tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2009-11-14:/MokoFeed2009-11-14T22:33:44+01:00tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-09-21:/2008/09/21/bristol-half-marathon-new-job-4758227/donking2008-09-21T16:43:17+02:002008-09-21T16:43:17+02:00 <p><strong>Vanessa and George (Dans girlfriend) ran in the Bristol Half Marathon last weekend and both finished in good times.  Vanessa who is 50+ finished in under 3 hours and that is 6+ minutes quicker than 2 years ago - I am so proud of her.  George finished in her first ever half marathon 6 minutes ahead if Vanessa - well done to them both.</p> <p>I have put some photos on:  <a href="http://www.donaldking.spaces.live.com/"><a href="http://www.donaldking.spaces.live.com/">http://www.donaldking.spaces.live.com/</a></a></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>It is great that so many charities benefit from all the people who participate across the country in a huge myriad of runs from 5k to full marathons, triatholons and other similar events.  It is good so many people are taking the time and effort to help others.</p> <p>I have changed my job and given up my Safety Consultancy and as from November 1st will be working for a local company called Smiths of Gloucester - really looking forward to working with them.</p> <p>Will keep yu posted.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/09/21/bristol-half-marathon-new-job-4758227/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-09-09:/2008/09/09/french-party-photos-4702222/donking2008-09-09T09:15:10+02:002008-09-09T09:15:10+02:00 <p>SOME PHOTOS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED - WILL ADD MORE TONIGHT.</p> <p>BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO ATTENDED - WE HAD A GREAT TIME.</p> <p>TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE</p> <p>WILL WRITE LATER ABOUT LEWIS HAMILTON AND HOW F1 IS BECOMING TOO POLITICAL</p> <p>PHOTOS CAN BE VIEWED AT<a href="http://DONALDKING.SPACES.LIVE.COM"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/09/09/french-party-photos-4702222/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-09-07:/2008/09/07/french-party-4695114/donking2008-09-07T19:38:57+02:002008-09-07T19:38:57+02:00 <p>Weather on Thurs & Friday was lousy with us so we decided to move th eparty from back garden to an inside venue.  We eventually took up the offer from our local pub (THE YEW TREE) who said we could come in and use the bar - we could bring our own food and they agreed we could take our own wine as well.  </p> <p>Spence & Lisa made us very welcome and they are excellent hosts in our local which is called The Yew Tree and is in Cam, Gloucestershire.  If you want a pleasant drink/night out with good evening entertainment the pay a visit.  Highly recomended - I understand they also have real ale on site.</p> <p>An extra addition to the afternoon was that Spence and Lisa had jusy got a new puppy that morning - an 8 week old Exeter Spaniel and absolutely gorgeous dog.  He certainly was given a lot of attention but took it all in his stride.</p> <p>Our friends arrived and very quickly eveyone was enjoying themselves.  Music in the background and we started serving the food.  Menu was:  Couq an Vin, Chicken in white win, Garlic chicken, Ham, Salad and snail casserole.  We had bread for wiping up the gravy and cheeses from many different areas of France.</p> <p>We had decked the pub with French flags, banners, posters etc and it looked very good.  Vanessa was dressed as a clown waiter and I was dressed as a French maid.  Sadie our next dooor neighbour was a very sexy French female as was Vanessas friend Grace.  Neighbours Chrissie and Brian also dressed up.</p> <p>The night was excellent and it was good to see friends and family having a good time.  Will put photographs on my web site tomorrow night - still very tired and going to bed soon.</p> <p>Terry and  Denise very kindly donated £20 to my cycle - it is really appreciated.  Rebecca was also their with her new baby and you can see how lovelly she is at my photo site </p> <p>Photographs will be at;<a href="http://donaldking.spaces.live.com/"><a href="http://donaldking.spaces.live.com/">http://donaldking.spaces.live.com/</a></a></p> <p>Take care and stay safe </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/09/07/french-party-4695114/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-09-04:/2008/09/04/old-age-does-not-come-alone-4682972/donking2008-09-04T21:08:04+02:002008-09-04T21:08:04+02:00 <p>It has now just been confirmed that I am over 25ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh </p> <p>1. You leave clubs before the end to "beat the rush" (Worst still you<br> don't go to the clubs!)</p> <p>2. You get more excited about having a roast on a Sunday than going<br> clubbing the night before.</p> <p>3. You stop dreaming of becoming a professional footballer/basketball<br> player and start dreaming of having a son who might instead.</p> <p>4. Before throwing the local paper away, you look through the property<br> section.</p> <p>5. All of a sudden, middle aged people are not 45, they are only 45.</p> <p>6. Before going out anywhere, you ask whether there is anywhere to park.</p> <p>7. Rather than throw a knackered pair of trainers out, you keep them<br> because they'll be alright for the DIY or in the garden.</p> <p>8. You buy T-shirts without anything written on them.</p> <p>9. Instead of laughing at the innovations catalogue that falls out of<br> the newspaper, you suddenly see both the benefit and money saving<br> properties of most of the things that are in it.</p> <p>10. You start to worry about your parents' health.</p> <p>11. You have more disposable income, but everything you want or need to<br> buy costs between 200 and 500 quid.</p> <p>12. You don't get funny looks when you buy a Disney video or a Wallace<br> and Grommit bubble bath, as the sales assistant assumes they are for<br> your children.</p> <p>13. Pop music all starts to sound the same.</p> <p>14. You opt for Pizza Express over Pizza Hut because they do a really<br> nice half-bottle of house red.</p> <p>15. You always have enough milk in.</p> <p>16. To compensate for the fact that you have little desire to go<br> clubbing, you instead frequent trendy bars and restaurants in the<br> mistaken belief that you have not turned into your parents.</p> <p>17. While flicking through the TV channels, you happen upon C4's Time<br> Team with Tony Robinson. You get drawn in. Grand Designs also appeals.</p> <p>18. The benefits of a pension scheme become clear.</p> <p>19. You go out of your way to pick up a colour chart from B&Q.</p> <p>20. You wish you had a shed.</p> <p>21. You have a shed.</p> <p>22. You actually find yourself saying "They don't make 'em like that<br> anymore," and "I remember when there were only 4 TV channels," and "not<br> in my day...."</p> <p>23. Radio 2 play more songs you know than Radio 1 - and Jeremy Vine has<br> some really interesting guests on.</p> <p>24. Instead of tutting at old people who take ages to get off the bus,<br> you tut at rowdy school children.</p> <p>25. When sitting outside a pub you admire their hanging baskets.</p> <p>26. You find yourself saying "is it cold in here or is it just me."</p> <p>27. You understand the above and forward it to your fellow aging friend.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/09/04/old-age-does-not-come-alone-4682972/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-09-03:/2008/09/03/photographs-sorry-4674891/donking2008-09-03T08:05:42+02:002008-09-03T08:05:42+02:00 <p>Thanks to seaside man for pointig out that I should provide a link to my photographs that just requires you to click.  My apologies - I thought you could link automatically (silly me)</p> <p>The link is:  <a href="http://donaldking.spaces.live.com/"><a href="http://donaldking.spaces.live.com/">http://donaldking.spaces.live.com/</a></a></p> <p>I hope you enjoy all my pictures and hope to be adding more after the weekend.</p> <p>Following our holiday in France we are having a French party on Sat and hoping friends and family will dress up!!!  Mind you looking at todays weather it could be a washout!!!