Three MTB rides

 Today - a blast over Cleeve Common - 25mls, nearly 2000 ft height gain. Fabulous.

December 10th - a couple of times around the Nova in Bristol.

December 5th - Malvern Circuit 

Autumn on the River Severn

Yesterday I spent a fabulous day exploring the River Severn from Lower Load to, or very nearly to Haw Bridge.  A brisk breeze in our faces picked up the river into a very gentle swell. Swans flew over our heads, geese congregated in front of us and fanned out in a flurry of splashes and wings as we approached.  In the fading light Kingfishers darted and dived on the waters edge.

MTB extravaganca

On a cold wintery morning I was out at  9.30 and on the bike.  Leaves crunching underneath our wheels we hurtled around Cranham Woods - the sun peeped through the etiolated trees trunks lighting up a golden carpet of fallen leaves.

Starboard Surf iSUP

Tried out my new iSUP today on the River Avon before hitting the sea.  Really pleased, very stable although its quite short - this does allow it to turn very easily. Turning quickly has never been my strong point.  The Starboard Surf Delux DC appears to be just as described on the tin - stable, light weight, manoeuvrable and stiff. 

Wild In Whitesands

Just returned from a few fabulous days by the sea - in one of my favourite places..Whitesands. Me, Jerry and Steve C drove down on Wednesday morning arriving after a tortuous six hour drive.  We surfed and explored on both the iSUPs and hardboards (catching some of my best waves ever, consistently quite good, although I say it myself).  Climbed down to a small beach to scramble over the rocks looking over a crystal clear sea. Played cards - chuckled and generally messed about. I loved it, thank you chaps.

Nova blast

A lovely evening with my boy. Took the MTB down and rode from their home to Ashdown for a fabulous spin over the Nova MTB trail - fast and curvy, loved it.  Back home for a curry made by Lois - just what I needed.  It's wonderful to see William and Lois so happy - it gladdens my heart as it would Christine's - she'd love their home and Lois.  Blessed.

Portland Weekend

Just returned from a lovely long weekend on Isles of Portland near Weymouth.  A  belated wedding present from Kay and Ian, who took us down and joined us for a break in a fabulous cottage by the sea.  Ultramarine skies and crystal clear sea.  SUPing late into the evening, relaxing, drinking by the sea, great company - watching the sun go down.  Staying in Fortuneswell a small village on the southern side of the island.  An interesting place - quiet, maybe a wee bit tired looking, unpretentious and charming (felt a bit like northern France. Loved it.