We want NONE of this on the day, right?

Those ‘Other’ rides

I have had a couple people contact me and express their surprise about the other rides which are doing what we have been doing for the last 8 years- that is, organising a ride across Devon with Coast-Coast in the title!

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I wish all charity events the best of luck- it’s a hard world out there, and if they can vary what I have created, and raise some funds for various charities, then great.

I know what we have planned for this year, and next year, will grow our reputation- that of being a great social ride which raises funds for a specific charity each year.

The numbers this year are growing again, and as I have said many times, one of the great things for me is that people do come back each year. This says to me that the ride is doing the right things!

I know that we have never claimed to be a race- we offer a no pressure environment to ride, enjoy the countryside, and makes friends. That’s what we do.

So I look forward to seeing you all- again!- on the 8th, at the original- and I believe the best- Devon Coast-Coast Challenge.

Training Accident!

Bloody heck, that must smart…

Happy Christmas!

Is the Tour de France dieing?

Each day, this year’s tour hits the headlines fro all the wrong reasons. With just 4 days to go, there does seem to be an unprecedented level of scandals of drugs and expulsions.

However, although this naturally undermines the race, it has to be considered a good sign. The fact that both teams and the race organisation are willing to eject riders under suspicion shows that the correct hard line is being used – and not frightened to be used.

I do agree with Tom Boonan’s feelings that cheats should receive a life time ban- the consequences of cheating at this time have to be severe, and a two year ban just is not enough.

This lovely sport of our’s need’s to be seen to be clean and firm in it stance- nothing less will leave us with a sport to follow in the coming year’s.

I actually went for a road ride on Saturday- Torrington, across to Bideford and back to Barnstaple on my road bike. 25 miles, average speed 15.5 mph, maximum 38.8 miles, 1 hour 36 minutes. Great route, but the thing is where I live is right on the edge of the hills to Torrington, so no warm up before the hills. This leads to metallic taste in mouth, sore legs and not actually getting going until well past Torrington.

Life Pie.com: The Barnstaple Western Bypass

Life Pie.com: The Barnstaple Western Bypass

It opens tomorrow! Barnstaple changes beyond recognition!

Is it good? I think it could be longer term, but I do have my initial reservations- that f the strand and the square being changed straight after.

We will see- I really Hope it works out for the best- but here are a couple predictions-

-Signs go up within 12 months at Chaddiford lane regarding it being a rat run
- A campaign gets going for a Braunton bypass
- A fatality on the Dual Carriageway

I do Hope that I am wrong though…..