</p> <p>Take care and stay safe</p> <p></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/09/03/photographs-sorry-4674891/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-09-02:/2008/09/02/pictures-apologies-4673695/donking2008-09-02T21:41:08+02:002008-09-02T21:41:08+02:00 <p>I am sorry but I have been puting my wrong address for you to see photographs. It should be:</p> <p><strong><a href="http://donaldking.spaces.live.com/">http://donaldking.spaces.live.com/</a></strong></p> <p>take care and stay safe </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/09/02/pictures-apologies-4673695/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-08-28:/2008/08/28/woooow-solent-sailing-4650206/donking2008-08-28T19:18:00+02:002008-08-28T19:18:00+02:00 <p>VANESSA (HER INDOORS WHO MUST BE OBEYED) as a present booked me a one days sailing experience on the solent.</p> <p>I drove to Southampton and met the crew and my sailing companions for the day - we really looked a mottley crew but somehow hoped that all these strangers would be able to sail the yacht.</p> <p>After a short walk we met the yacht. Bluebird is a Whitbread 60 foot racing yacht who at one time, a few years ago held the reecord of most miles sailed in 24 hour sailing. She looked absolutely fantastic. We motoered out of the harbour and then hoisted sail. This means operating the coffee grinder - this is a torture mechanism that has to be used to be beleived - but we took turns (some of us less than others - guilty m'lord) and all the sails were up and with engine off we were sailing.</p> <p>Bluebird on shore looked great, but out in the sea she was sex on the sea, as she gracefully tore through the waves and the rushing sea passing the hull, it sounded like an ochestra was accompanying us. I do not have the words to find how to describe the experience. She was like a ballet dancer gliding gracefully around the sea but with the power of a F1 racing car. At times were were sailing at an angle of 30 degrees (my estimation - so not accurate) and this was exhilirating beyon words - all of us were mesmerised at her ability </p> <p>I know we only got a taster of what Ocean sailing is all about, but we have new respect for the people who sail around the world as a crew or on their own.</p> <p>Our Skipper Jono and the crew of Dan and Helen were very special people - they made us very welcome, boosted our confidence and guided us to sail the yacht correctly so we could get the best out of the day. Thanks to all of them for their help and support.</p> <p>I have put some pics on my site at:</p> <p><a href="http://www.donking.spaces.live.com/">http://www.donking.spaces.live.com/</a> </p> <p>and details of bluebox sailing can be found at:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blueboxsailing.com/">http://www.blueboxsailing.com/</a></p> <p>Thanks to Vanessa for booking me a great treat. If you have a day to spare and wonder what to do - book this experience, you will not be disapointed.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/08/28/woooow-solent-sailing-4650206/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-08-25:/2008/08/25/horse-show-sponsorship-4636712/donking2008-08-25T21:23:58+02:002008-08-25T21:23:58+02:00 <p><strong>Some time since I last wrote on my blog – will try and improve in the future!!!</p> <p>Sponsorship money continues to come in. Mike Goodman who works for McCambridge Group as a Project Director very kindly donated £20. I have known Mike for many years and as well as being a great engineer he is the type of man you would wish to work with. </p> <p>Danny my stepson, who had the accident that started this sponsored cycle off for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance has donated £100. This is an extremely large donation and along with all the other money will make a big difference. Thanks Danny it is really appreciated.</p> <p>Spent most of this bank holiday working and playing catch up – not much fun but when you are self-employed the client always comes first. </p> <p>Vanessa was competing at the Berkeley horse show and was very disappointed that Shannon was not placed. They both looked very good and I thought they did well. I know I am biased but when Vanessa and some of the other competitors were going round the judge was not even looking at them. As a non technical observer I would say that she had already made up her mind who was going to be placed almost as soon as the horses entered the ring, she seemed to spend time looking at them but not the others. It is such a shame that the same standard was not uniformly applied.</p> <p>Berkeley castle is a great backcloth for these events – so impressive, plenty of room to park and many tents etc for people who are not 100% horsey.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe.</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/08/25/horse-show-sponsorship-4636712/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-08-16:/2008/08/16/olympics-4596801/donking2008-08-16T16:28:20+02:002008-08-16T16:28:20+02:00 <p>Today we have seen a great day at the olympics with many medals for Team GB.  Some of the performances were mind boggling and it augers well for the London olympics in 2012.  Not sure how we can follow what we have seen for the opening ceremony but the thought of 10000 Morris dancers is too much to contemplate!!</p> <p>Disapointed that one of the commentators said to the 100m gold medalist that his fans in England .......  When will they realise that Scotland is part of the UK and that some of team GB are Scottish and Welsh - check out the medalists.  Still I guess it is what we have come to expect from the very much London orientated BBC.</p> <p>Looking forward to seeing Paula later tonight in the Marathon but I do hope she is at her best - not sure after her injury and shortage of training - mind you she will certainly be trying her best.</p> <p>Not been doing much cycling recently but hope to get back into the swing of things fairly soon.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe</p> <p></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/08/16/olympics-4596801/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-08-03:/2008/08/03/roussillion-france-4537541/donking2008-08-03T17:47:59+02:002008-08-03T17:47:59+02:00 <p><strong><span>When on holiday Michelle told us to visit Roussillon which has been inhabited since Neolithic time, then later by the Romans who also left their traces. Samuel Beckett lived there during the Second World War.</span></strong><strong><span>This was certainly worth the 1.5 hour drive and if you are ever going to visit somewhere in France this should be near the top of your list.<span>  </span>Spectacular views of the surrounding countryside make this a very special day. </p> <p></span></strong><strong><span>In Roussillon, the most memorable feature is not Roussillon itself, but the ochre mines below the village. </p> <p></span></strong><strong><span>The range of colours in the white-orange-red rocks is extraordinary, and the curiously shaped rock formations add further to the spectacle. It creates to my mind a landscape that you might think was from another world or the moon.</p> <p></span></strong><strong><span>Roussillon is yet another super-attractive Provencal village. The colour in the mines is mirrored in the colours of the house in Roussillon itself, above the mines - the extraordinary colour of the houses in the village, tinted by the ochre that was once mined here, really does make Roussillon different to the other villages in the region.<span>  </span>It is a spectacular sight walking around the village and being confronted by a range of colours, all different, around each corner.</p> <p></span></strong><strong><span>I would imagine that to see Roussillon when the first sunshine of the day strikes the village, to see the glowing colours of the houses at their most stunning. </p> <p></span></strong><strong><span>Roussillon has many beautiful houses, constructed mostly about 300 years ago, and also has its fair share of tourism related gift shops and galleries etc, like all the 'most beautiful villages of France.<span>  </span>Also like many touristy type areas it is very, very expensive.