Not exactly a large turnout, but a very pleasant evening, nevertheless.
Only 7 diehard runners this week - no doubt because the holiday season has kicked in but also probably because others just can't be arsed. Steve T (having chosen the venue) had a good excuse mind you - it was his daughter's birthday & he chose to do the right thing. However, it was his birthday the day before - maybe we can remind him of this next time we see him?
Susie & Chris, Amanda & Jules, Sarah, Jerome & yours truly was the order of the day and in a rather laid back fashion, commenced the run approx. 7.05 pm. We had a vague idea of the route we would follow, but nothing definite, and it was all rather relaxed (apart from the physical exertion of course).
A bit of a gut-wrenching start up the path by the side of Fingest Church, across the Ibstone Road and over to Turville, then heading off diagonally across the field at the back of Turville towards Ibstone. Into the woods at the top, momentarily losing Susie for a wee stop, eventually ending up at St Nicolas Church, Ibstone. Through the churchyard, hanging a right through more woods towards Ibstone Common. Jerome and I noted that we were still running away from where we started. Furthest and highest point reached, we set off south, downhill towards the Turville to Christmas Common lane. At the bottom, most of us followed the bridleway running parallel to the road back to Turville. Chris & Jules did a loop up towards Turville Grange. Amanda & I chose the road route back to Fingest. Susie, Sarah & Jerome took the footpath we started out on.
We peeled off our sweaty attire in the overspill car park beyond the pub's garden & gazed down the valley towards Skirmett. Susie decided it would be a nice spot for camping. Jerome was pleased to see that his bike was still there.
Adjourning to the bar, no problem fitting our depleted number around a table, we enjoyed the first round, closely followed by a couple of bowls of chips. They were quite chunky, but the ladies didn't seem to mind too much. The landlord had provided a couple of small bowls of ketchup to accompany, but we asked if we could also have mayonnaise. This turned up in sachets, without bowls, so Jerome tastefully squeezed these out onto the red paper napkins also provided. No matter, the mayonnaise was definitely the preferred accompaniment.
Conversation was varied as usual. The Tour de France, Thorpeness, Steve's age, a face lift for Jules, younger generation runners joining us, the psychological & physiological pain experienced by Jerome when he runs, etc. All in all, a very pleasant evening.
The venue for this Wednesday? The Frog at Skirmett. Look forward to seeing everyone there.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Prince of Wales, Marlow - 15th July 2009
Run Report by Brett
After my bollocking from Amanda and despite the fact that I have three artificial limbs and the early signs of mad cow disease, I was determined to run and it proved to be a very pleasant evening.
The group consisted of The Hucks, Roddicks, Neil, Selwyn, Duds, Doug, Heather, Steve T and David as our bicycling back up person. On a rather flat and well trodden riverside Marlow run and return via Bisham, David was the first to tend to the plentiful gate opening and closing as well as the counting back of the troops.
Jules and Selwyn appeared to be the route planners which lead to them leaving the plodders, along with Chris, Steve and Neil to venture under the A404 to Bisham Woods. Meanwhile, Susie and Amanda scooted off to Court Gardens to witness Kates spooning, I mean spinning. Sadly I could notbe there as I was still struggling with the Bisham Road, rather late for my scheduled meeting with Landlord, Timothy Taylor.
Rodders limbed back with calf trouble, Doug & Duds spruced themselves up in readiness for that famous al fesco POW experience. Heather returned to choose the cloudy Brakspears whilst the other girls (soon to include Kate) wisely chose the Cloudy Bay. The drinks were complimentated by mountains of crisps but sadly no chips nor pork scratchings.
Next week on Steve T's recommendation we will be meeting...... DUH! so what is the French for ALREADY?
Blogmeisters Note:-
Next weeks run from The Chequers, Fingest, 7pm start.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Queens Head, Little Marlow - 8th July 2009
Run Report by Richard
My second run of the season!
Meeting at the Queens Head, Little Marlow, last night’s runners were Amanda, Jules, Sarah, Aude, Selwyn, Rodders, Baz and I.
I have to say the first quarter of the run was not the most inspiring as we headed off along the footpath back towards Marlow. Over the bypass bridge, through the industrial estate, over the railway, into the rugby club and down towards the river. Baz was concerned that running through Marlow rugby club would bring him out in a rash! Of interest during the first half were the Travelers, Gypos, Pikeys who had taken residence in one of the fields. Opinions were shared between Baz and Rodders on how to combat the Pikey, and also what contribution they made to today’s society.
Rodders main complaint was that if the Pikey insisted on dumping their rubbish the least they could do was to separate the nappies / sh** from the rest of their rubbish. (I thought back to when my kids were babies and made a mental note to separate my rubbish if a third came along)
Heading up the river towards Bourne End we encountered a Bull (the one without the udders) which seemed to spook the girls who ran with greater pace between fields. The air smelt particularly unpleasant at one point along the river which apparently was down to the sewerage or maybe I thought those Pikeys dumping their nappies?
I did notice that as I crossed each field directly in a straight line, Rodders, Baz and Jules set off to the left and ran the circumference yet they still arrived at the next stile before me? We all looked for the Rivett’s house across the river but due to the foliage we could only see the summer house, although the construction of Tesco/Sainsbury’s next door was very visible. One lap of the gravel pit / lake and back to Little Marlow and the pub.
We sat outside for the first drink with a couple of bowls of chips (slim chips not chunky chips) and then Doug and David arrived. Doug was carrying a paper boutique type bag (something that those girls on sex in the city would carry when shopping) and his hair looked very blonde, maybe highlights? Selwyn said he looked gay? Not sure really. I think you’re still allowed to run on Wednesday if you are?
We sat outside for the first drink with a couple of bowls of chips (slim chips not chunky chips) and then Doug and David arrived. Doug was carrying a paper boutique type bag (something that those girls on sex in the city would carry when shopping) and his hair looked very blonde, maybe highlights? Selwyn said he looked gay? Not sure really. I think you’re still allowed to run on Wednesday if you are?
It got cold so we went inside and shortly Susie and Kate arrived, the table was very girls down one end and boys up the other. Our waitress was very attentive to the orders from the girls for olives, more chips and large glasses of Chateau La Fete (at £9.46 per glass). The girls filled their boots.
Conversation? Rodders was talking about a bet his brother had in connection with South African wine named after animals and Doug was complaining about turning up at the Brewery on Saturday to find that everyone had left!
Conversation? Rodders was talking about a bet his brother had in connection with South African wine named after animals and Doug was complaining about turning up at the Brewery on Saturday to find that everyone had left!
Kitty money? I doubt it.
It was great to see everyone, I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed the Wednesday night run! It was suggested that next week we run from the POW, Marlow.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Chris and Susie's, Radnage - 1st July 2009
Run Report by Kate
The Stranger Returns..
On a hot sultry evening last Wednesday, 10 tough, if not fool hardy runners met at the Roddicks, in the sweltering heat to run, hopefully in the shade and hopefully not very long! Those included in the pack were, Sarah, Susie, Kate, Julie, Amanda, Duds, Chris, Steve, Jules and Max. Yes, you have guessed it I had returned to the fold, having been given a permission to miss spinning, (although I believe I was missed!)
Duds had already worked up a sweat, having been spotted cycling to Chris & Susie’s, I recognised his bottom, Brett said he recognised the hair style?
Despite initially running in blazing sunshine, we were soon enjoying the shade of the woods and feeling a little more comfortable but not much! Cries of ‘Why are we doing this!’ and ‘How far are we going?’ could be heard but mainly from back. A short sharp hill sorted the men from the boys, or perhaps not, as Max Roddick very ably kept up with his father, despite running in denim shorts! Well done Max, I think Dad has some serious competition!
Despite initially running in blazing sunshine, we were soon enjoying the shade of the woods and feeling a little more comfortable but not much! Cries of ‘Why are we doing this!’ and ‘How far are we going?’ could be heard but mainly from back. A short sharp hill sorted the men from the boys, or perhaps not, as Max Roddick very ably kept up with his father, despite running in denim shorts! Well done Max, I think Dad has some serious competition!
After about 25mins, and weary that Jules was about to take us of in another direction, Duds, Susie and Sarah, cut loose for home, joined about 10mins later by all but Jules, who can always be relied upon to take his running seriously. So 40mins from ‘the off’, we all arrived safely back and the Roddicks, tired but in good spirits, to be met by Brett, tired and emotional through having to look after numerous children!
At this point I would like to say a big thank you to Susie & Chris for the bbq, the lamb burgers were amazing and cooked to perfection, the sausages were good too! Once showered and smelling a whole lot better, we were joined by Fred & Jerome and Baz & Liz. All of which no doubt had very pressing appointments making them unable to make the run! Duds continued to enhance my education by supplying meaning to words I didn’t know, stealing the show as always with his description of his latest operation. Vivid descriptions of bruising and its various colours, it all sounds very sore! Jerome not to be out done informed us that he had also had it done, secretly without telling Fred!!
I was intrigued to hear that JB has now been banned from a campsite in Bude, you will have to ask him what he did?? Great evening, as they usually are, making me realised how much I had missed them. Promise to make an appearance every other week!
Susie & Chris, thanks again.
