Peak District, dry stone walls, rolling roads and even deep caves along the southern scarp, it almost feels like home!

Anyway, over the top and down into Wells where I had my sandwiches and paid my respects before starting the return journey. It was straight into the southern scarp, up through Wookey Hole (there's a big show cave) and up a serious 20% climb back into the interior. The plan was to cut north west then make my way back through Bristol but I ended up going more westerly and found myself at a café I used a couple of weeks ago. Well tea and a curious piece of 'Bakewell' Bread Pudding allowed me to warm up and replenish the energy reserves.

From there it was a big loop out to the coast before returning to Bristol via the Clifton suspension bridge and another loop around the city back to base. 140km, 1500m of up and over 6 hours riding, an enjoyable if thought provoking day.

Of course, you are probably here hoping to read some new Gaby, I won't disappoint you, click here for Tonsil Hockey, I mean if you want to read the chapter not partake of said activity.

That just about wraps things up today,
Tschussie
Mads