Badgers on the go - Cap Gemini Here I come by Badger0467

PT'M' and I went away in my motor caravan for a trainign weekend. We headed to a caravan site just north of Leek in the Peak District.

Saturday afternoon we headed straight out on the bikes, took a left turn off the main road and see whare that took us. Well straight into the peaks is where it took us. The road just seemed to go up and up and further up. It took us half an hour to do the first climb and it was truly lung bursting. From there, it was all up and down with long slogs up hills and brilliantly exhilarating descents down the other side.

We were out for an 2 hrs 20 mins and having looked at the map now, we did about 18 miles. PT'M' did get a puncture with 1 mile to go so a swift change of inner tube had to take place but other than that it was great. I am slightly dissapointed by only having done 18 miles but the hills more than made up for that to make it a great training ride.

Despite mine being a brand new bike, saddle soreness did not play a part which was good news

Straight afterthe bike ride, it was a quick turn round and out for a walk. Tittesworth reservoir was very nearby so we walked to it and then took the Long Walk round it. This took over 2 and half hours and must have been in the region of 7 miles as we only took one short break for a blister and one short food break.

Just at the end of the walk was a pub and an ice cold pint of cider was calling. We managed 2 pints and then is was back for dinner. It was edging towards 8 pm by then anyway.

It was a nice evening so we sat outside, at a warmed up home made cottage pie and drank a couple of beers. Bed by 10pm as we knew we had another bike ride in the morning.

We were up at 7am and off out by half 8. We decided we would od the same route as the day before but round the other way. Of course it made it no easier becasue those descents became the lung bursting ascents. By the end of the 2hrs 20 mins I was enjoying it so much that I really did not want it to end. The scenery was spectacular and the cycling was just great fun.

Any way it was back to the van, quick tidy up and off home. We did think about going to the reservoir to see if we could hire canoes for an hour but my shoulders and back were very tired and the thought of a 3 hour drive home after more exercise just put an end to that thought.

It was a great weekend with a couple of classic funny bits. Well they were funny to PT'M' and I anyway.

1) sitting having a short break on the walk, PT'M' is examining his new shorts and the abundance of pockets. He opens one zip down the side of the shorts and says "what is the use of this pocket, it has just got a vent in it". Of course half a second later it dawned on him quite what a stupid comment that was

2) it is 2.50 am. I am dehydrated and needing a pee and some water. Just as I am getting up PT'M' gets up and goes to the van toilet. I hear him flush and then fumble about with the door. He had managed to get himself stuck in the toilet. I was wetting myself figuratively and actually by this stage so I got up to help him out.

I know you had to be there to find these that funny but they will be two of the over riding memories of the weekend.

Roll on 4th September - I am ready - well maybe