Next weeks run is from The Queens Head in Little Marlow, 7pm start
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Fred and Jerome's, Hambleden, 24th june 2009
Run Report by Neil
A sunny evening, with a multitude of varying species of insects all wanting to have a good feed on any flesh they could get their teeth into, (do flies have teeth?) greeted runners on the 24th of June and all spirits seemed high as we set off from Jerome’s house in Hambleden
Runners were, and my first apology of the report for some slight, lets call them artistic differences, with names were; Jules, Steve, Jerome, Selwyn, Man with dislocated finger, Susie, Amanda, Chris, Lady all in black. We were later joined by Prezzo and another lady plus Jerome’s wife and Children for a slap up Barbeque back at the ranch.
The run totalled 8.6 km (more for Jules who had run there) and can be described with two words. Up and down. Having set off from Jerome’s house with his, at first, reluctant dog we made our way steadily and then not so steadily, some may say vertically, up to the top of Colstrope Hill. Followed by a nice long down. We then had the only flat part of the run which culminated in a lot of BJs. The number plates in that lovely house!!!! Clean your minds up now.
At this point Chris, Selwyn and dislocated finger man decided to take the path along the valley and head back to Jeromes. The rest of us went for something a bit different and crossed the valley road to do another hill. Not like the first, this WAS steep. Long, straight and steep. At this point can I thank Susie for dragging me up there.
We were rewarded for the next 5 minutes with a long steady downhill where Jules again bemoaned not having his camera with him as the views were fantastic. Jerome then led us down through the woods and, yes you got it, up another hill. A long cruise back down and across the field back to Jerome’s house concluded the run just nicely.
With a lovely spread laid on back at base for the night all that can be said is “good effort”. Conversation seemed to be mainly based around Amanda’s quest to remember her favourite porn director’s name, not sure how appropriate being sat next to Jerome’s son, but hey the kids have to learn!! I think the conclusion was Seymour Butts. Nice!
As the food ran out Steve promptly stood up and started to get ready to go. He had cycled with Selwyn but had decided it was time for him to go leaving poor Selwyn to fend for himself despite Selwyn insisting Steve had agreed to give him a tow up the hill to Frieth. The ridicule was then completed with what can only be described as a frank description of Steve’s rucksack. What was it….. oh yeah girly bag! Just the first one that came to hand when leaving mate I am sure. Sorry.
Fun had by all on a beautiful evening in the Chiltern Valley.
Neil.
The run totalled 8.6 km (more for Jules who had run there) and can be described with two words. Up and down. Having set off from Jerome’s house with his, at first, reluctant dog we made our way steadily and then not so steadily, some may say vertically, up to the top of Colstrope Hill. Followed by a nice long down. We then had the only flat part of the run which culminated in a lot of BJs. The number plates in that lovely house!!!! Clean your minds up now.
At this point Chris, Selwyn and dislocated finger man decided to take the path along the valley and head back to Jeromes. The rest of us went for something a bit different and crossed the valley road to do another hill. Not like the first, this WAS steep. Long, straight and steep. At this point can I thank Susie for dragging me up there.
We were rewarded for the next 5 minutes with a long steady downhill where Jules again bemoaned not having his camera with him as the views were fantastic. Jerome then led us down through the woods and, yes you got it, up another hill. A long cruise back down and across the field back to Jerome’s house concluded the run just nicely.
With a lovely spread laid on back at base for the night all that can be said is “good effort”. Conversation seemed to be mainly based around Amanda’s quest to remember her favourite porn director’s name, not sure how appropriate being sat next to Jerome’s son, but hey the kids have to learn!! I think the conclusion was Seymour Butts. Nice!
As the food ran out Steve promptly stood up and started to get ready to go. He had cycled with Selwyn but had decided it was time for him to go leaving poor Selwyn to fend for himself despite Selwyn insisting Steve had agreed to give him a tow up the hill to Frieth. The ridicule was then completed with what can only be described as a frank description of Steve’s rucksack. What was it….. oh yeah girly bag! Just the first one that came to hand when leaving mate I am sure. Sorry.
Fun had by all on a beautiful evening in the Chiltern Valley.
Neil.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Longest Day Walk finished (at last)
Well I am glad that's over!
After 87 miles and 33 long hrs I finally made it up Beacon hill to the end of the Ridgeway.
To say I found the last 3-4 hours hard would be a bit of an understatement. Very, very grim! But very glad I have done it.
There is no way of expressing the range of feeling that pass though your head on these sorts of things other than to say without the help and all the support I would not have got even half way. The sight of Susie, Amanda all the boys, Alfons with Mark and his girls, All the Cole family, Richard and Jules Sainter all walking out to meet me at Bledlow Ridge will always be a very special memory!
Thank you to everyone!
After 87 miles and 33 long hrs I finally made it up Beacon hill to the end of the Ridgeway.
To say I found the last 3-4 hours hard would be a bit of an understatement. Very, very grim! But very glad I have done it.
There is no way of expressing the range of feeling that pass though your head on these sorts of things other than to say without the help and all the support I would not have got even half way. The sight of Susie, Amanda all the boys, Alfons with Mark and his girls, All the Cole family, Richard and Jules Sainter all walking out to meet me at Bledlow Ridge will always be a very special memory!
Thank you to everyone!
The Walk: Chris, Rob and I set off in fine spirits. We had flown down in the back of Jo's car roof down, sun on our faces feeling great (thank you Jo). We sailed along for the first 20 odd miles in the sun with moral high and feeling good. As it got dark and we pushed on towards Jerome at the second stop, I started to realise how difficult it is to judge distance and time in the dark.
It's not often that I would be grateful to see a large hairy man looming out of the dark at midnight and l slumped into the deckchairs provided whilst Jerome waited on us with Fred's home made chicken and vegetable soup (very nice, thank you Fred).Leaving Jerome we had a 12 mile, 4 hr stretch to West Ilsley which turned into a real mental battle, conversation and the warm soup soon dried up and all of us were locked into our own little world of doubts and fears. Presso as always lead, pulling us along without a head torch, singing and trying anything to keep us going! I found it impossible to keep track of time or distance with each mile seeming to take hours. By the time we got to Presso's car it had started to rain and we all fell into it saying very little, even though we had finished another section we all felt in a bad way.
Enter Richard Morris! Richard bounced into the car and chatted away trying to lift spirits and get us going, the three of us stared blankly back at him. Richard chirped away for the next 3 hrs. By the time we worked our way down into Streatley it was clear that Chris and Rob were ready to stop, to be honest so was I, but I had Steve and Jen waiting (they had been up since 4am and had driven down from Cheltenham) I was not going to tell them "sorry I've had enough".
The next few hours were strange. From starting out thinking I would walk for just a couple of miles before giving up. I followed Steve's pace, Jen and Steve chatted away and raising my spirits, whilst the miles didn't quite fly by, I felt much better by the time we got to Nuffield.
We stopped briefly for some much needed repair work to my feet (thank you Steve!). Selwyn and his bike then arrived and we walked on to Swyncombe. More chat and the sun on our faces made me feel that things were looking up! When Selwyn left to cycle home again and a mile or so later Steve and Jen got to their car at Watlington, I was left to walk on to Bledlow. I had half been looking forward to a section on my own! After about a hour that idea had fled and the realisation that I would never have made it this far let alone finish, without people around. (my mind is far too fragile!). After a few wobbles along what is the very dullest 5-6 miles I was very pleased to meet Jules and Marty who cycled next to me and took my mind off the walking. (the novelty had worn right off).
The last half mile into Bledlow made the whole event worthwhile; lots of people and shouts of encouragement, it felt like the whole village had turned out. I walked the next 4 miles with Max, Freddie and Oliver then another 6 or so miles on my own, with Wendover and the last stage to buoy my spirits. These sailed by and I even managed a jog down the hill to meet Rob, Liz and Stella. I breezed into the car park had a quick bite to eat and set off. Mark, Susie and Paul Daly had also come out to do the last section. With a nice big group and lots of chat it was more of less over!
After about an 1.5 hrs we were working our way up through the woods, it was about 9.40 I had been going for 29 hours it was now getting dark for the second time on the trip. I was spent! It was clear that both the terrain and my fatigue were going to mean there were a few hours still to go! I had already exceeded the dose of the Pro-plus and Neurofen so had decided not to take any more past Wendover. The lack of sleep, the problems with my feet and my mind shot, it was all I could do to follow. With Mark on one side talking away to me and Rob on the other navigating, they man-handled me onwards and onwards (the desire to stop and sit down was intense) Susie as ever holding my hand and asking if I was alright! I was not. 5 hours of hell.
In my weaker moments earlier I had thought about how I would feel finishing. I thought I would break down "an emotional wreck". In the end it was just "done" can I sleep now!
I know I would not have made it to the end without everyone's help. Thank you.
Chris
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Saturday 5.30pm Bulletin
I left Chris about 5.10pm heading towards Princes Risborough in the company of Jules, Martin, Freddie,Oliver and Max. He is still walking at a good pace despite painful blisters and the distraction of various friends on route has really helped him keep up his spirits and the momentum. Thanks to Martin, Helen ,Ellie, Abbie, Jules, Richard, Mark, Charlie,Tilly, Jules, Amanda and Oliver for joining in the support group!
Chris hopes to be at Wendover about 9pm and I will join him for the last stretch, finishing towards midnight I imagine....
Susie
Chris hopes to be at Wendover about 9pm and I will join him for the last stretch, finishing towards midnight I imagine....