<span>  </span>I can&rsquo;t help but feel that if they reduced the prices they would sell considerably more.<span>  </span>The day we visited very few people were buying.</span></strong><strong><span>It is a lovely little village to explore - shady squares, amazing architectural details, faded shutters, cats sleeping on windowsills - everything you hope for from a Provencal village. </span></strong><strong><span>Take care and stay safe.</span></strong><strong><span> </span></strong><strong><span>Pictures at: <a href="http://www.donking.spaces.live.com/">http://www.donking.spaces.live.com/</a></span></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/08/03/roussillion-france-4537541/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-08-01:/2008/08/01/cycle-overview-4529889/donking2008-08-01T16:20:05+02:002008-08-01T16:20:05+02:00 <p><strong>Just a quick overview of the cycle - good and bad points.</p> <p>GOOD POINTS - weather in the UK, bike worked well most of the time and thankfully no punctures.  French people were very good, helpful,polite, supportive and a pleasure to speak to.  Wine was exceptional - suppose I should not have been drinking and cycling (medicinal purposes only).</p> <p>Sleeping bag was warm, tent OK - food good.  Route for France was excellent.</p> <p>BAD POINTS - weather in France thunder, lighting, hurricane winds and wet, wet wet.  Sat Nav stopped working, GPS stopped working, Phone stopped working.  I got lost in France and added to my journey in miles and therefore time.  Did not have paper map for UK so had to take main road to Brighton.</p> <p>British people in cars and on boats, noisy, loud, discourteous, rude and dangerous driving.</p> <p>After the cycle thought would never cycle again.  Vanessa bought me a mountain bike when in France and now I am thinking - what next!!!</p> <p>Thanks to all who sponsored me for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.  David Williams from Bridge Insurance, Manchester has kindly sponsored me today - thank you.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/08/01/cycle-overview-4529889/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-07-26:/2008/07/26/monaco-4502914/donking2008-07-26T19:31:49+02:002008-07-26T19:31:49+02:00 <p>We were starting to get a goos suntan so we decided to join the beautiful people and set off for Monaco.  Unfortunately, we chose the hottest day of our holiday and a 4.5 hour drive in sweltering heat was not very clever.  Still celebrities have to put up with worse!!! so I am sure for a few hours discomfort we should manage.</p> <p>The drive as usual was through some lovelly countryside and the roads were not very busy.  When we arrived we parked the car in the multi storey and went for a walk.</p> <p>The beauty of Monaco is that you can walk round the Grand Prix racing course as it is on the streets - such a thrill.  I now know why drivers crash at the hairpin - it is beacuse of the Soreen Go bar on the wall - it must catch their eye - too late they have hit someone - still if they hurry they can run back and get the bar.</p> <p>As usual every second or third car was a Ferrari or a Bentley - like many others I took some photographs and have uploaded them.  Merceds Benz of top class were not even looked at far less photographed.    </p> <p>We went for a meal at the world famous Cafe De Paris but did not see any celebrities having a meal.  Love the French attitude, you can have your dog with you and the waiters will bring over a bowl of drinking water for your pet.  Meal was great and pricey but what can you expect in Monte carlo?</p> <p>After our meal and some very expensive window shopping, we headed to the marina to drool over the luxury yachts - this is certainly another way of live, uxury boats, big crews catering for a few individuals, how the other half live.</p> <p>It was not long before we headed back home knowing that we enjoyed looking at the high life and all the luxury on display but we woukld not swap it for our own life and where we were on holiday.  Money does not buy you everything and if you have good health and happiness you can be content.</p> <p>Photographs are at <a href="http://www.donking.spaces.live.com">www.donking.spaces.live.com</a></p> <p>Take care and stay safe</p> <p></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/07/26/monaco-4502914/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-07-25:/2008/07/25/lavilletertre-to-eiffel-tower-4498177/donking2008-07-25T17:27:33+02:002008-07-25T17:27:33+02:00 <p class="intro"><strong>DAY 4</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Left my B&B in Lavilletertre and headed towards Marines.<span>  </span>My excellent nights rest and breakfast only cost just over £24 &ndash; this was a bargain and also in a very beautiful house.<span>  </span>I had a lovely French breakfast around 7.30 and by the time I packed the bike it was 0830 which meant I had 6.5 hours to reach the Eiffel Tower.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Fortunately the weather was cool and no sign of the thunderstorm, howling gale force wind, and torrential rain from the night before.<span>  </span>Forgot to mention over the course of the trip so far I have managed to snap my flag pole on several occasions.<span>  </span>I am still showing my Nemo at the top, the Scottish Flag and the pirate flag.<span>  </span>Many people shout Ecosse when I pass and make the OK sign &ndash; I think they are being friendly.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>I have also noticed that many Ladies (of varying and all ages) flash their &hellip;&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;&hellip; wait for it --- car headlights as I pass, smile and wave to me.<span>  </span>Could it be that after the cycling so far I have lost so much weight, look many years younger that to them I am an Adonis??<span>  </span>In looking in the mirror I am guessing they are taking pity on a mad old man, on an odd looking bike who needs encouragement as he looks as if he is going to collapse in the next few miles &ndash; probably a better assessment.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Eventually reached Marines which is a lovely and what appears to be a bustling French Village &ndash; again I attracted many strange looks but many more shouts of safe journey, good luck and smiles from many of the population.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Somewhere around Boisemont I got lost &ndash; entirely my fault.<span>  </span>I did not read Donald Hirsch&rsquo;s instructions in enough detail and by the time I realised where I should be it was too late to turn back.<span>  </span>(anyone who knows me is aware of my dodgy ability to navigate).</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>I saw signs for Paris and this is when I was on the D22 so I just kept going following Paris signs.<span>  </span>This road, and subsequent roads were arterial roads into PARIS and as such extremely busy.<span>  </span>Once again I would like to thank every French driver who passed me for their courteous driving manner, friendly waves and shouts of encouragement &ndash; it made cycling on a bust road a great experience.<span>  </span></strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>When I first saw the top of the Eiffel Tower in the distance - I stopped to take a photograph &ndash; once again the curse of the Modern Technology disasters on my trip kicked in &ndash; the phone battery was flat.<span>  </span>Have not charged the phone using the Solar charging system as the sunshine was non existent and I could not leave it on bike to charge as the rain would have long<span>  </span>since killed it.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>As I was short of time, I did not stop for any food or to buy more water &ndash; the water ran out after about 2 hours and then the sun was getting hotter.<span>  </span>I was very dehydrated and my mouth was so dry it was not real.<span>  </span>Obviously I was getting weaker and slowing down.<span>  </span>Eventually reached ET at 1440 which meant I cycled at an average of 9.17 mph (checked on gmaps Pedometer when I got home).