Clocked up 160 miles plus, on the Pioneer GT last week, commuting to and from work, had a couple of good soakings, and had to contend with some fierce headwinds. But enjoyed it all. Deciding what to wear was a problem however, as it was very mild, warm even. My hi-vis work jacket and my cycling jacket, though quite breathable were too hot, and consequently I had to endure a good deal of sweating. OK when getting home, but problematic arriving at work, where we have no showering facilities, having to flannel down is alright but time consuming. I chicken out of riding in the rain with just a T-shirt, but I must try it, when it’s mild enough again.

Having said that, yesterday, when I cycled in, the temperature had dropped considerably, and I didn’t suffer the sweating problem, nor this morning, on the way home. Not that it was cold, far from it, it was extremely pleasant, and enjoyable. But it was obvious that autumn has now arrived, the leaves are streaming off the trees, even though they are still so green.

I dread the arrival of winter, I’m such a coward re: ice and snow, scared to death of taking another big fall, because IT HURTS! I’ve already decided that I won’t be riding if there’s the slightest hint of a frost, and will get the trainer set up in my shed, so that I can keep pedalling. Whether or not I will be able to take the boredom of it, is another matter.

Listen to me, winter is stil a couple of months away, I HOPE! Mustn’t forget to enjoy the cycling that’s still to be had, before then, and you never know, temperatures may stay well above freezing?

What a weekend!!

I got up early Saturday and Sunday, to watch all the RWC quarter finals. Wales were out of this world, I felt for the Irish, it was a great game, but they never looked as if they would turn or breach the red line. I fancied England as our (Welsh) opponents in the semis, but they didn’t turn up against the French, who sadly for England, did. That semi final will be a cracker if Wales and France repeat that form.

Sunday’s Australia versus South Africa quarter final, I enjoyed, but didn’t get emotionally involved, and just thought the Springboks were unlucky.

“Oh, Argentina you’ll be the death of me”. What a fantastic display in the first half on Sunday, boy did the Pumas give the All Blacks, and the whole of New Zealand, a scare. I had tears in my eyes, and welled up watching Wales beat Ireland, I didn’t expect it to happen again as I cheered Argentina on. But the All Blacks were too good in the end, and put them to the sword as the game drew to a close, the scoreline was unfair, and didn’t reflect the massive effort the pumas had put in.

I had tears in my eyes alot, watching hard and tough men like the Argentinian, Ledesma, cry as he came off the field, knowing that a part of his life, was now over, that the final chapter of his rugby playing career had been played out. Quite frankly, I wish I could shake their hands, and say thankyou, for the feast of rugby, they have provided us with over the years.  

Well, if I can’t shake their hands, perhaps I can send emails saying so via their ruby unions, I’ll be checking that out in the next few minutes.

Cheers.