Susie
Saturday 9.30am Ridgeway Walk Bulletin
It been a tough night's walking. Legs aching, feet hurting, tired but otherwise surviving. Thanks to Jerome for the hot soup provided at midnight and to Richard for joining the crew at 4am in the rain to walk to Streatley. Arrived at the Swan at Streatley about 7.30am, a little behind schedule but ready for toast & tea. Baz & Presso were fantastic support through the night but their legs will carry them no further! Walking with Steve & Jenny to Swancombe, sore feet but otherwise in good spirits.
Friday, June 19, 2009
9.40pm Ridgeway walk Bulletin
Progress continues to be good. The boys have just crossed the M4 East of Swindon.
Presso is setting the pace. Conversation has surprisingly been somewhat scant.
Looking forward to Jerome joining the pack just after midnight.
Have had a request to provide a change of shoes for the morning so feet are already feeling it but otherwise all are in good spirits.
Presso is setting the pace. Conversation has surprisingly been somewhat scant.
Looking forward to Jerome joining the pack just after midnight.
Have had a request to provide a change of shoes for the morning so feet are already feeling it but otherwise all are in good spirits.
The Boys Ridgeway Walk- the start!
Leaving from Avebury now 16.25
Thank you to Jo for the lift all the way to Wiltshire in her soft-top.
Weather conditions good, the wind is behind us.
Here we go.........
Presso,Chris & Baz
Thank you to Jo for the lift all the way to Wiltshire in her soft-top.
Weather conditions good, the wind is behind us.
Here we go.........
Presso,Chris & Baz
Message from Chris:
As all of you must know by now Rob, Chris P and I are walking the Ridgeway, I have been collecting money for a couple of Charities - MacMillan Cancer Relief and The Walser Tanzania Charity.
The Web site only gives me an option to enter one charity so that why you can only see MacMillan on the web site.
Please follow the link to: http://www.justgiving.com/chrisroddick
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Ridgeway Walk - Overton Hill to Ivenhoe Beacon - 84.7 miles
The length of the Ridgeway in one go!
At 4pm on 19th June 2009 three intrepid explorers will set out from Overton to explore the limits of human endurance and walk for an estimated 27 hours continuously to cover the 84.7 miles that is the entire length of the Chilterns Ridgeway.
We will try to keep this Blog as up to date as possible by adding comments (as anonymous users if you can't log in). Progress reports and estimated timings will be updated here or in the comments section wherever possible.
The route has been broken into 8 bite-sized chunks of 10-12 mile sections and you are invited to join Chris, Presso and Baz for as long or as short a section as you can. The current estimated arrival times and location of the starting points for each section follow. A map is attached to help.
For information you can contact the guys on the following numbers: Chris 07920 222265 / Presso 07730 403269 / Baz 07767 367052
The red wide red line follows the Ridgeway and the yellow crosses are the timed meeting points:
The meeting places will be as the Ridgeway crosses that particular road
Start is 4.00pm Friday 19th June 2009 (Nearly the longest day of 2009)
Point Time Location / Hrs / Miles / Support
S 4pm Overton / 3.3 / 11.9 / Chris's Car
1 7.45pm Ogbourne St George Nr Aldbourne / 4 hrs / 11.3 miles / None!
2 12.15am Kinstone Lisle/Blowingstone Hill B4001 / 3.45 hrs / 11.3 miles / Jerome
3 4.15am West Ilsley/ A34 Bury Down / 2.3 hrs / 7.4 miles / Richard Morris
4 7.30am Streatley Bridge over Thames / 4 hrs / 11.8 miles / Susie/Liz
5 12.00pm Swancombe House (off B481) / 3.3 hrs / 10.5 miles / Selwyn+Steve Chinnor
6 3.45pm Princes Ris/Bledlow Ridge Rd (nr dump) / 4.45 hrs / 12.5 miles / Duds
7 9.00pm Chivery Hill Just outside Wendover / 2.45 hrs / 8 miles / Liz/Susie?
8 11.00pm Ivinghoe Beacon / Taxi home!!!
A grand total of 27.25 hours to walk 84.7 miles.
We will try to keep this Blog as up to date as possible by adding comments (as anonymous users if you can't log in). Progress reports and estimated timings will be updated here or in the comments section wherever possible.
The route has been broken into 8 bite-sized chunks of 10-12 mile sections and you are invited to join Chris, Presso and Baz for as long or as short a section as you can. The current estimated arrival times and location of the starting points for each section follow. A map is attached to help.
For information you can contact the guys on the following numbers: Chris 07920 222265 / Presso 07730 403269 / Baz 07767 367052
The red wide red line follows the Ridgeway and the yellow crosses are the timed meeting points:
The meeting places will be as the Ridgeway crosses that particular road
Start is 4.00pm Friday 19th June 2009 (Nearly the longest day of 2009)
Point Time Location / Hrs / Miles / Support
S 4pm Overton / 3.3 / 11.9 / Chris's Car
1 7.45pm Ogbourne St George Nr Aldbourne / 4 hrs / 11.3 miles / None!
2 12.15am Kinstone Lisle/Blowingstone Hill B4001 / 3.45 hrs / 11.3 miles / Jerome
3 4.15am West Ilsley/ A34 Bury Down / 2.3 hrs / 7.4 miles / Richard Morris
4 7.30am Streatley Bridge over Thames / 4 hrs / 11.8 miles / Susie/Liz
5 12.00pm Swancombe House (off B481) / 3.3 hrs / 10.5 miles / Selwyn+Steve Chinnor
6 3.45pm Princes Ris/Bledlow Ridge Rd (nr dump) / 4.45 hrs / 12.5 miles / Duds
7 9.00pm Chivery Hill Just outside Wendover / 2.45 hrs / 8 miles / Liz/Susie?
8 11.00pm Ivinghoe Beacon / Taxi home!!!
A grand total of 27.25 hours to walk 84.7 miles.
The Squirrel / Hit & Miss, Penn Street (Run 11)
Run report by Jerome
Jules, Amanda, Susie, Selwyn, Steve, Duds, Julie, John, myself and a newcomer Neil, who is a fitness trainer who gives a bit to the Radnage crowd on a weekly basis. I imagine he was looking to see if he could pick up any new training techniques from us, no really!!!
Rodders also arrived as driver but without any running gear due to the epic voyage he is participating in this weekend. This made the decision to run from the Squirrel all the more galling as this was chosen as a flat run because Rodders didn’t want to over exert himself. Well the only thing over exerting itself was my car driving 45 minutes to get there. Anyway enough of my sarcasm and general vitriol.
We set off at a steaming pace for 200 yards before Chris shouted at us that the venue had changed to The Hit & Miss due to overcrowding in the Squirrel. That was a welcome rest for me and Selwyn but we soon resumed. It was then that John realised that myself and Selwyn were about to overtake him. Not realising that they had achieved super levels of fitness in the preceding week he feigned a calf injury and withdrew to go on a bike ride. Nothing too adventurous happened in the first half as the run is basically very flat and straighter than a Roman Road although Julie did manage to slip and I believe implant her derrière in the mud………fantastic. Up the bum, no harm done as they say and the rest of the run continued without incident. Fortunately John who had waited towards the end of the run to welcome home the runners realised that the Fatties had missed out the last part otherwise he would still be waiting.
Baz welcomed us in the Hit and Miss fresh from his excursions up and around Snowdon. He looked like he had recovered quite well so all the more respect to him for doing the Ridgeway this weekend. The landlord brought out 4 bowls of very nice chips and then returned with a cheesy one for the girls (chips that is).
To me at least most of the evening was taken up by Chris and Baz preparing, lest you didn’t know, for their 87 mile walk of the Ridgeway starting this Friday. I believe they have now got a support person on each of the stops although with Rodders marking the wrong car park for my stop it is highly questionable whether the walkers and the support people will actually meet up anytime during the walk. I understand that Selwyn is now joining them for a leg, is there anything this man won’t try?
As usual I could not be privy to every conversation taking place but I assume that Duds, who was gunning the Stowford Press, must have sunk to some fairly base levels of discussion in which case they should be shared. What was Neil’s drinking like Susie and does he deserve to be invited back for another run and has he paid his joining fee?
For all those not aware a plug for the intrepid Ridgeway boys. Have you sponsored them yet? For Brett a big bog off big boy for YET AGAIN not turning up with the kitty. Lost interest and potential earnings from that have increased to the extent that a round for next weeks runners will be a suitable fine. For Rachel who turned up last week after months off with a severe injury caused by her first run…….has it happened again? For Kate a come back, all is forgiven but “he’s obviously still hitting your G spot”. For Michael the baker where are you and bring some bread rolls soon.
Next weeks run will be from Ivinghoe Beacon where we will be scouring the hillside for Presso.
Fooled you there!! Actually not surprisingly it will be from the Stag & Huntsman in Hambleden. An appropriate route will be prepared and we look forward to more banter and a great deal of beer.
Jerome
Monday, June 15, 2009
Hughenden Valley & The Harrow - 10th June 2009
Run Report by John
A dull cloudy but calm evening greeted the runners up at Hughenden Valley for the latest running instalment. Jules and Rodders managed their usual 6 mile jog from Radnage to join us on time.
Prior to setting off Susie and Amanda couldn't resist telling everyone that they'd managed to get hold of the 'alternative run report' but had only watched a bit of it before turning it off in disgust! Yeah yeah. Steve demonstrated his critic skills by wondering whether they really were lesbos and if they really liked each other.
The usual half mile hilly start was negotiated satisfactorily until we heard screams from behind and wondered whether Selwyn had got lucky. No it was 'not run for a few weeks' Rachael who having caught up with us at the top was then given a 5 second rest before we all sped off again.