<span>  </span></strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>I was just about all in, but very pleased I had managed the cycle in difficult conditions, on a bike that was not user friendly on hills and in wind, was loaded with loads of kit and therefore was very heavy.<span>  </span>No major problems with bike and I felt pretty good as well &ndash; a little bit sore and stiff and my bum was starting to ache.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Phone still flat so not able to take any pictures in Paris.<span>  </span>Not enough time to cycle to railway station to catch train home.<span>  </span>Found a garage at<span>  </span>1515 and just left bike, grabbed a passing taxi and asked if he could get me to station quickly &ndash; this was about 1530</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>This meant I now had less than 30 minutes to get to the station, find the correct platform and get on train!!!<span>  </span>The distance is about 4 miles but through the centre of Paris.<span>  </span>My driver was absolutely brilliant and drove like a maniac through the streets and got me to the station at around 1556.<span>  </span>I rushed in to the station, found the destination board only to see my train come off the board &ndash; I had missed it by about 4 minutes.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Found ticket office who, for another £10 booked me on to the next train 1 hour later.<span>  </span>Sat down and had 3 large scoops of Ice Cream &ndash; pure heaven also another glass or two of red wine.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Train journey was very fast, comfortable and train was clean.<span>  </span>Near to end of journey this guy came up and asked me about station (Calais) and was I going to same place.<span>  </span>When I said yes he sat at my table and started to talk.<span>  </span>He was from Iraq and had come through Turkey, Greece, Spain and now in France on way to UK.<span>  </span>When we got off I organised a taxi and he joined me.<span>  </span>He said he was on his way to Birmingham to see his brother.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>As we got near to where taxi was dropping me off he became agitated and with his limited was saying no &ndash; did not want to go.<span>  </span>When we stopped at the departure lounge to get out &ndash; he told me had no passport and was going back to gate with Taxi driver.<span>  </span>I wonder why people will walk through several countries to reach the UK &ndash; guess we are too soft and I am certain he will get in without too much difficulty.<span>  </span>I did not report him for several reasons (i) would not be able to describe him too well (ii)<span>  </span>did not know name or registration number of taxi (iii) he will reach the UK anyway as he had a huge list of telephone numbers that I assume were contacts.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Ferry crossing was fine and eventually was reunited with Vanessa at Dover so we could drive on to ferry and go back to France for a 2 week holiday.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>More photos will be added tonight and will write some more soon..Take care and stay safe.</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/07/25/lavilletertre-to-eiffel-tower-4498177/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-07-23:/2008/07/23/photographs-4488603/donking2008-07-23T15:21:52+02:002008-07-23T15:21:52+02:00 <p>Many thanks to my sister Dorothy and her husband Charlie for their donation and to David Poyser n from Bridge Insurance for his donation - they are really appreciated  and will be a big hep to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.</p> <p>Have uploade some photographs at:  <a href="http://www.donaldking.spaces.live.com/">www.donaldking.spaces.live.com</a>. <img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt=""></p> <p>Only dissapointment is that I did not get any shots leaving Wimbledon or anywhere in the UK due to being 2 hours late in leaving, getting lost and generally panicking that I would miss the Ferry to France as it was the last sailing of the day I was catching.</p> <p>Keep watching and stay safe</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/07/23/photographs-4488603/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-07-23:/2008/07/23/day-3-avenue-verte-to-near-marines-4487441/donking2008-07-23T10:55:54+02:002008-07-23T10:55:54+02:00 <p><span><strong>DAY 3</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>Eventually got up at 0730 and by the time I ate a banana, several Soreen GO bars and drank some water, dismantled the tent and packed the bike it was just after 0800 that I started cycling again.<span>  </span>No aches or pains as I hardly did any cycling yesterday due to weather.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>Weather was cold but sun is trying to come out (please hurry up).<span>  </span>By around 0930 the weather is still dry although a wind is starting.<span>  </span>Road is still very smooth, no potholes and the gradients are very gentle.<span>  </span>Some of the houses are very nice with beautiful flowers on display, animals in the gardens and the people who see you all give you a friendly wave.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>Not too long before I leave the Avenue Verte (cycle way) and start having to navigate by map!!!.<span>  </span>The Avenue Verte is intended to link Paris to London with a cycle way in time for the London Olympics.<span>  </span>I think this is a great idea and I am sure it will be well used.<span>  </span>I passed many people who were cycling/walking the route so it is good to see it is being used.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>Stopped for a snack and was joined by a couple of other cyclists who were cycling from Paris to Dieppe.<span>  </span>As talk got round to food they sampled my Go bars and thought they were terrific.<span>  </span>The kind people at Soreen had donated some bars to me and they certainly keep me going.<span>  </span>The other cyclists were surprised that something so good was only available in the UK and they felt it was better than the normal energy bars available (I agree) which are either too dry or too sweet.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>Cycling on the main roads again was an experience &ndash; they were very quiet and the French drivers were very courteous and gave me a wide berth and did not cut in on front of me &ndash; this made cycling on the roads a very pleasurable experience.<span>  </span>The sighs and sounds were beautiful and the colours were such a joy to see and I wish I could have stopped and taken loads of photographs and to have had the time to do some painting.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>Most of the morning was cold, some wind and occasional showers.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>Lunch was an experience.<span>  </span>Due to inability to speak French and the people in the restaurant could not speak English I settled for a plain omelette with chips (unhealthy) and a glass of red wine.<span>  </span>I think I read somewhere that the red wine is good for the heart so I am making sure my heart has enough energy to keep it going!!<span>  </span>I was able to refer to my French/English dictionary just to make sure I had some idea of what I was ordering.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>The meal arrived &ndash; the wine was fantastic, in fact it was so good I had a second glass.<span>  </span>The omelette was black underneath and the chips were overcooked, some were very hard.<span>  </span>What a predicament &ndash; not able to complain as no one will understand me &ndash; food not at the right standard.<span>  </span>I decided to eat the meal and it was quite good but not as tasty as it should have been.<span>  </span>Normally French cuisine is very good so I guess this particular chef was having a bad day.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>Cycled through some lovely countryside, people working in the fields &ndash; it was after lunch and I was going slow to give my food time to settle.