Magners Pear Cider Vs Abbot Ale

Some things are important, so very important, that wind, rain, and snow cannot be allowed to interfere. One of these things I have decided, is deciding what beverage is palatable enough to be used in place of water. Not for washing of course, but for the many and frequent rest stops I see in our near future.

So, braving the Arctic winter we seem to be experiencing, I set out for our nearest ASDA, there, I deliberated on the fact that I am not a big drinker, and have never really got along with the taste of lager/beer. I questioned for a moment, just a moment, whether I indeed needed anything alcoholic to survive 3 weeks cycle camping - I quick affirmed to myself the obvious and decided to buy the above drinks. I have endlessly heard how Real ale is completely different to beer, and so plumped to try Abbot Ale, the bottle looked good, the label read good, but alas the taste was anything but! If it reminded me of anything at all, it was the kind of cheap lager we bought in bulk as teenagers, the kind of lager than put me off lager in general in the first place!

Thankfully, the Magners Pear Cider was more than palatable  it was fantastic, sweet easy to go down and made me feel just the right amount of woosyness. In the competition for camp drink of the year, the Magners is certainly leading the way for me.

There are still 10 weeks left - That should give me plenty of time to narrow things down!

THE Bikes!

Added a page with details of the luxury transportation devices with which this JOGLE is to be completed! One such device has been itemised, the others will follow.

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THE Route!

The finalised route page has been added, I hope some other people out there will find it useful.

Please find it to the right --->

It's really happening!

Today I booked 3 tickets from Portsmouth to Inverness, and then from Inverness to Thurso. Monies have been parted with, commitments made, and come rain or shine, 24th May we are off!

Now if only we could get some miles in preparation done before we go!

The Common Cold

The common cold has neutralized me for the last 2 weeks or so, any commuting has been strictly under engine power, and all training rides have been cancelled!

Once the head symptoms subsided nearly a week ago, something of a gremlin jumped down into my chest and played havoc with my lungs. It would seem, that this is now, finally coming to an end, and I am looking forward again to the freedom and serenity that comes with riding a bike. (of the non-motored variety - that gives rise to a 'different' feeling)

However some progress has been made regarding bike and equipment preparations - more posts to follow.

At last

I have finally received the time off to do the trip. It has only taken nearly 7 months to make it official.

Training - Week 4

Sunday 3rd February

We managed about 23 miles with a few hills thrown in, Chris sang a song, Rachel fell off her bike, and I laughed a lot. All in all it was a good - if rather windy training ride!

Also Rachel appears to have a suicidal water bottle, as it dove out of its cage a good 5 times during the ride.

Next week 30 miles!