The ensuing woods felt like the black hole of goodness knows where and it was a relief to escape onto the open spaces of Downley Common. Selwyn's adventurous evening continued when he collided with an innocent pedestrian (we should be looking up and ahead of us when we are running!) Somehow we ended up at the posh end of Naphill and finished with a nice slightly downhill mile long path into the woods above Hughenden.
Distance was about 4 miles in 50 odd minutes - obviously not enough for Rodders, Jules and Steve who then decided to run to the Harrow. The well concealed church gardens provided changing rooms for the girls whilst the boys just stripped next to their cars. Why are women so self conscious?
In the absence of the kitty (!) Selwyn came to the rescue on his birthday with the first round. Excellent form Selwyn! He can't be the only one with a birthday between April and October but it certainly feels like it. The table arrangements resembled a golf club bar with the girls clique in one corner and boys elsewhere. Copious amounts of bits were ordered and consumed and discussion inevitably centred around Rodders, Presso and Baz's absurd idea to walk 87 miles without stopping, fuelled by breaky's and cigarettes and Jerome's choice of porridge or leek and potato soup. Duds also offered to help out but information regarding routes and stopping points was vague which is not really surprising when you realise that it is Chris organising it. Don't forget the vaseline boys!
Next week we are running from The Squirrel at Penn Street at 7pm. See you there.
John
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Uncle Tom's Cabin, Cookham Dean - 3rd June 2009
Run Report by Duds
A gaggle of runners met (early ?!) at Uncle Tom's Cabin in Cookham Dean last Wednesday evening for a 7 pm start.
Ladies first… Heather, Sarah, Amanda and Susie…...were joined by Presso, Rodders, Jules, Baz (sporting a very tidy colostomy bag on his back but filled with water for those with a thirst - I can't wait to see what it looks like once filled with 2 litres of Brakspears for the "long walk"), Spider, Selwyn, Brett and his bike, John, Jerome plus chien (the animal; not his mood) and myself. Kate joined us later for drinks after having spent an evening honing her bod in the gym for the return of a certain person from Glasgow……
Heather and Brett did their own thing ("half an hour" I overheard Brett bragging later) whereas the rest of us set off on a truly beautiful, and not too hilly I might add (thanks Sarah), course from Cookham Dean along the river roughly towards Bourne End and then up and over the golf course back to the pub. Must have taken around 45 minutes at a guess.
This was the first time in my long experience that the group had split not only into Fitties and Fatties but into a sub-section called Uber-Fatties and Unter-Fatties (sorry if my use of Deutsche is completely wrong here Susie) of which I was proud to be a member of the former along with Amanda, Spider and Sarah. The Unter-Fatties were, from memory, Presso and Selwyn though I think it was more a case of "can't be arsed" to run the extra 100 yards than "can't". Nevertheless, both the Fitties and the Unter-Fatties got back before my group which wasn't quite as we had planned it………………
I was driving so I was on a strict diet of water and crisps only [other than a quick bowl or two of peanuts and Tabasco sauce thanks Brett] whereas everyone else seemed to be giving the wine and beer some serious hammer. I have no idea what everyone else was talking about (Presso, Rodders and Baz - no guesses there) and there was plenty of giggling and guffawing from the ladies and I have no idea why but it did seem to coincide with Kate's arrival……. In our corner, it was all pretty humdrum stuff (visits to the Job Centre, Spider's interview, Yo Sushi and the merits of snorting Wasabi chez les Bartletts in Hambleden, how fantastic is Sky +, the Lions, coitus non-interruptus…..you know, the usual banter).
It was unanimously (?) decided to return to the park near Hughenden for next week's run starting from the car park near the Church. We then usually adjourn to the Harrow at the other end of the village for copious amounts of porky scratchings and alcohol…… I'm looking forward to it already. Can I have a lift please someone ?
Yours truly,
Duds.
Duds.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Run 8 - Golden Ball and George & Dragon, West Wycombe. Wednesday, 20th May 2009
And then there were FIVE!
This weeks run from the Golden Ball saw just five hardy souls (Jerome, Steve S, Sarah, Amanda and Jules) set out at 7:05 on the usual run via the railway crossing and Bradenham Woods, and one (Chris R) in the direction of Radnage! Chris was attempting to meet up with Susie who had decided to run over from Radnage as the babysitter was delayed. We delayed the start as we waited for more people to turn up on what was one of the warmest evenings of the season so far. WHERE WERE YOU ALL?
The first hill took it’s toll as Jerome had a minor asthma attack at the top (having run up very quickly) and cut out a short section. Now down to four we split just as the second hill begins and I did an extra half mile up to the track along the ridge where I chanced upon Susie who had come up from the other side (with out Chris!). We ran together for a few minutes before she persuaded me to carry on and catch the others. At the finish in the we had run about 4.5 miles in less than 50 minutes which is fairly quick. Can’t comment on what Chris covered but he made it to Radnage and back in just over an hour.
The George and Dragon was surprisingly unchanged (read unimproved) since we were last there – despite being closed for a good few months over the winter. Kate joined us for a drink following a Spinning class which her instructor had forced her to go to (apparently!!). Conversation was interesting, varied and entertaining (as always!). Congratulations to Sarah for completing the Marlow 5 in 43:56 - very impressive.
Next week we run from the Hucks’ in Radnage for Champions League Final (Man. U v Barca) – start 6:45 for about 50 minutes so that we can be back for the KO at 7:45. Buffet and drinks provided.
This weeks run from the Golden Ball saw just five hardy souls (Jerome, Steve S, Sarah, Amanda and Jules) set out at 7:05 on the usual run via the railway crossing and Bradenham Woods, and one (Chris R) in the direction of Radnage! Chris was attempting to meet up with Susie who had decided to run over from Radnage as the babysitter was delayed. We delayed the start as we waited for more people to turn up on what was one of the warmest evenings of the season so far. WHERE WERE YOU ALL?
The first hill took it’s toll as Jerome had a minor asthma attack at the top (having run up very quickly) and cut out a short section. Now down to four we split just as the second hill begins and I did an extra half mile up to the track along the ridge where I chanced upon Susie who had come up from the other side (with out Chris!). We ran together for a few minutes before she persuaded me to carry on and catch the others. At the finish in the we had run about 4.5 miles in less than 50 minutes which is fairly quick. Can’t comment on what Chris covered but he made it to Radnage and back in just over an hour.
The George and Dragon was surprisingly unchanged (read unimproved) since we were last there – despite being closed for a good few months over the winter. Kate joined us for a drink following a Spinning class which her instructor had forced her to go to (apparently!!). Conversation was interesting, varied and entertaining (as always!). Congratulations to Sarah for completing the Marlow 5 in 43:56 - very impressive.
Next week we run from the Hucks’ in Radnage for Champions League Final (Man. U v Barca) – start 6:45 for about 50 minutes so that we can be back for the KO at 7:45. Buffet and drinks provided.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Bull & Butcher, Turville - 13th May 2009
Run Report by Baz
A now ‘hardcore’ group of runners ventured out on a very dark, but warmish evening at Turville. Rodders, Susie, Jules (H), Amanda, Jules (S), Jerome, Selwyn, Steve (T), Steve (S), Duds, Presso, Stella and I left at 7.05 after debating whether or not to wait for JB after he was seen taking his bike out of his car, putting on his famous gloves and heading ‘we know not where.’
Jules (H) and Rodders ran to the pub, but obviously left in a hurry as Chris turned up with only 1 long sock on.
A steady, steep, long climb that seemed to go on for ever, greeted us first, followed by some flatter bits (not many) followed by a few downhill bits (even fewer) Turville is obviously in its own micro climate because while the rest of Bucks has had a drought for the last month, Turville seemed to have the whole counties rainfall in 1 afternoon. The main aim of the run seemed to be trying to avoid trench foot, swine flu and in Stellas case, TB from the badger she chased for about 50 yards, until she (wisely) bottled out.
A true test of athleticism greeted us near the Turville Grange, where we all had to slither through a gap between a gatepost and a stile. The girls ghosted through with no problem, despite Susies “ample bosom” (her husbands words not mine) Duds put a second hole into his T shirt, thus relegating it now to his ‘best decorating T shirt’ and Selwyn, who decided that rather having to call out the fire brigade, to free him, he vaulted the stile in a flash, and we were on our way again.
There was a brief option for a ‘fatties’ route back to the pub, which was declined by our group of ‘elite athletes’ that we have become.
Stella picked up her usual leg of venison, complete with hoof which thankfully didn’t smell as bad as the one did last week.
In the pub, the boys were all pushed to one end of the table by Susie, so all the girls could sit together. One can only assume that they wanted to discuss new cooking, cleaning sewing techniques, to please their husbands………?
Up the other end, Piranha G-Strings were being discussed, as a new line, together with how much Brakies Presso was going to take on the Ridgeway walk in his rucksack, and where he was going squirrel away cans en route, in case he ran out. The chips although very welcome, did seem a bit measly in volume, and didn’t last long.
The next run on 20th May is from the Golden Ball at West Wycombe, followed by the George & Dragon.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thame 10K Sunday 28th June 2009
This is an event the runners have done a few times in the past. Relatively flat on-road 10Km race. See link for on-line application.