<span>  </span>A car came up behind me blasted its horn and a little toe-rag of a kid shouted abuse out of the window.<span>  </span>The youngster was indicating with his fingers (I think) that I had only one or two miles until the next pub???!!!<span>   </span>It was no surprise to see that as the car cut in sharply and disappeared at speed it had GB plates on the back.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><span><strong>What is it about Brits abroad &ndash; why do many insist on being noisy, rude, arrogant and downright nasty.<span>  </span>As a nation we let ourselves down &ndash; you just have to watch TV and read papers to see how we behave and the image we give to others.<span>  </span>Why can people not remember we are visitors to another country and therefore we should behave and show respect to others.<span>  </span>Before people write to me I am talking about all ages, not just the young and I know that more people behave than misbehave.</strong></span><span><strong> </strong></span><br> <p class="intro"><strong>One of the many sites/views/churches/building that really sticks in my mind is the huge Church at St Germer de Fly &ndash; it is spectacular.<span>  </span>This Benedictine Abbey was built in 661 by St.Germer,<span>  </span>and flanked by the 13th century chapel of Sainte Chapelle.<span>  </span>I wish I had some time to go inside &ndash; took many pictures and they will be on web site tonight.<span>  </span>Thankfully the sun was shining at this time.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>When I left my Granny gear on the bike stopped working which meant the hills were going to be hard work &ndash; and they were!!!</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Around 1630 the rain started and was quite heavy and then would slacken to a drizzle and finally stopped at 1700.<span>  </span>Just before 1800 the heavens opened up with a torrential thunderstorm and very strong wind &ndash; I found some shelter in a barn in a field hoping it would go off.<span>  </span>Thunder and lightening were in the distance so I decided to cycle to the village which I thought was just about 2 miles away.<span>  </span>When I arrived I looked like the proverbial drowned rat.<span>  </span>A very king Frenchman signalled me over to his van only for us to discover we could not communicate.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>He opened the door for me to get out of the rain and then drove me to a man who was just coming out of his house.<span>  </span>He was Dutch but could speak some French and a little English.<span>  </span>To cut a very long story short they phoned and organised bed and breakfast for me (also got me a discount) at a village approximately 3km away.<span>  </span>The guy in the van drove ahead to see the people and when I finally arrived at the house the rain was just stopping.<span>  </span>After thanking my new friend I went inside to the lovely site of a bed, shower and all mod cons &ndash; such a great feeling.</strong></p> <strong> </strong><br> <p class="intro"><strong>On my revised schedule I had hoped to get somewhere passed Marines before I stopped but I was still some way (20+ miles) short of that &ndash; this means that my last days cycle to Paris is going to be in the region of 65 miles and to be at the Eiffel tower by 1500 at the latest to allow me to catch the train at 1600 to take me to Calais was going to be hard.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>After a cup of tea and a very hot shower I went to bed.<span>  </span>The cycling gear was all laid out to dry hopefully by the morning.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Before sleeping I reflected on the map and comments Donald Hirsch made &ndash; 20 miles of rolling French countryside.<span>  </span>This turns out to be 20 miles of short downhill sections followed by large uphill sections and in a couple of places very steep hills.<span>  </span>This route is certainly showing off the beauty of the French countryside, and allowing me to enjoy the odd site of people as I cycle through small villages and the occasional shouted friendly greeting and wishes of good luck.</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>More to follow</strong></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Take care and stay safe.</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/07/23/day-3-avenue-verte-to-near-marines-4487441/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-07-22:/2008/07/22/day-2-dieppe-to-avenue-verte-4483642/donking2008-07-22T15:29:50+02:002008-07-22T15:29:50+02:00 <p><strong>THANKS – a big thank you to the following people who have recently sponsored me and I have not acknowledged. Paul Tripp of McCambridge Group Ltd, Roger Penford of Aldreds the Bakers and special friends Mike and Claire Stewart who met me at Brighton and kept me going when I was very very tired. All donations are greatly appreciated and will be put to good use by the Air Ambulance.</p> <p>DAY 2<br> Had a mixed nights sleep – possibly I was overtired!! Good French breakfast so now feel as if I am fit for anything that is likely to come my way. Packed bike again and tied everything in place and set off around 0930. Followed my map to get out of Dieppe but managed to break my flag pole on a sign.</p> <p>Cycled about 2 miles and my gearing went all solid the rear derailleur went straight and I could not turn pedals in any direction. Eventually after about 25 minutes I got it working and cycled about another mile to the Supermarket. I stocked up with supplies of Bananas, water and pasta meals for lunch.</p> <p>Weather was mild and it looked as if the sun was trying to break through. Directions were easy to follow. The map was downloaded from the Internet and it had been prepared by Donald Hirsch and it is excellent with miles and other good detail. A very big thank you Donald - so far so good.</p> <p>About 6 miles from Dieppe I reached the Avenue Verte which is a 26 mile cycle track that has been built on an old railway track. This is ideal cycling – no cars, very few people, nearly billiard table flat with only a few inclines and a great smooth tarmac surface. This is biking at its best. Had taken 1580 tracks of music to listen to but never switched it on – the music of the countryside was all the noise I needed.</p> <p>Around 1130 it started to rain so put on my shower gear and kept cycling. Around 1220 the rain was so heavy I decided to stop for a while under a tree. During a sun period of 25 minutes I ate lunch and then started to cycle again. Did not get very far and the heavens opened up again so I found some more shelter. Around 1330 I decided to put up tent and seek some shelter from the rain and the wind.<img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Tent went up well but due to rain it was a little wet inside, also when I opened up my sleeping bag it was fairly damp. Sat inside tent until around 1900 and decided that it was not going to get any better so I was here for the night. Total distance cycled today is a whacking 20 miles. At this rate Paris seems to be many moons away.</p> <p>This has put me behind schedule by 6 hours but hopefully I can still make it up by longer and faster cycling than I had originally planned. In the tent I had plenty of time to consider all the options of route etc but decided to stay with map and follow the route set out by Donald Hirsch. </p> <p>I did not have very good nights sleep – the ground was hard, I was damp, and sleeping bag bottom was wet. Set alarm for 0500 and woke to find it was still raining.</p> <p>More to follow </p> <p>Take care and stay safe.</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/07/22/day-2-dieppe-to-avenue-verte-4483642/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-07-21:/2008/07/21/day-1-london-to-newhaven-4480535/donking2008-07-21T21:04:37+02:002008-07-21T21:04:37+02:00 <p>What can I say - wish I could say the day started well but it did not. Alarm set for 0115 - Vanessa woke me at 0335 and said we had slept in. Mad rush downstairs to get ready - thankfully I had packed car and bike the night before so it was not a lot of time. Phoned my friend Noel to say I was on my way.