One Man’s Relaxation is Another Man’s Stress.

During my Oman trip I concluded that I should return to UK. The full reasoning is way to convoluted and boring to go into here

So seismic change in my life, again. About a month after the decision I was back in UK.

Panagiotis, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your help and support was invaluable at this stressful time. Beers on me when I’m next in Athens.

A week in Oxford and Shpend persuaded me to accompany him for a weeks jaunt to Angers in France. Well he was working and I was cycling and putting my feet up.

Back to Oxford to stay with Luke and a few rides with VCJ.

Then drive to Glasgow. My brother has very kindly allowed me to stay at his house for a bit. I had originally thought of stopping on the way up at my sisters house in Huddersfield, but circumstances dictated get to Glasgow first.

But a week in Glasgow then a short cycle to Huddersfield and back.

Back in Glasgow I was desperate to get some miles in I joined the Glasgow Green Cycle Club great to go out with club rides again. 5 or 6 rides in and I’m starting to feel good. I have had 2 years of solo riding. There is a much better standard of conversation in a group. I’m learning to moderate, not everyone can handle the barrage of inane jibber jabber that emanates from my mouth. I have to layer it on slowly. 😉

For the last few years I have been quite frugal with my bike bag/clothes/travel spending (not in comparison to some) as a consequence much of my equipment has disintegrated so since I have got back.

The Zpacks Duplex with freestanding flexkit it’s super light, packs super small and i am super excited about it having lusted after it for a good few years. Yes under a kilogram.

Cumulus Quilt 150 once again super light and super small.

W

Cumulus Planklite you can see same qualities

Rockguist, Mr Fusion this is an updated version of my original Mr Fusion that broke on me in Oman

7 Roads half framebag. I have been following the 7 Roads brand for a good few years and am real excited to be able to buy a custom bag. Hopefully it won’t bulge and rub my thighs like the previous Alpkit. Elena and Stanislav are based in Ukraine 🇺🇦  and it feels good to support their cause.

The dynamo hub is being electrically sorted as i write by Christian at Cycle Cycles.

I get so frustrated when there seems to be a better solution. The Sinewave Beacon light is great here, great spray of light. But the light has a USB port to charge….. well anything but for me mainly a powerbank. But that cable sticking directly out is in the way and ugly. Amazon I hope is coming to my rescue.

Some Ride Farr bolt on carbon bars

This is the proposal. Fly to Malaga on 8th August. Then cycle to Granada. Granada is the start of the Badlands Route its a 750kms off road route taking in deserts, mountains.. usual stuff. This will take me to Orgiva and I’ll stay there for a day or 2 to see friends before cycling to the fearsome Alto de L’Angliru in the Picos de Europa mountains in northern Spain for at least 1 stage of La Vuelta a España. Before getting the boat to Portsmouth and home on around the 17th September. I know its a little tame but hopefully the new year will bring excitement and adventure.

Leave Tuesday, starting to get excited.