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/foundevents.asp?evntTitle=thame+cpm
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/foundevents.asp?evntTitle=thame+cpm
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Yew Tree, Frieth Wednesday 6th May
Run report by Stella
We set off on a lovely summer’s evening from the Yew Tree at Frieth. Had a good sniff and reckon the turnout was; Selwyn, Duds, Sarah, Amanda, Jules, Presso, Steve, Spider, Dad (Baz), John, Jerome, Chris & Susie (one of my dearest friends)
Set off into the woods and us fitties managed to lose the fatties pretty quickly, if only they had the tracking skills I have, this sort of thing just wouldn’t happen…..even marked the trail with a few err…calling cards on route, didn’t seem to help.
I wasn’t quite sure from the rancid scent what we were following but when we got to the top of hill I realised it was Chris...best to keep him at the front I reckon for the rest to follow.
Not much live wildlife on the route but managed to find my self a tasty old leg of deer so I had that to chew on for most of the run….delicious! Probably similar to those pork scratching things you guys eat in the pub, only smellier.
Managed to meet up with the fatties on that big hill just after Fingest. Hills don’t bother me much really don’t know what all the fuss is about….all that resting on the bench and puffing and stuff…..you should try just hanging your tongues out and panting, works for me. (and Jerome)
Ran as a pack for the rest of the route and breezed into the carpark after about 5 miles. Dad then took the tasty deer leg off me, think he wanted to take it home for mum.
Took up my usual spot in the pub under the table, some interesting smells, the guy with the flip flops has athlete's foot and those asics trainers have stepped in what I reckon came from a poodle with a dietary imbalance
We were joined by 2 sweeter smelling friends, David & Diana who added to the usual jovial banter.
See you all next week at the Bull & Butcher, Turville, 7pm.
We set off on a lovely summer’s evening from the Yew Tree at Frieth. Had a good sniff and reckon the turnout was; Selwyn, Duds, Sarah, Amanda, Jules, Presso, Steve, Spider, Dad (Baz), John, Jerome, Chris & Susie (one of my dearest friends)
Set off into the woods and us fitties managed to lose the fatties pretty quickly, if only they had the tracking skills I have, this sort of thing just wouldn’t happen…..even marked the trail with a few err…calling cards on route, didn’t seem to help.
I wasn’t quite sure from the rancid scent what we were following but when we got to the top of hill I realised it was Chris...best to keep him at the front I reckon for the rest to follow.
Not much live wildlife on the route but managed to find my self a tasty old leg of deer so I had that to chew on for most of the run….delicious! Probably similar to those pork scratching things you guys eat in the pub, only smellier.
Managed to meet up with the fatties on that big hill just after Fingest. Hills don’t bother me much really don’t know what all the fuss is about….all that resting on the bench and puffing and stuff…..you should try just hanging your tongues out and panting, works for me. (and Jerome)
Ran as a pack for the rest of the route and breezed into the carpark after about 5 miles. Dad then took the tasty deer leg off me, think he wanted to take it home for mum.
Took up my usual spot in the pub under the table, some interesting smells, the guy with the flip flops has athlete's foot and those asics trainers have stepped in what I reckon came from a poodle with a dietary imbalance
We were joined by 2 sweeter smelling friends, David & Diana who added to the usual jovial banter.
See you all next week at the Bull & Butcher, Turville, 7pm.
Friday, May 01, 2009
The Crooked Billet, Flackwell Heath - 29th April 2009
Run Report by Steve
Hello.
On the well-founded premise that a picture paints a thousand words I will be providing this weeks run report with visual aids.
For example, instead of listing the runners, here is a lovely picture of us all in a wood with bluebells.
(Jules ran as well - he was taking the photo).
Here are some more lovely bluebells that we saw en-route...
The running that we did looked looked a bit like this...
and this...
and this...
After a very pleasant run of about 5 miles we arrived back at the pub...
He may be our Spritual Leader but he can't take his Stella like he used to!...
The (very friendly) pub was kind enough to supply us with sandwiches...
It had a very nice doggy...
That went very nicely with our kitty...
Jules - can you explain why this picture was on your camera?!
Lots and lots of different conversations at the pub so couldn't possibly relate on the major themes. We also had some very welcome injured and non-runners at the pub who added to what had become a very large group.
Man U 1 Arsenal 0 - say no more.
After throwing my perennial strop about deleting the blog in protest against Luddite e-mailers, I stated my aim to introduce Twitter to the group. This would entail writing a run report in 140 characters or less. An interesting challenge.
Next weeks run is from the Yew Tree in Frieth, 7pm start.
Cheers. Steve.
The Peacock, Bolter End - 22nd April 2009
Run Report by Brett
This was my first official Wednesday night run. The unofficial one was that memorable pre season outing with The Fatties from the Marlow Donkey where due to our lack of perspiration, we convinced ourselves that in approaching 50 we had indeed reached a proud peak of physical fitness. The sad truth was that we barely ran a mile around the block!
Running as I have been told is a 'confidence game' and with mine riding high after my near one mile trial, Sarah and I set off to join the rest of the gang at The Peacock for the 7pm start. I had 5 minutes earlier concluded my first 'dress down' valuation in Lane End. The theory is that you attend in your running kit so that as soon as you have delivered the fatal valuation and plunged the owner deep into negative equity, you can leg it out of the door......... quick. The valuation was actually for staff member, so to compensate him for the fact that his house has plunged in value, I doubled his commission on all sales achieved over the last six months. Now let me just work this out 6% of nothing is ...................
The run, attended by The Hucks, The Roddicks, a Mac, an Abbott, an Arnold, a Spider. a Male Dudley, a Taylor, a Female Sainter (Wilks), The Biggest (size not age) Bartlett and a Man who neither looks, acts nor indeed runs his age...oh and two Rivetts of course. I had expected a gentle 40 minute run through Chiltern Countryside and what I got was a 50 minute run through similar terrain that Sarah and I managed to string out for an hour. It was a fabulous run well planned by Jules and Jerome and no doubt mastefully executed by those at the front.......... but I will have to take their word for that.
The pub served good beer, ample goldfish bowls of wine in a cheery fashion and chips. Unfortunately, because I had my appointment, Sarah was unable to get into the bar beforehand to sort out a formal seating plan. which left me feeling slightly awkwardly positioned sitting in the middle of the gathering. I cant report on what was discussed as each of my ears only has an audio field of 141 degreee..... a range nontheless substantially better than those offered by my peepers. .
You received my footie email which surprisingly didnt wind people up as much as I had intended. It is only 4.30 pm and with many of your replies already received and no sign of a glut or perhaps, given his body shape, I should say a 'string' of Van Der Sars emails, I am going to announce The Crooked BIllett, Sheepcote Lane, Flackwell Heath as next weeks venue for a 7pm departure. See you all then.
This was my first official Wednesday night run. The unofficial one was that memorable pre season outing with The Fatties from the Marlow Donkey where due to our lack of perspiration, we convinced ourselves that in approaching 50 we had indeed reached a proud peak of physical fitness. The sad truth was that we barely ran a mile around the block!
Running as I have been told is a 'confidence game' and with mine riding high after my near one mile trial, Sarah and I set off to join the rest of the gang at The Peacock for the 7pm start. I had 5 minutes earlier concluded my first 'dress down' valuation in Lane End. The theory is that you attend in your running kit so that as soon as you have delivered the fatal valuation and plunged the owner deep into negative equity, you can leg it out of the door......... quick. The valuation was actually for staff member, so to compensate him for the fact that his house has plunged in value, I doubled his commission on all sales achieved over the last six months. Now let me just work this out 6% of nothing is ...................
The run, attended by The Hucks, The Roddicks, a Mac, an Abbott, an Arnold, a Spider. a Male Dudley, a Taylor, a Female Sainter (Wilks), The Biggest (size not age) Bartlett and a Man who neither looks, acts nor indeed runs his age...oh and two Rivetts of course. I had expected a gentle 40 minute run through Chiltern Countryside and what I got was a 50 minute run through similar terrain that Sarah and I managed to string out for an hour. It was a fabulous run well planned by Jules and Jerome and no doubt mastefully executed by those at the front.......... but I will have to take their word for that.
The pub served good beer, ample goldfish bowls of wine in a cheery fashion and chips. Unfortunately, because I had my appointment, Sarah was unable to get into the bar beforehand to sort out a formal seating plan. which left me feeling slightly awkwardly positioned sitting in the middle of the gathering. I cant report on what was discussed as each of my ears only has an audio field of 141 degreee..... a range nontheless substantially better than those offered by my peepers. .
You received my footie email which surprisingly didnt wind people up as much as I had intended. It is only 4.30 pm and with many of your replies already received and no sign of a glut or perhaps, given his body shape, I should say a 'string' of Van Der Sars emails, I am going to announce The Crooked BIllett, Sheepcote Lane, Flackwell Heath as next weeks venue for a 7pm departure. See you all then.
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Gate, Bryants Bottom - 15th April 2009
Run Report by Kate
On the warmest day of the year so far, 12 of us met in the car park of the Gate, ‘the pack’ included, Jerome, Jules, Chris, Amanda, Susie, Steve S, Rob, Jules W, Heather, Presso, Una (special guest appearance) and myself (not a huge ‘pack’ with some runners conspicuous by their absence). The pub didn’t seem overly pleased to see us, (probably remembered us from last year) greeting us with a request to double park in order not to use up to much of the car park, needless to say by the time we did return if was not full! Having waited for the promised ‘first season appearance’ of Brett, (who despite great expectation didn’t eventually appear), we set off down the road and almost immediately embarked on the first and only real climb of the run. A start like that seems to sort out the ‘men from the boys’ and virtually set the running pecking order for the rest of the outing. We all finally regrouped at the top, regretting we had ever left the car park!
