Well I guess a update on here is long overdue so here goes.
May has been a good month for riding, so far I've managed over 250 miles so may even hit the 300 by the end of the month especially with a good forecast for the coming weekend.
With the dry conditions we've had overall this spring, I have been lucky enough to be able to get out more than hoped and for longer. The Saturday rides with the Nirvana boys have been averaging about 40 miles for me (allowing for getting to and from home) and seem to be getting faster by the week.
Now heres a question, how come every time a Aussie, Kiwi or South African turns up for a ride they are always so fit.? There were 12 of us out this Saturday and whilst Huw was leading, at every opportunity the Aussies and Kiwis would be out ahead of the group chatting away as if out for a pootle in the park.
Don't get me wrong, its not a complaint, far from it but as a general rule it seems so true. Even Matt from Canada is always flying and Duncan (Zimbabwe) used to until we eventually managed to corrupt him with beer and horses (don't ask). Even the girls are always quick as Wendy and Laura all to frequently demonstrate.
Infact now I'm on the subject and on a roll, its just made me realise how many non uk bikers there are around. In our group/Nirvana alone, there is Mike, Matt, Matt, Laura, Rodney, Duncan, Wendy, Vere and thats just the ones whoose names I can remember. There were at least 2 others out on the latest Saturday Ride and then there is Iwona from Poland featured below who regularly wins the Polaris Challanges.
Its all good stuff and good welcome company but is it just that only the fit ones travel or is it really that the lifestyle in these countries encourages and breeds more athletic and 'outdoorsy' people !
With the summer nearly here several of us are now looking forward to Huw's guided Black Mountains trip. Last year I am told it was superb so can't wait now to get out there on June 19th.
Several of the guys here are trying to get supper fit to do the South Downs way in a Day charity ride at the end of June - 10 hours seems to be the target time to do the 100 miles route so good luck to them with that. I'd love to have a go myself but i'm not confident enough of making it, perhaps one day I'll get around to doing it.
Its been 3 months now since my last ciggie and I have to say (touch wood) that having read Alan Carrs book and got myself in the right frame of mind its all been a bit of a doodle so far. From 15 roll ups a day to nothing overnight with no aids , just the right mindset. It really has helped with my biking and that alone is the biggest incentive to stay off them along with the general health benefits.