</p> <p>Noel had tried to phone but we had not heard it - he had just went back to bed when I had phoned. Drove to London and as we got near set the Sat Nav for Wimbledon - it would not work irrespective of what I tried to do. Well at least we had some idea of the location and with a few asked directions we arrived at Wimbledon common. Lifted bike off car loaded the bags and then the stuff all fell out. Spent a few more minutes picking everything up.</p> <p>It is now 0715 and I am 2 hours behind schedule. Never mind it is still possible!!</p> <p>Set the GPS to the route to Newhaven and set off, no time to take photographs as time was of the essence. First 3 waypoints were excellent and GPS easy to follow - and then the GPS packed up - put in new batteries no difference. I had not taken paper copy of the route (silly me). Headed off and asked directions of a couple of people and then realised they were directing me to Portsmouth which was not much help - arrived back at Wimbledon common at 0820 and then set off in the direction I though best. Asked some more people and they eventually directed me towards roads that would lead to A23 direct to Brighton. My cycle computer also stopped working so no idea of speed or distance.</p> <p> The road was very busy but I could not afford to change route as no maps and no time. It was very hot and my legs were starting to burn. Many motorists would come up close behind me and toot their horn to hopefully knock me off the bike or something - some had young children who would shout abuse out the window. Guess this is how many people get their kicks - some did wave as they passed but were outnumbered by the nutters.</p> <p>Eventually reached Brighton and my very good friend Mike was there with his Bike to cycle with me to Newhaven. It was great to see him again and I do not think I would have made it to Newhaven without his help - on some of the hills he helped me getting the bike up the hill. We reached Newhaven about 1745, so it took me around 9 hours to cycle around 75 miles (this included stops, toilet, meal etc) so I was very pleased with this. Bike was very heavy with two bags, tent, sleeping bag etc.</p> <p>At Newhaven Mikes wife Claire had ordered a very welcome pint of Lager - great to see Claire and the lager was excellent. After lager we went to terminal and I got on ferry in time for the 1830 sailing. had not seen Mike and Claire for many years but it is so good to meet old friends. Claire had recently run for charity and mike was</p> <p>Day was very hard, the weather was exceptionally hot and I spent the day pushing hard to try and catch up the time lost. On reflection I think I pushed too hard at the beginning and suffered for it at the end.</p> <p>Sail to Dieppe was without event and had a glass of red wine to pass the time and some food. Got off and the sky was dark, thunder and lighting and started to head towrards the camp site. Stopped by a policeman who did not speak English but I managed to understand he was not happy with my flashing light. Showed him on my French map (took that with me) that I was going to camp just outside Dieppe but he made it clear that I was not to go any further. Found a hotel and spent night on a nice bed rather than in tent - good move.</p> <p>More to follow.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/07/21/day-1-london-to-newhaven-4480535/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-30:/2008/06/30/8-hours-to-go-4386066/donking2008-06-30T20:42:35+02:002008-06-30T20:42:35+02:00 <p><strong>I am not as nervous as I thought I would be - so I guess the glass or two of PINK CHAMPAGNE may be helping!!!  Hope that by this time tomorrow night I will be on ferry to Dieppe having cycled to Newhaven from London.</p> <p>Plan at the moment is to go to bed now and get some sleep before leaving at 0200.  Will hopefully be able to blog as I am on the cycle - if not will be writing when I reach France and upload photos of trip.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/30/8-hours-to-go-4386066/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-27:/2008/06/27/3-days-to-go-4371955/donking2008-06-27T14:38:23+02:002008-06-27T14:38:23+02:00 <p><strong><em>It is at this time you sit down and think why, why, why?  Only 3 days and I start my unsuported cycle from London to Paris.  Round about Chistmas time when the decission was made to do the cycle it seemed a long way ahead, plenty of time to train, get fit, lose weight etc etc.  Now with 3 days to go the reality is - not enough training, still unfit and no or very little weight loss.  How is that the distance between dreams, wishes, hopes and reality is about 12 million miles!!!</p> <p>I know that the money raised for Wilthsire Air Ambulance is good and will make a difference, and a big thank you to all who have sponsored me - still time for those who wish to add something to the kitty.</p> <p>Weather is not very nice today so hope it improves for 0600 on Tuesday 1st July.  Bike panniers are packed (at least 30 Soreen Go bars) tent and sleeping bag organised, large pump ready, spare tube OK, repair kit organised and tools checked so in theory I am ready for the 4 days.  New flag pole and I have a Nemo on the top with a pirate flag just below.  Waiting for my Scottish flaf and I hope it comes in time.</p> <p>Must stop as I have just realised the time as I have to take my car for MOT test - hope it is OK.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe.</p> <p></em></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/3-days-to-go-4371955/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-23:/2008/06/23/bristol-cycle-4354081/donking2008-06-23T22:30:05+02:002008-06-23T22:30:05+02:00 <p><strong>On Sunday I took part along with about 5,000 others in the largest cycle ride in the UK.  Great day out, fantastic marshalling and signage, and in my  opinion (although some others differ) great patience and driving by motorists in the area.  A variety of routes to tackle and everybody finished in the same place with side shows, food, displays etc.  Well done to Bristol for organising this and please keep doing it.  </p> <p>I opted for the 38 mile cycle and did this at an average of 9.2mph.  The wind they say  was in the region of 28mph - I do not beleive this I think it was nearer to 500mph!!!  This route I chose was hilly in places and with the strong wind I am confident for my cycle from London to Newhaven should be able to average a comfortable 10mph.  Many people finished much quicker than me but overall I was impressed with the variety of ages and fitness of people who cycled.  Well done to everyone.  My bike attracted a lot of attention and comments and some people thought I was just nuts!!!</p> <p>Two downsides to the day - after about 20 miles I was slowly climbing one of the many medium hills and I got severe cramp in both thighs and shins at the same time.  I ended up on the road in agony and was helped by two other cyclists - after about 10 minutes I was fit to cycle again.  2 miles from the end the cramp came back again = let me tell you I think I used all the swear words in the world and made some up as well - pain is undescribable.  Would love to know the cause of the cramp and what I should or could do to prevent it.</p> <p>Will upload some photographs tomorrow.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe.</p> <p></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/23/bristol-cycle-4354081/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-21:/2008/06/21/berkeley-steamn-rally-4345282/donking2008-06-21T20:41:04+02:002008-06-21T20:41:04+02:00 <p><strong>Went to the Berkeley steam rally today and was disappointed.  Did not seem to be so many exhibitlors and not very many people.  It could be the unsettled weather put people off but I think it is the location.  This is the second year at Berkeley - use to be at North Nibbly and certainly more people appeared to attend.  It is great to see the old steam engines, classic cars, lorries and vans, and many stalls  selling everything you can imagine.