The run itself was not that challenging in relation to hills but was quite long, spirits were fading along with light when we finally returned to the Gate, sometime later. Not a great deal happened on route, we lost Heather at the top of the first hill, she assures me she did do some walking but in reality I think she made a beeline to Jane’s house where she had a couple of glasses of white wine, and appeared hyperventilating in the bar just after our return! We also lost Presso and Jerome, not sure when or where, Jerome had already done 18 holes of golf (it’s a hard life) and Presso just needed an excuse and the promise of an early pint of Brakespears. The running was quite fluent, less stopping than last week, we all congratulated Jules, where upon he informed us, he had not needed to refer to his map, at which point we took the wrong path! However I’m sure this was a calculated error, providing us with opportunity to practise our ‘of piste’ running skills, we were soon back on track, although cries of ‘how far is it now’ were beginning to be heard. I think we arrived back after about an hour, it then took what seemed like another hour to get served behind the bar, resulting in some of us being double parked, you just couldn’t be sure how long it was going to take and we were forced to grasp all opportunities, chips were also ordered, which were ok but not brilliant. Baz and Stella survived my driving and arrived safely home. You will be pleased to hear Stella was very stiff and struggled to get out the back of my car on returning back home, I would imagine she was in good company!
Conversation was varied and very loud, I spent most of my time talking to Heather and Susie with Stella’s nose resting on my knees. Susie and Una shopping trip to the Eden the day before, Amanda’s new shoes which were really nice, why was Baz sitting next to Jono at the dinner on Friday, and should we warn him? Una left crying and missing her dog and I’m sure as a consequence will not be back next week! I can’t remember that much in all honesty, if I have missed anything major let me know, but I somehow doubt it.
Next week is from the Peacock at 7pm, see you all there, Brett will you be coming or are you going to tease us again?
On the warmest day of the year so far, 12 of us met in the car park of the Gate, ‘the pack’ included, Jerome, Jules, Chris, Amanda, Susie, Steve S, Rob, Jules W, Heather, Presso, Una (special guest appearance) and myself (not a huge ‘pack’ with some runners conspicuous by their absence). The pub didn’t seem overly pleased to see us, (probably remembered us from last year) greeting us with a request to double park in order not to use up to much of the car park, needless to say by the time we did return if was not full! Having waited for the promised ‘first season appearance’ of Brett, (who despite great expectation didn’t eventually appear), we set off down the road and almost immediately embarked on the first and only real climb of the run. A start like that seems to sort out the ‘men from the boys’ and virtually set the running pecking order for the rest of the outing. We all finally regrouped at the top, regretting we had ever left the car park!
The run itself was not that challenging in relation to hills but was quite long, spirits were fading along with light when we finally returned to the Gate, sometime later. Not a great deal happened on route, we lost Heather at the top of the first hill, she assures me she did do some walking but in reality I think she made a beeline to Jane’s house where she had a couple of glasses of white wine, and appeared hyperventilating in the bar just after our return! We also lost Presso and Jerome, not sure when or where, Jerome had already done 18 holes of golf (it’s a hard life) and Presso just needed an excuse and the promise of an early pint of Brakespears. The running was quite fluent, less stopping than last week, we all congratulated Jules, where upon he informed us, he had not needed to refer to his map, at which point we took the wrong path! However I’m sure this was a calculated error, providing us with opportunity to practise our ‘of piste’ running skills, we were soon back on track, although cries of ‘how far is it now’ were beginning to be heard. I think we arrived back after about an hour, it then took what seemed like another hour to get served behind the bar, resulting in some of us being double parked, you just couldn’t be sure how long it was going to take and we were forced to grasp all opportunities, chips were also ordered, which were ok but not brilliant. Baz and Stella survived my driving and arrived safely home. You will be pleased to hear Stella was very stiff and struggled to get out the back of my car on returning back home, I would imagine she was in good company!
Conversation was varied and very loud, I spent most of my time talking to Heather and Susie with Stella’s nose resting on my knees. Susie and Una shopping trip to the Eden the day before, Amanda’s new shoes which were really nice, why was Baz sitting next to Jono at the dinner on Friday, and should we warn him? Una left crying and missing her dog and I’m sure as a consequence will not be back next week! I can’t remember that much in all honesty, if I have missed anything major let me know, but I somehow doubt it.
Next week is from the Peacock at 7pm, see you all there, Brett will you be coming or are you going to tease us again?
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Red Lion, Bradenham - 8th April 2009
Run Report by Amanda
There was a reasonable turn out last night in the car park at the Red Lion in Bradenham : me, Jules, Chris, Susie, Steve S, Steve T, John, Kate, Baz (with Stella) and Presso. Jules and Chris ran there in about 21 minutes from Radnage - in fact I think Susie and I took longer to get there in the car. Weather was perfect and must have been warmer than last week as John was not wearing his new black gloves.
There was a reasonable turn out last night in the car park at the Red Lion in Bradenham : me, Jules, Chris, Susie, Steve S, Steve T, John, Kate, Baz (with Stella) and Presso. Jules and Chris ran there in about 21 minutes from Radnage - in fact I think Susie and I took longer to get there in the car. Weather was perfect and must have been warmer than last week as John was not wearing his new black gloves.
The run started off well with us all heading off into the woods behind the church - a steady hill for the first 1/2 mile. I was nearly wiped out by a cyclist who I did not hear approaching as I pulled on to the road before crossing - I really must polish up on my Highway Code. Still no damage done and the cyclist politely checked that we were all ok before zooming off.
In the woods the pace was steady with quite a lot of stops. Susie was in top form as she did her very best to keep up with the front two. I am sure that she must have taken some illegal substances to improve her speed as she was not nearly that quick last week. It became clear to me very quickly that I would not be able to catch her this week and I was desperate to avoid the humiliation of coming in near the back (remember no David, Brett or Selwyn running) so I decided that the only thing that I could do was to pretend to feel ill. The question was what illness could I come up with - I was mulling over dehydration when Baz came to my rescue and he told me that he was (also) suffering from hayfever and was having trouble breathing so I was saved - thanks Baz. From now on I intend to run with a mask and carry some piriton with me - funny how the hayfever is much much worse when hills are imminent.
Presso ran very well and I persuaded him not to take a short route back - if he had been allowed to leave us then I would certainly have had to pretend to pass out as I would then have been ranked in last position. As we came out of the woods I saw another hill and was about to do my fainting impression but luckily quite a few of the others (including John who is normally up for the fittie route but he said that he had run earlier in the day in Hughenden - I think his hands might have got cold without his gloves) said that they wanted to take the more direct route back. So I had managed to escape from being seen to be acres behind Susie on the closing stretch home and with that pressure lifted, I felt like a new person and sprinted back in record time (well it was a record for me). The fitties got back a few minutes after us - I ran 4.65 miles and the fitties ran just over 5 miles.
Pub was fine but quite quiet. Quite a lot of discussion centred around a "girl power" theme. From last week's report we were all very impressed to hear that Presso had dared to be late to collect Jo 20 minutes late from the station but the reality was that he had stay up till 1am to collect her as she was so drunk that she had missed her train. The "Which Dudley is running on a Wednesday?" debate is still ongoing and we shall wait to see who comes out on top there. Steve T also told us about his "gentleman's run" - involved lots of drinking in various pubs and some running. We also had a very bizarre discussion about running socks and the contenders for best socks were narrowed done to Thorlo (Chris and I like them but Susie and Jules don't as they are too thick), Falke (goes without saying must be superior as they are manufactured in ze Fatherland) and Decathlon (manufactured in land of the garlic munching surrender monkeys - say no more ).
Next weeks run will be from The Gate with a slightly later start time of 7pm.
Have a good Easter
Friday, April 03, 2009
The Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green, 1st April 2008
Run report by Chris
(Beautiful English Name)
Yesterday a proud British tradition was once again re-born.
As folklore has it a group of youths, pure of body and mind met together to battle the elements. As the years have gone by Great Britain has flourished.... wars, world cups etc won, the Battle has evolved.
Yesterday, a gaggle of 20 somethings (poetic licence), set forth from a fine English Ale House to pit their wits and stamina against the rolling Chiltern countryside.
When I joined the group (numbering 14 strong) it was being lead by Jerome and Amanda (beautiful English Names) she’s a nurse you know! They were picking their way around a ploughed field, ploughed no doubt by a strong trustworthy British farm on a reliable British tractor. Ploughed straight and true like the hearts of those running, not like in France with their crooked ploughing and their dodgy Citroen engines (those Garlic Munching, Surrender Monkeys)
To complete the idyllic scene the runners even had a dog (Stella) Beautiful English name, padding along side.
After a cordial greeting we were off again. Young Basil Hawkins (another Beautiful British name) was soon up to another traditional country pastime (Poaching rabbits).
New Girl (Rachel) seemed to know what’s what, kept back behind the guys and only spoke to say how manly and strong we all looked! (Top Filly!)
At the Ale House, Jules (beautiful English name) set the correct tone for the ladies by ordering a SMALL glass of White wine (I’m sure she’s a nurse too!) Unfortunately the ambiance was spoilt by the odd Scrounger (sorry later comer) ordering a "Pint pot and a bottle of white wine with the top off!"
Special commendations go to Mark for telling his wife that she had to stay home and look after the kids, Presso for only drinking 3 pints and being half an hour late to pick his wife up from the station.
