A few of our favorites from the Sonning Scarecrow Trail
Monday, 31 May 2010
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Friday, 28 May 2010
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Day 4 - The Mother of all Punctures
Wednesdays journey - Purley-Sonning Bridge-Shiplake-Henley-Marlow-Bourne End-Cookham-Maidenhead-Bray-Dorney Lake-Windsor.
Today, we were joined by a friend (Mark) who cycled with Tim from Caversham Bridge and met the rest of us at Sonning Bridge. Just down the road at Shiplake I got the mother of all punctures - a huge thorn right through tyre and tube. We mended about 3 different punctures and the day was already 40 minutes behind schedule.
The aches and pains that Mike and I had at the start of the morning disappeared by Henley. The cool start of the day was a cycling pleasure and we stayed pretty close to the river for most of today's trek, catching flies in the mouth with almost every gasp for air. The picturesque landscape and beautiful homes we looked upon through Henley to Cookham reminded us how the other half live. (See pics of Henley & Bourne End)
A sarnie and coffee was enjoyed by all basking in the sun in a Marlow park. Yet again, a short stop is enough to make your legs stop doing normal things like walking. Thigh muscles are tight and I know I'm not the only one.
A quick stop at Dorney Lake and the Olympic rowing venue was made. I took a picture. They were preparing for some triathlon event and I kind of looked like I might be part of the action (I had a bike and helmet and shorts and stuff) but I think those days are long gone.
After 43 or 35 miles depending on where you started from this morning we arrived at our Windsor B&B just before 5pm. Well, we did go to the wrong one first and when we were told to go next door there was laughter. 147 miles and here we were gate crashing the wrong B&B!
Mark returned to Calcot on his bike and was home 2 hours later. An incredible 70 miles from him today!
A lovely Italian meal at Francesco's in Peascod St and several nightcaps will have hopefully not done too much damage for the rather shorter trip to Kew tomorrow.
Posted via web from Julian's Charity Bike Ride
Today, we were joined by a friend (Mark) who cycled with Tim from Caversham Bridge and met the rest of us at Sonning Bridge. Just down the road at Shiplake I got the mother of all punctures - a huge thorn right through tyre and tube. We mended about 3 different punctures and the day was already 40 minutes behind schedule.
A quick stop at Dorney Lake and the Olympic rowing venue was made. I took a picture. They were preparing for some triathlon event and I kind of looked like I might be part of the action (I had a bike and helmet and shorts and stuff) but I think those days are long gone.After 43 or 35 miles depending on where you started from this morning we arrived at our Windsor B&B just before 5pm. Well, we did go to the wrong one first and when we were told to go next door there was laughter. 147 miles and here we were gate crashing the wrong B&B!
Mark returned to Calcot on his bike and was home 2 hours later. An incredible 70 miles from him today!
A lovely Italian meal at Francesco's in Peascod St and several nightcaps will have hopefully not done too much damage for the rather shorter trip to Kew tomorrow.
Posted via web from Julian's Charity Bike Ride
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Your Kind Donations
Thank you very much for viewing my blog and for the many kind messages of support – Its been pointed out that I’ve not included details of how to pass on your kind donations.
The Jim Shahi Unit does not have a charity number otherwise I would have set up a page on one of the charity 'Giving' websites. Instead, I would welcome any pledge that you can make, however small, and ask that send them to me at the following address:-
Julian Waller
1 Shelgate Walk
Woodley
Reading
Berkshire
RG5 3DP
Cheques should be made payable to 'The Jim Shahi Endowment Fund'.
The Jim Shahi Unit does not have a charity number otherwise I would have set up a page on one of the charity 'Giving' websites. Instead, I would welcome any pledge that you can make, however small, and ask that send them to me at the following address:-
Julian Waller
1 Shelgate Walk
Woodley
Reading
Berkshire
RG5 3DP
Cheques should be made payable to 'The Jim Shahi Endowment Fund'.