</p> <p>I cycled to the show and then cycled round all the events and the bike certainly got photographed a lot, asked many questions and a lot of people just shaking their heads.  I have will upload some photos tomorrow of some of the old pushbikes I saw at the show.</p> <p>I got a new flag pole and a skull and crossbone flag and a bee spinner - will put pictures on line tomorrow.  The stall holder from Devon when he heard I was cycling for charity knocked £3.00 of the total price - much appreciated.</p> <p>Sam Walker from McCambridge group donated £10.  Thank you very much Sam and all the best for the future.  The money is appreciated and will make a difference.</p> <p>I need to buy a lead and then will be able to use my eBay GPS to plan routes - will keep you updated on progress.</p> <p>NOT LONG UNTIL JULY 1ST WHEN I START MY CYCLE WITH ALL MONEY RAISED GOING TO WILTSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE.</p> <p>TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE</p> <p></strong></p> <p></p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/21/berkeley-steamn-rally-4345282/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-16:/2008/06/16/14-days-to-go-4324587/donking2008-06-16T21:36:51+02:002008-06-16T21:36:51+02:00 <p>Only 14 days until I start my unacompanied charity cycle from London to Paris. Leave London at 0600 on July 1st and arrive in Paris at 1300 July 4th (with good luck and a stron tail wind).</p> <p>On Saturday had a gentle cycle of 17 miles at an average of just over 12mph. This comiong Sunday I am cycling 34 miles as part of the Bristol Bike Ride 2008 - this is the largest cycle ride in the UK and is great for all levels of cyclists and families. Looking forward to it as it will give me some idea of fitness and times etc. Not looking forward to some of the hills and had to walk up them 2 years ago - now 2 years older, several pound heavier should be interesting.</p> <p>A kind Company has agreed to sponsor me by supplying a Scottish flag for my cycle ride - if it arrives before Satuday I will have photos on my blog site for you all to admire and see during the Bristol ride!!!! The company is on eBay and is called FRUITSALAD RETRO which if you type into shop search you will find them. It is a great site - they do everything you can think of including: mugs, magnets, Keyrings, Flags, Rubber Ducks, plasters, lunch boxes, badges, patches and more. I specialise in retro items, cultural and historic, cute rarities, Superhero chic, mod, punk and other cult items. Well worth a visit especially if you are looking for something different and affordable. Good to know businesses can still help in the present economic climate.</p> <p>Was cycling on Saturday and this guy stopped to speak and ask about the bike - we were talking about how difficult it is to exercise etc, etc. he said to me "wait until you are my age 55 and see how hard it is then" I had great delight in telling him I passed that milestone 6 years ago. Vanessa is lucky she now has a toy boy!!!</p> <p>Well must stop and get on and do some work - bills to be paid, dogs fed, Vanessa buys make up and stuff like that and still insisits on spending more than £1.00 on our weekly shop!!!!</p> <p>Take care and stay safe</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/16/14-days-to-go-4324587/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-13:/2008/06/13/unsafe-trees-4311646/donking2008-06-13T17:15:42+02:002008-06-13T17:15:42+02:00 <p><strong>Driving through Bristol today and in one area noticed that nailed to the trees were Hazard metal plates (yellow and black stripes).  I imagine this is for some perceived risk and that drivers have to be made aware that trees are at the edge of the road.  Mind you not all the trees just in one area.</p> <p>I know local councils are mad in many of their decissions and things they do but it seems they are going a bit far.  Try and picture the "elf N safety" guru sitting in his office - lets call him Joe Safety.</p> <p>Joe was walking through Bristol and thought how unsafe it was to have trees growing at the side of the road - close to motor cars.  He obviously assessed the drivers as they passed him and came to the conclusion the drivers could not be trusted as they probably could not see the trees!!</p> <p>In his office Joe Safety held a meeting with top officials and they agreed something must be done so metal signs were hammerred into every tree in the test area.</p> <p>What happens next???? - Joe Safety will check on a daily basis to see if any cars, buses, cyclists, vans, lorries etc are smashed into the trees and if none are found will declare the safety initative a sucess.  Sitting in his office and not worrying any more about the trees Joe Safety turned his mind to people - some of them walk close to the edge of the pavement so we must warn them silly drivers again of a dangerous situation.  The solution is to issue all pedestrians with a High Viz vest that must be worn in certain areas of Bristol.  Being a council official his first trial did not go very well - he issued High Viz vests in the pedestrian area (not a good idea)</p> <p>Eentually the trial will go ahead and Joe Safety will sleep easy at night knowing the mad motorists of Bristol will be able to see pedestrians on the pavement due to the High Viz vests - another winner for Joe Safety.</p> <p>Joe Safety is currently studying how the tops of all the trees, buildings and high cranes can be painted yellow and black so that aircraft passing overhead will be able to see them and will not mistake them for Bristol International Airport.</p> <p>Please keep watching in Bristol and let me know if the signs on the trees are extendd to other areas, if High Viz jackets are issued and trees being painted.  in the meantime Joe Safety is happy in his own world.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/13/unsafe-trees-4311646/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-13:/2008/06/13/cycle-route-dieppe-to-paris-4311570/donking2008-06-13T16:51:20+02:002008-06-13T16:51:20+02:00 <p>Now have my route for the Dieppe to Paris part of omy unsuported charity cycle from London to Paris in aid of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Ride commences 0600 on July 1st and finished in paris 1400 on July 4th - with good luck, 1000mph wind behind me and no bike failures.</p> <p>Route is: <a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1979673">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1979673</a> Route from Dieppe to Paris and from London to Newhaven is: <a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1949765">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1949765</a></p> <p>I will keep you posted during the trip with short blog information and a more detailed report on my return.</p> <p>Only 19 days to go so starting tomorrow will go onto my pasta based diet to try and help with energy, lots more Soreen Go bars and Soreen Malt Loaf and more bananas than common sense!!! May help to reduce weight as well by a couple of pounds - it all helps.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/13/cycle-route-dieppe-to-paris-4311570/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-12:/2008/06/12/anne-frank-day-4307206/donking2008-06-12T17:48:38+02:002008-06-12T17:48:38+02:00 <p><strong>Anne Frank would have been 77 today but tragically her life was cut short in a German concentration camp. Through her diaries Anne has inspired many millions of people and even today her story continues to inspire and give hope.</p> <p>While thinking about this today I once again am dismayed at mans inhumanity to man and find it unbelievable of what can and does happen. Look in any newspaper and it is filled with stabbings, murders, genocide and this is day after day. I recently heard a reference to the hollocaust and it was said that over 11million were killed with approximately 6000000 being Jews. The numbers for this vary quite a bit but this appears to be a standard figure accepted by many. Listening to the numbers the 6 million was just like any other big number that is hard for us to picture or understand.