Susie for not invading Poland! John for wearing gloves (I think they were ladies gloves, after all we’re all ladies here!) And of course me "kitty master" (opening balance £80 closing balance £85). That’s good old British Sterling, not your "here one day gone the next", Euros.
Susie for not invading Poland! John for wearing gloves (I think they were ladies gloves, after all we’re all ladies here!) And of course me "kitty master" (opening balance £80 closing balance £85). That’s good old British Sterling, not your "here one day gone the next", Euros.
Well done all for keeping up.
Next week we meet for a 6.45 start from the Red Lion at Bradenham.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
2009 Season Begins!
The first run of the 2009 Season will
be from The Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green.
Date: April 1st 2009
Start Time 6:45pm.
Lovely.
P.S. As you can see, Helga (pictured right) has already been in training.
Run Report Authorship
Here is the number of run reports produced by each runner over the last 3 seasons. Kate and Jerome are clearly the stars in this regard.
Click on the chart below for a larger image.
Click on the chart below for a larger image.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The Royal Standard, Wooburn Moor - 17th September 2008
Run Report by Brett
Jules crafted a most excellent run last night enjoyed by all of the half
dozen participants. Just 4 miles of flat terrain from and to the Royal
Standard that took us across fields and through copse and lush common
land returning in a staggering 41 minutes (PB for me!) At the front was
the course planner along with JB having just returned from SA (again).
In the middle were Pete, Kate & Duds and at the back was me delayed by
having to run and take notes at the same time.
We passed through a Duck Farm (I will come onto food later)and
unfortunately not through, but to the side, of a quaint Brakspears pub,
The Blackwood Arms. This looks like a perfect venue for next year in the
perhaps unlikely event of having an influx of new members from the
Slough area.
The Royal Standard was heaven, an outside smoking area that would almost
be worth getting lung cancer for, whilst inside stood ten proud real ale
pumps of differing brews. Sadly my intended chauffeurs, Richard/David
failed to make the run so I restricted my intake to pints of Bargee,
Crested Newt and Broadside. Jules happily entered into a tad of beer
tasting, his palate seeming to particularly appreciate the Stout like
Crested Newt.
Further discussion took place on the choice of venue for next week
thankfully interupted with comments on breast feeding, Lauras
graduation, The Royal Cape golf course, cycling 2 hours to Twickenham,
selling mobile homes (it's a real option I think) and The Daily Mail
reporting RGS rugby. It shouldn't take too long to work out who were the
respective contributors.
Three bowls of chips were taken followed by a formidable peanut and
tabasco chaser for Duds and I, whilst the more gentil amongst us
restricted themselves to plain Cashews.
So next week and after much debate, this appears to be the choice for a
river run, food and drink:
A) The Spade Oak, Colmoorholm Lane,Bourne End. Traditional Bistro type
food.
B) The Bounty followed by a thai meal at The Bankok Lounge in The Parade
Bourne End
C) The Prince of Wales Marlow. Thai pub meal.
Please let me know if you will be attending for a 6.30 start and what
your preference is by close of business on Friday so that I can get it
booked. Apologies if I have omitted someones favourite hostelry. If you
feel that strongly please email me with your suggestion and I will put
it to the vote
See you all next week.
Brett
dozen participants. Just 4 miles of flat terrain from and to the Royal
Standard that took us across fields and through copse and lush common
land returning in a staggering 41 minutes (PB for me!) At the front was
the course planner along with JB having just returned from SA (again).
In the middle were Pete, Kate & Duds and at the back was me delayed by
having to run and take notes at the same time.
We passed through a Duck Farm (I will come onto food later)and
unfortunately not through, but to the side, of a quaint Brakspears pub,
The Blackwood Arms. This looks like a perfect venue for next year in the
perhaps unlikely event of having an influx of new members from the
Slough area.
The Royal Standard was heaven, an outside smoking area that would almost
be worth getting lung cancer for, whilst inside stood ten proud real ale
pumps of differing brews. Sadly my intended chauffeurs, Richard/David
failed to make the run so I restricted my intake to pints of Bargee,
Crested Newt and Broadside. Jules happily entered into a tad of beer
tasting, his palate seeming to particularly appreciate the Stout like
Crested Newt.
Further discussion took place on the choice of venue for next week
thankfully interupted with comments on breast feeding, Lauras
graduation, The Royal Cape golf course, cycling 2 hours to Twickenham,
selling mobile homes (it's a real option I think) and The Daily Mail
reporting RGS rugby. It shouldn't take too long to work out who were the
respective contributors.
Three bowls of chips were taken followed by a formidable peanut and
tabasco chaser for Duds and I, whilst the more gentil amongst us
restricted themselves to plain Cashews.
So next week and after much debate, this appears to be the choice for a
river run, food and drink:
A) The Spade Oak, Colmoorholm Lane,Bourne End. Traditional Bistro type
food.
B) The Bounty followed by a thai meal at The Bankok Lounge in The Parade
Bourne End
C) The Prince of Wales Marlow. Thai pub meal.
Please let me know if you will be attending for a 6.30 start and what
your preference is by close of business on Friday so that I can get it
booked. Apologies if I have omitted someones favourite hostelry. If you
feel that strongly please email me with your suggestion and I will put
it to the vote
See you all next week.
Brett
Bull & Butcher, Turville - 10th September 2008
(Yet Another) Run Report by Kate
With the evenings drawing in and our thoughts turning to Winter and Christmas, a much depleted group of runners met in the car park of the Bull & Butcher. Those running members would were due to go Gulan the next day obviously saving their strength for the drinking that they will be doing and not willing to risk a fall that could damage their right arm ! I presume they all drink with their right arm or do they use that for something else?
There had been much debate earlier and hints to Jules about the length of the run, but the weather and the time of year fortunately dictated a relatively short run and not the ‘roller coaster’ as feared. From what I can remember it was a fairly uneventful run, couple of hills, nasty flinty path two thirds of the way through. Poor Susie was not able to join us as she was suffering from a bad back and went for a brisk walk instead. In semi darkness we all arrived safely back at the pub.
The pub itself seemed to have gone through slight refurbishment, unfortunately for the rest of the clientele we sat in the lounge bar, far too good really for us, with very little ventilation which was not good everyone else in the bar. Many thanks to Duds for the drink to celebrate Tilly’s birth, congratulations to both Aude and Duds. From what I can remember we were very noisy and managed to clear the bar quite quickly of other patrons. Three bowls of chips arrived and were gratefully received, it may be my imagination but are we drinking more ?? Brett took quite a lot of stick about the current state of the housing market, something he bore very well considering the situation. Susie wants to go the Whitehart in Desborough, not sure whether to watch or to take instruction? Jerome joined us as well, he wasn’t so keen on going to the Whitehart, bearing in mind that most of the patrons he has probably sacked at some stage.
Next week we are at the Royal Standard, Wooburn Common, nr Odds Farm, for all those with small children and all those with children not so small but still have good memories. Those with neither of these tough !! I think this will be a 6.30pm start and following week will be the last one.
Following a brief discussion it was decided that we would, for this year, depart from the norm, and not have a curry to mark the last run of the season but instead choose a pub who serves good food and acceptable wine and bitter. The Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green has been mentioned, if not there is the Bull & Butcher which had a interesting room and there is always the Grouse & Ale in Lane End. I’ll do some investigation and let you know, if however you have any other ideas of places please let me know.
See you all next week, remember due the time of year we can only do short runs which might perhaps inspire some to put in an appearance (David, Heather, Dales?)
Kate
Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green - 3rd September 2008
Run Report by Jerome
We ran from the royal oak at bovingdon green. Turn out was good. We set off and as I separated from the group due to ex-smokers collapsed lung disease I have no idea what it was like or where you went but then again jules probably didn’t either. I went and got my wife’s bike.
The beer was good as were the crisps and olives. Duds made us laugh as usual and I sat next to yummy Susie.
Bull and Butcher at Turville at 6.45 although today it was almost dark by 7. Fantastic. Up the hill to the windmill and down again into the pub.
Jerome
The beer was good as were the crisps and olives. Duds made us laugh as usual and I sat next to yummy Susie.
Bull and Butcher at Turville at 6.45 although today it was almost dark by 7. Fantastic. Up the hill to the windmill and down again into the pub.
Jerome
Monday, September 01, 2008
The Wheel, Naphill - 27 August 2008
Run Report by Amanda
A new pub had been selected for our run last Wednesday. Of the usual gang ,the following turned up: Kate,John, Duds,Pete,Presso,Jules and me. Dales also strolled in to accompany Heather on a shortened route. The route had been complied by John and at first we ran along the edge of Naphill Common,came out at Clappins Lane and Presso, Brett and Pete left us at the first junction in the woods. We then ran on footpaths towards Speen and North Dean. Quite a few hills but no stingers or fallers so I coped (having recently done some high altitude training in the Pyrenees) and in fact did not complain or swear once - a first. Along the route Duds showed us the location near Speen of a previous conquest many years ago and he assured Kate and I that it was probably over in a matter of seconds - mmm. It was a warm, close evening so we did cut a few corners off John's original route. We ended up in Stocking Lane where we met up with Dales and Heather.
The run was 4.6 miles and 54 minutes - sorry I cannot provide any other climb/calories burned/anorak information because I did not set my tic tac machine to record that information. A really nice run route with varied terrain and quite a lot of hills but no absolute killers. The pub should be added to our list of acceptable running venues.