Day 3 - A Temporary Return Home
Tuesday
Our route today ;- Oxford-Radley-Abingdon-Sutton Courtney-Appleford-The Wittenhams-
Wallingford-Streatley-Reading.After the intense heat and mileage of yesterday, today was all about
just doing and getting through it. We had another 45 miles to cover so
were pleased that the temperature was much cooler.It was a shame to leave the Malmaison but after a light but gorgeous
breakfast that included salmon and scrambled egg we headed for our home
town of Reading. Family awaited as this would be our only cheap night
of our bike ride. Just before departing Neil noticed that one of my
pannier rack supports had sheared at a joint. I really didn't know
whether I would get through the day but wasn't prepared to tail end
ride so relied on others to make sure I wouldn't lose a pannier to the
river. I knew I was going to put Halfords above family later. Yet, the
only way was forward and a good supply of cable ties!All too soon we hit a headwind. Not too strong but enough of an
annoyance to sap energy and niggle the soul. Moving from towpath to
minor road, occasionally to a major road and then back to the towpath
to stay on the Thames Path was fine but then at about the midpoint, we
stopped for a bite to eat in Wallingford. After a sarnie, juice and a
ring donut with a cup of good coffee at their old post office, the legs
got too relaxed so it became a struggle on the uphill climbs we
suffered into Streatley and Pangbourne. Having felt better than I
thought I would until Wallingford, I was now hitting a little bit of my
own wall. Tim, Mike and Neil were supportive and once we left Tim near
Purley, my legs finally woke up again and everything improved.At one of the Wittenhams, they hold the National Pooh stick
championships. We went to the bridge there and in memory of Tyrone, we
wrote personal messages on a stick and raced them.It had been another great day, good weather, good pace and no
incidents....of any description. By 4pm we all arrived home. A frantic
dash to my local Halfords to tell them about my experiences with the
gear they sold me ended in new gear (better gear?) being given to me.
No quibble, no debate. Fantastic! My thanks to them so I hope that's an
end to my problems here on in.Tomorrow, we four become five as Mark joins us for the trip to
Windsor. A shorter 30 something miles.
We have now completed 120 miles of our cycle ride which should only be
184 miles in total. Yet, we are only a little over halfway there. At
least we have 3 days left instead of the full 2 days taken so far and a
lesser daily mileage.Roll on Windsor, then Kew and finally the Thames Barrier and a Friday
night celebration.
Wallingford-Streatley-Reading.After the intense heat and mileage of yesterday, today was all about
just doing and getting through it. We had another 45 miles to cover so
were pleased that the temperature was much cooler.It was a shame to leave the Malmaison but after a light but gorgeous
breakfast that included salmon and scrambled egg we headed for our home
town of Reading. Family awaited as this would be our only cheap night
of our bike ride. Just before departing Neil noticed that one of my
pannier rack supports had sheared at a joint. I really didn't know
whether I would get through the day but wasn't prepared to tail end
ride so relied on others to make sure I wouldn't lose a pannier to the
river. I knew I was going to put Halfords above family later. Yet, the
only way was forward and a good supply of cable ties!All too soon we hit a headwind. Not too strong but enough of an
annoyance to sap energy and niggle the soul. Moving from towpath to
minor road, occasionally to a major road and then back to the towpath
to stay on the Thames Path was fine but then at about the midpoint, we
stopped for a bite to eat in Wallingford. After a sarnie, juice and a
ring donut with a cup of good coffee at their old post office, the legs
got too relaxed so it became a struggle on the uphill climbs we
suffered into Streatley and Pangbourne. Having felt better than I
thought I would until Wallingford, I was now hitting a little bit of my
own wall. Tim, Mike and Neil were supportive and once we left Tim near
Purley, my legs finally woke up again and everything improved.At one of the Wittenhams, they hold the National Pooh stick
championships. We went to the bridge there and in memory of Tyrone, we
wrote personal messages on a stick and raced them.It had been another great day, good weather, good pace and no
incidents....of any description. By 4pm we all arrived home. A frantic
dash to my local Halfords to tell them about my experiences with the
gear they sold me ended in new gear (better gear?) being given to me.
No quibble, no debate. Fantastic! My thanks to them so I hope that's an
end to my problems here on in.Tomorrow, we four become five as Mark joins us for the trip to
Windsor. A shorter 30 something miles.
We have now completed 120 miles of our cycle ride which should only be
184 miles in total. Yet, we are only a little over halfway there. At
least we have 3 days left instead of the full 2 days taken so far and a
lesser daily mileage.Roll on Windsor, then Kew and finally the Thames Barrier and a Friday
night celebration.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Day 2 - A Night in Prison
Monday
Our day in the saddle commenced at just before 10am as we set off from Cricklade. It was already hot and we had 44 miles ahead to Oxford Malmaison.It was a tiring day in the saddle for me and at times the thought of another long trek in the saddle tomorrow didn't appeal. Our route today took us through Lechlade to Clanfield to Standlake and Wolvercote. We stopped for lunch at the Black Horse in Standlake and the standard was OK. We had some drama in the afternoon as we rescued a Lamb from the Thames (see previous post).
I also suffered a puncture in the afternoon and I am beginning to think that any ill of any description will befall me and my bike!
Our accommodation for the night is Malmaison Oxford - Now a luxury hotel but one time a prison where we spent a night in the cells! Not cheap with four Oxford Gold Beers costing £23. We headed for the city centre for some more reasonably priced fayre! We are having some laughs along the way and at times our eyes are averted to admire the scenery which has almost caused an accident or two!