</p> <p>If we take the death toll of the Twin Towers which is said to be 2752 then the killing of 6 million Jews equates to the Twin Towers happening every day for over 5.5 years. That helps to give us some understanding of the scale of the killing of human beings by other members of the human race. When you look around at the trouble spots in the world we have not learned our lesson and in many countries/areas treat members of he human race as either obstacles or undesirables that need to be eliminated.</p> <p>I hope that the younger generation will learn from our mistakes and will do more than we have to date to see peace across the world.</p> <p>On the birthday of Anne Frank we should all take some time to reflect what can we do to make the world a better place and to help others less forunate than ourselves.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe</p> <p></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/12/anne-frank-day-4307206/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-11:/2008/06/11/eating-snack-bars-4301840/donking2008-06-11T14:31:40+02:002008-06-11T14:31:40+02:00 <p><em>Hope to go out training later today - but slaving over a computer is what pays the bills!!</p> <p>Next job for the bike is to tighten the cones as they are slacker than I would like or want them to be. Hope this is as simple as I remember form my younger days - even although that is around 100 years ago!!</p> <p>Over the years I have been a fan of Soreen Malt Loaf and have recently been eating a lot more as it is a great snack and good when out cycling. Not so long ago I discovered Soreen Go bar. This is a fruity cereal bar and is really great tasting - it is chewy and not dry like some others. Excellent for cycling, easy to carry, gives you a lift and healthy - what more could you wish for. If you haven't tried them for running/walking/sailing/cycling etc get out and buy some now.</p> <p>Still working on my French route but will have it online this week.</p> <p>Stay safe and take care - it is a mad world out there.</em> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/11/eating-snack-bars-4301840/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-09:/2008/06/09/route-to-newhaven-4292457/donking2008-06-09T13:41:11+02:002008-06-09T13:41:11+02:00 <p>Have finally worked out the cycle route from London to Newhaven and you can view it on line at <a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1949765.">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1949765.</a> This will let you see all of the route and give you some idea of where I will be cycling. The French part of the route will be available as well in the next few days.</p> <p>Spent most of Sunday trying to fix the front gearing on my bike - could not get it to go on all three rings when I wanted - it was usually a combination of any two and on many ocassions only one. Did all the things that I thought you needed to do and it did not make any difference. Eventually I got it fixed and the thought came to me that if this happenned on the charity cycle it would have taken me some time to fix - now much more confident that I could fix it if needed.</p> <p>Now come to understand that I will never lose 1 stone by the 1st of July so guess I willl be around the 12stone for the cycle. Heavier than I wanted with a bigger beer belly than I need but still confident I will manage</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/09/route-to-newhaven-4292457/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-09:/2008/06/09/collie-dog-training-4291911/donking2008-06-09T11:13:02+02:002008-06-09T11:13:02+02:00 <p>As a Birthday/Christmas/Anniversary present - well it was one of them, vanessa treated me to a days Collie Dog Training at mainline - what a great day. As you know, Fly is my collie dog and I got him from a rescue centre about 9 years ago and he was about 18 months old when I got him. Took him to dog trainig classes and he is very obedient and a great dog to have.</p> <p>At Mainline, you work with the dogs that they have and it is an incredible exoerience - to be able to get a dog to move three sheep towards you and at the end of the day have the dog take the sheep through an onstacle course is amazing. It makes you ralise how intelligent collies are and how necessary the are for farmers and many people to carry out their work. It made yo ualso realise how stupid we are as humans - irrespective of how many times I was told to keep walking when I was asking the dog to stop and "lie down" I stopped as well - it appears this is common with us humans. Tell a dog a couple of times and they learn, tell us hundreds of times and we still get it wrong!!!</p> <p>Mainline can be found at <a href="http://www.bordercollies.co.uk/">www.bordercollies.co.uk/</a> and is run by Barbara Sykes - it was Vicky her daughter who took our group and she was excellent, with many stories about collies she had, has worked with or new about - trully fascinating. if you love dogs this is the day out for you. Very difficult not to rush out now and buy a young collie for training.</p> <p>Good call by Vanessa on this day out - many thanks.</p> <p>Take care and stay safe </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/09/collie-dog-training-4291911/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-06-01:/2008/06/01/title-4256090/donking2008-06-01T21:28:59+02:002008-06-01T21:28:59+02:00 <p><strong>Saturday was a good day, weather was good the sun was shining and it was very warm.  I decided that as it was not raining, no wind and it was not cold should probably go for a cycle.</p> <p>Decided to cycle to CHeltenham  and that is a round trip of 50 miles.  I cycled at an average pace of 12.2mph and an average of 10mph if you count my lunch into the time.  This is excellent news for me, I know the route was relatively flat but it still lifted me as the time is good for an unfit old man.</p> <p>When I reached Cheltenham I decided to have a healthy meal and had pasta, asparagus, onions, cheese and sun dried tomatoes.  As it was a healthy meal I  decided to have some fruit and had a large glass of white wine!!!</p> <p>My friend Noel has agreed to drive me to London so that I will be leaving at 0600 on Tuesday July 1st and my route to Newhaven is 60 miles so I should make it comfortably for 1800 ferry to Dieppe.  I will find some way to put my route on line - not sure how yet but will do it.</strong></p> <p></p> <strong>Take care and stay safe.</strong><strong> <br></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/06/01/title-4256090/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:donking.blog.co.uk,2008-05-30:/2008/05/30/31-days-to-go-london-to-paris-4248741/donking2008-05-30T21:37:04+02:002008-05-30T21:37:04+02:00 <p>Cycled tonight and felt great - did 13.21 at an average of 12.24 mph and that was with my top front ring out of use. Weather was warm and clammy but no wind. Only 32 days to go and then I will be leaving from somewhere in London to cycle to Paris.</p> <p>I am please to say that the Wiltshire Air Ambulance has secured some more funding and this will keep them in the air for some time in the future - will find out all the details and let you know. It is so wrong that such a vital service depends on public support - hence the reason I am trying to raise as much money as possible for them.</p> <p>Have been eating Soreen Malt Loaf as part of my training and would recommend it to everyone - it is really great tasting and such a great snack when on the bike. Will be taking many with me and many varieties when I go on my cycle.</p> <p>Fitted a new rear tyre to the bike as last weekend I got a puncture and have also fitted a mirror for safety. Talking of safety some more Health and Safety rubbish in the papers recently which gives us professionals a bad name – why does common sense not get a chance – Monkey puzzle tree to be cut down as kids may get spiked with their needles. What next from the Gestapo safety – nettles might sting so let us get 12 million council staff out to cut them. </p> <p>Take care and stay safe.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://donking.blog.co.uk/2008/05/30/31-days-to-go-london-to-paris-4248741/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>