Track the Rides

If you've got nothing better to do that is.

http://www.shareyouradventure.com/

Just look at latest maps on the right and you should see me there.

Back - to - Front

The weather forecast for Friday's ride wasn't very good at the start of the week. Heavy rain and strong winds were predicted all along the route. I've been checking the forecast every day on the BBC website and it has actually improved slightly. The rain should not be too heavy and the winds will be lighter although that works both ways because any wind would be from the West, i.e., behind us. The trip home on Saturday should be that bit easier though. There is another weather website, xcweather.co.uk, and this predicts no rain at all on the way over and a slight chance of getting wet on the way home on Saturday. Which one do you believe? Be prepared for owt, as they say.

It was a really nice day today, blustery but sunny, so I set off on the first part of Friday's route which happens to be the second half of my standard 19.2 mile Chorley route back - to front. The ride went well with the bags half full (or were they half empty?) and I am really looking forward to teaming up with George in balmy 10 degree conditions for another epic back - to back trip with the highlight being the postponed wetting of the head of the unsuspecting week-old grandson Seth.

I'm OK for equipment for this trip but I know that a few more items are required and also that I will soon have to start riding with the full load so the plan for next week is shopping. I must also finalise my route and see about getting some maps printed off. Less than eight weeks to go.

West Wigan Tour

The weekend of sport didn't go too well, for me that is. My team didn't perform and then the Widnes Vikings under 20s were beaten by Huddersfield. Fortunately Everton won so 90% of my family and friends will be happy and Wigan Athletic beat Bolton, causing unbounded joy for another 5%. I do get a bit lonely at times.

I didn't manage to shake off this cold over the weekend so I wimped out, yet again. Today started off murky and miserable so I satisfied myself with some sums this morning and, in between, looked at campsites in Germany. Some of the locations along the Rhine are quite spectacular. I received a phone call from a chap in Winstanley who wanted to knock a wall down and I said I would call around later in the week. The sun miraculously came out for a short while in the afternoon and I found myself, again miraculously, cycling to Winstanley. I had rung of course to say I was on my way. I sorted him out and, as I left, I received a call from a chap in Roby Mill who was half way through his extension and had found something unusual. So off I charged to Roby Mill via Billinge Hill and Upholland. After I sorted that one out I made my way home along the canal which was a bad move. The footpath is normally OK but it was very muddy and clinging and I nearly came off a couple of times. Also a small memo - mudguards. The weather is expected to be a bit warmer this week so Guiseley is back on although some rain and wind will probably be involved. Another really exciting trip is in the pipeline for March. Details to follow.