We passed 8 pubs today, following on from 9 yesterday but we've only frequented 1... Honest ;-)
Monday, 24 May 2010
To the Rescue!
A little piece of drama today. Whilst riding along the towpath we spotted a lamb shivering in the Thames. How long it had been there we have no idea. Mike waded in and we were able to life it out. Larry the Lamb lives to fight another day!
Bottle Bank
I wonder how much is in the bottle? Can you guess? Our 4.5 litre whisky bottle is almost full with 1's, 2's, 5's, 10's and 20's.
Answer tomorrow ;-)
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Friday, 21 May 2010
The Journey Starts
The journey starts on Sun 23rd and concludes Sat 29th May. I am doing it with 3 good friends - Mike, Tim and Neil.
Each one of us is attempting to raise money for a worthwhile cause or charity. It is an approx. 230 mile trip from the source of the River Thames in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier at Greenwich. We won't be doing it in a day - thank goodness - so just like a river, we thought to meander our way over the week and enjoy some of the simple views that the trip is certain to provide us with. I hope to arrive at my destination in good shape and have truly enjoyed the experience.
Day 1 Sun 23rd May - make our way to Reading Station, catch a train to Kemble, nr Cirencester - the source of the Thames and cycle to our B&B in Cricklade.
Day 2 Mon 24th May - Cricklade to Oxford.
Day 3 Tues 25th May - Oxford to Reading.
Day 4 Wed 26th May - Reading to Windsor.
Day 5 Thur 27th May - Windsor to Kew.
Day 6 Fri 28th May - Kew to the Thames Barrier, overnight in East London.
Day 7 Sat 29th May - Train back to Reading.
Posted via web from Julians Bike Ride
Each one of us is attempting to raise money for a worthwhile cause or charity. It is an approx. 230 mile trip from the source of the River Thames in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier at Greenwich. We won't be doing it in a day - thank goodness - so just like a river, we thought to meander our way over the week and enjoy some of the simple views that the trip is certain to provide us with. I hope to arrive at my destination in good shape and have truly enjoyed the experience.
Day 1 Sun 23rd May - make our way to Reading Station, catch a train to Kemble, nr Cirencester - the source of the Thames and cycle to our B&B in Cricklade.
Day 2 Mon 24th May - Cricklade to Oxford.
Day 3 Tues 25th May - Oxford to Reading.
Day 4 Wed 26th May - Reading to Windsor.
Day 5 Thur 27th May - Windsor to Kew.
Day 6 Fri 28th May - Kew to the Thames Barrier, overnight in East London.
Day 7 Sat 29th May - Train back to Reading.
Posted via web from Julians Bike Ride
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Sprinkle Some Seeds to Help Save the Bees.
Friday, 14 May 2010
Give a little, help a lot
It's Christian Aid week this week. Giving just a little will help someone a lot. And the envelopes taste of peppermint.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Stick a pin in!
One daily task I look forward to is making a selection in our nap competition. Some days there just isn't time and I resort to the old fashioned pin sticking method. Let's see if I'm lucky today. I've gone for Hulcote Rose in the 6.15 @ Newmarket. Will lady luck shine today?
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Madejski Magic
I had a nice little run out at the Madejski Stadium tonight. Playing alongside Royals legends Gilkes, Gooding and Williams was a bit of fun - I've spent 11 years watching the Royals play on it but I would say that the pitch is bigger than it looks when you are in the middle ;-)
Monday, 10 May 2010
"Got, got, got NEED!"
No World Cup would be complete without collecting a sticker album. My first World Cup sticker album was Argentina '78 and back then there was only one choice, Panini. In this age of Nintendo's, iPods and the like, its good to see some traditions live on. My son picked up his first sticker album today and he's already hooked. It's great to see that he has the same eager anticipation when opening a new pack that I used to have. It's going to cost us a small fortune to complete but it'll be worth it.
Anyone got any swaps?
Sunday, 9 May 2010
The Fabulous Baking Boys
What better way to spend a cold Sunday afternoon than baking cakes with the boys.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Fire up the coffee pot
First things first on a Saturday morning, get the coffee pot on. Water 60ml, Lavazza 2 spoons, heat. Milk 60ml, steam 70c. Pour coffee into steamed milk. Done!
Friday, 7 May 2010
Decisions decisions, what colour will it be?
Looks like I'll be painting again this weekend but we are struggling to choose the right colour. The amount that we've spent on these testers we could have got someone in to the job.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Would you quit Facebook for good and delete your account?
Facebook is not the service I joined a few years ago - Suddenly, by stealth, my information is no longer mine to choose who I share it with. I'm getting fed up every few months having to reset my privacy rules because Facebook keeps changing my defaults settings without asking. Is it time to quit? I would be interested to canvas your opinion - Would you quit Facebook for good and delete your account?
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