Mud mud mud

Finally got a nice enough day to get out on the bikes.
Just went for a short run around Troon, but avoiding a moderately busy road. This meant cutting back into Fullerton Woods. I checked the map and there was a path we could use. I presumed it was the same quality as the other paths in the park.

We thought the hard bit was over, the mud was just after this bit

It was slightly more off-road than we are used to That wasn't  a problem though and we simply got on with it. The problem came after a slight dip.
This dip was flooded and filled with the thickest mud I have ever encountered. I don't know how we all managed to keep cycling through it (though I did shout at Ciaran to keep going) but we made it through t the other side where the path joins the more established paths.
As we cycled I kept flicking the brakes to try and get some of the thick mud off but to no avail.
When we finally got home we had to get the power washer out and hose the bikes down.
Still, it was good Maggie's Training

Happy Burn's Night

To everyone who's having a Burn's Supper  I hope your haggis is spicy.

We were out bowling with the cubs, our belated Christmas visit, so we didn't have out own supper this year.

We did however go out to see Eddi Reader on Sunday night, at the Brig o Doon House Hotel, in Alloway, and she performed a few Burn's songs and there was a haggis, neeps and taties supper, so all was not lost.

It was actually a really good night.
I had only heard a couple of her songs before this - "Perfect" from when she was with Fairground Attraction, and "The Patience of Angels" from her solo career. Since those days she has taken a real interest in the poems of Robert Burns (something she was into as a child) and not she probably does more than anyone to promote Burns. A good half of the numbers they performed were Burns pieces, but everything was fantastic - she has an incredible voice - what a range.
It was witty as well. A lot of funny  stories about her experiences and the history of the songs between songs.

It was a good performance. they played for about 50 minutes then went off for a 40 minute break. During this break we were treated to a plate of haggis with neeps and taties (diced turnip and mashed potatoes). I don't usually get haggis (well usually once a year with the cubs) and as ever I enjoyed my portion.
The band came back on and played for another 40 minutes. At that point Eddi pointed out that they wee supposed to stop and go back upstairs and wait for us to encourage them back down. She then said that she was getting too old for the stairs and if we didn't mind they would  just stay put and play another two ("or three if we pick a  short one") which is exactly what they did.

The concert was titled "Burns, Candlelight & Eddi Reader" and billed as "An intimate evening with renowned Scottish Singer / Songwriter Eddi Reader paying tribute to the bard" and it certainly was. The venue was a medium sized function room with about 12 or 15 round tables seating between 10 and 12 people. It was packed though - apparently sold out with the hour of opening and forcing another night to be added.

First cycle of the year. Verdict: long way to go.

Finally got out on the bike for a short run today. Only 7.5 miles but it was so cold and damp - my ears were freezing. I also had to borrow Fiona's helmet (she off curling all morning and afternoon if she wins) as mine is still a mess.
Anyway, the bubble is now burst and I should be able to cycle lots from now on...

No Cycle but Shed mended

Still no cycling ( but at least I've been at the gym and few times and squash and badminton are back on). today though perfectly still was a no cycle day due to the thick fog. driving was eerie enough - cycling would have been crazy.
I did sort the shed though. Since the trees cam down the shed has ben leaking. I supposed damage was done by the rees but it was actually the trees preventing the damage.
 What's happening is that when it rains the water falls off the roof and onto the top of the window, and then leaks in. Since the shed is lined with insulation the shed is now very damp withh the water coming in, but not being able to escape due to the sponge like fibre wool.
We sorted it by placing a piece of old lino over the window, up under the eaves. the rain now comes off the edge of the roof and onto the lino where its directed away from the window. Once everything dries out I'll look at sealing the window.

Fiona joins the team

Training for Maggies hasn't been great so far. Its been to cold to go out on the bikes - its dangerous.
today was the first possible day but by the time we got everything ready we noticed that the shed has been leaking (since the trees came down) and my helmet was full of mould. uuuggh!
quickly cancel the cycle and look for a new shed. Ciaran doesn't seem that disappointed.
Though I haven't been training well, I have convinced Fiona to join the team, since once I got started, she would probably be doing the training with me anyway!

Maggies 2011

Back to work in the morning and the official diet starts.
Since I have again entered the Maggies Monster Bike and Hike this year, I have 3 and a half months to get my bulky carcass back into shape. (well, a shape other than round)

Fortunately, Fiona and I are training with the wii. With this mornings first weigh in, some how my target was set up so I have 4 weeks to gain 2 stone - never trust these computer things.