At the pub the conversation was very diverse and covered:
GB teams success at Beijing - Pete noted that the cycling team had won more golds than I had predicted the whole GB team would win:
private parts piercings being known as a Prince Albert (according to Duds) - for the life of me I cannot recall how we got on to this subject so I cannot elaborate.
those with birthdays in January - Pete,Jules, Brett, Duds, Presso which obviously confirms the fact that the vast majority of supreme athletes are born in winter and are old in their school years. More importantly this also means that they avoid ever buying a round of drinks on a Wednesday to celebrate their birthdays.
On the above subject, Kate very kindly bought us all drinks as it was her birthday a few days before - thanks Kate.
It is starting to get quite dark by 8pm so I suggest that we meet at the Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green (I know we did our first run from there but we can do a different route) and depart at 6.45pm.
see you there
Amanda
A new pub had been selected for our run last Wednesday. Of the usual gang ,the following turned up: Kate,John, Duds,Pete,Presso,Jules and me. Dales also strolled in to accompany Heather on a shortened route. The route had been complied by John and at first we ran along the edge of Naphill Common,came out at Clappins Lane and Presso, Brett and Pete left us at the first junction in the woods. We then ran on footpaths towards Speen and North Dean. Quite a few hills but no stingers or fallers so I coped (having recently done some high altitude training in the Pyrenees) and in fact did not complain or swear once - a first. Along the route Duds showed us the location near Speen of a previous conquest many years ago and he assured Kate and I that it was probably over in a matter of seconds - mmm. It was a warm, close evening so we did cut a few corners off John's original route. We ended up in Stocking Lane where we met up with Dales and Heather.
The run was 4.6 miles and 54 minutes - sorry I cannot provide any other climb/calories burned/anorak information because I did not set my tic tac machine to record that information. A really nice run route with varied terrain and quite a lot of hills but no absolute killers. The pub should be added to our list of acceptable running venues.
At the pub the conversation was very diverse and covered:
GB teams success at Beijing - Pete noted that the cycling team had won more golds than I had predicted the whole GB team would win:
private parts piercings being known as a Prince Albert (according to Duds) - for the life of me I cannot recall how we got on to this subject so I cannot elaborate.
those with birthdays in January - Pete,Jules, Brett, Duds, Presso which obviously confirms the fact that the vast majority of supreme athletes are born in winter and are old in their school years. More importantly this also means that they avoid ever buying a round of drinks on a Wednesday to celebrate their birthdays.
On the above subject, Kate very kindly bought us all drinks as it was her birthday a few days before - thanks Kate.
It is starting to get quite dark by 8pm so I suggest that we meet at the Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green (I know we did our first run from there but we can do a different route) and depart at 6.45pm.
see you there
Amanda
Fox and Hounds, Christmas Common - 20th August 2008
Run Report by Kate
Dear all
I’m taking the easy option and following on from Dud’s email of last week for this weeks report.
With numbers severely down on last week, and raining threatening, myself, Duds, John and David set off from the Fox & Hound. Prior to setting off we were all informed by David that he would have to leave by 8.20pm or he would not get any food and he wanted a pint as well before leaving. (Good to hear that Diana has a firm hand, no doubt it’s needed!!) With instructions issued we set off down the hill towards Watlington, no map, on to the Ridgeway, fairly sure we knew the route and certain of a short cut for David is needed. As you can imagine the runners were well spread out with John in the lead, David bringing up the rear and Duds and I somewhere in the middle engaging in polite conversation. Upon reaching David’s much requested short cut, we all decided to keep him company, not that we achieved this, the home straight involving a particularly nasty hill up to Christmas Common. At one point Duds was walking as fast as I was running, something to do with his stride? John obviously reached the top first, did 20 press-ups and proceeded run back down, (too busy breathing to be impressed!) Once at the top Duds and I had a welcome break whilst we waited for David and discussed how much weight we needed to loose, especially John!
On arriving back at the pub, (at different times of course), we were informed by a delighted David that we had achieved his goal and he would now join us for a pint, in fact he was now a head of schedule and was able to leave at 8.10pm. Conversation in the pub centred round the Olympics and what medals the day’s events had brought. David told a disturbing story about identity theft that had recently happened to him, (be on the look out of David Abbot look alikes!) Steve Sutton later joined us as he had the kitty, where upon the discussion changed and a debate ensued as to who was ‘nicer’ Gaby Logan and Kirsty Gallagher? The latter winning it for Steve! Duds mentioned the Secret Millionaire programme he likes, ways to entice a millionaire on a Wednesday run were mentioned, a few thousand for running gear or the Bartlett emergency fund surely wouldn’t be missed?
We all left the pub promptly at 9pm as the music was about to start and we were sitting at the table where a very large man and his double base was about to play! Not sure he was any good we didn’t hang around to find out.
Next week’s run is causing some concern, I’m going to suggest the Three Feathers nr Cliveden and then a 40min run around the grounds, know the route as I do it with my running club. However, happy to consider other suggestions, as this may be considered too far out?? Response required.
See you all next week.
Kate
The Chequers at Wheeler End - Wed 13th August 2008
Run Report by Duds
A hardy bunch of runners met in squalid conditions at the above mentioned venue.
With the Peking (that one's for Kate) Olympics in full swing at the moment it would be fitting to present a Gold medal to the pub owners (Larry and Barry - sorry but I can't remember their names) for the free chilli con carne [it was the landlord's birthday], a Silver medal to the weather gods {every cloud has a ...... lining} and a Bronze medal to Jules for his map reading (not up to his usual standards last night I might add). More about all that later...
For those "in the know", the route was the usual one with the high point being the free view of the Wycombe Wanderers v Birmingham City game [or at least the warm up] and hearing the quiet rendition of "we love you Wycombe we do" by the hardy 300 or so loyal supporters packed into the top of the stands to avoid the horizontal rain [WW lost 0-4 by the way]. It was probably also the muddiest run that we have been on in a long while and the amount of stinging nettles / thorns and running off in the wrong direction at one point being the low points (I can still feel the tingling on my shins even as I type today) for the 5 "fitties (?)" at least [Selwyn, David and Jerome having taken an easier route which apparently avoided anything remotely uncomfortable; apart from the actual running that is....].
After an hour and twenty minutes (and hour and five for the fatties apparently] we all met in the bar for the usual enjoyable part of the evening. The thing I particularly remember from the run was the amusing semi-hump that Mrs Hucks had because of all the sh*te we were constantly wading / slipping through. Poor Jules naturally copped most of the blame for this and the rest of the "fitties" all backed off from criticising Jules in any way knowing full well that he was going to get it in the neck later anyway from his better half. I also distinctly remember sticking my nose in on the home leg and strongly advising Amanda to withdraw all conjugal rights on their holiday for at least.....a day or so. It will be interesting to hear how long this sexual famine lasted {we look forward to full report when you return from the Pyrenees please Jules and Amanda}....
Anyway, the banter in the pub ranged from talk of windsurfing to cycling (which position is better for hill climbing - standing up on the pedals or sitting down and pumping the legs like a madman/woman) to how the Chilli con carne tasted a bit like Spaghetti Bolognese gone wrong [a bit more spice landlady next time please otherwise the dish would just be called "a teaspoonful of rice, kidney beans and grated cheese con carne" wouldn't it !?] to how robotic and scary all the Chinese divers/gymnasts/etc. are to Jerome's weird/naughty dreams induced by those please-stop-me-smoking arm patches and how they should really invent a please-stop-me-eating arm patch to put on the other arm to counteract the inevitable weight gain caused by giving up smoking [Jerome reckons he could well be 20 stone by the time he next visits The Chequers] to the fairly brutal ways by which one can stop ones kids sucking their thumb to the need for a new method to stop ones kids biting their nails [by the way, Juliette wore a pair of silk Disney-character elbow length gold gloves in bed last night....did the trick apparently].
There was some debate as to where we should run from next week (20th) but after a long discussion we decided to run from the Fox and Hounds at Christmas Common as we haven't done that one for a while.
See as many of you as possible there for 7pm.
Duds.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Ship, Cadmore End - 6th August 2008
Run Report by Steve S
Having somehow avoided run report duties so far this summer, I felt duty bound to volunteer to be this week’s scribe. With absence due to holidays etc. still very evident, a marginally larger group than last week gathered at the Ship for this weeks trek. Having taken the register, Jules, Amanda, Chris, Susie, Pete, Steve T, David and myself were all marked as present and just about ready for the off, when a rather flushed, half naked (well.. topless!) cyclist came racing towards us. JB had seemingly got his eta from Kingshill totally wrong and almost missed the start. However, after hurriedly donning a top and eventually finding a secure spot (??!!) for his bike, we set off.
Having somehow avoided run report duties so far this summer, I felt duty bound to volunteer to be this week’s scribe. With absence due to holidays etc. still very evident, a marginally larger group than last week gathered at the Ship for this weeks trek. Having taken the register, Jules, Amanda, Chris, Susie, Pete, Steve T, David and myself were all marked as present and just about ready for the off, when a rather flushed, half naked (well.. topless!) cyclist came racing towards us. JB had seemingly got his eta from Kingshill totally wrong and almost missed the start. However, after hurriedly donning a top and eventually finding a secure spot (??!!) for his bike, we set off.
A very pleasant (all downhill) start through rolling Bucks countryside had me thinking that at some point a ‘gentle’ climb was soon to be upon us. Having been lulled into a bit of a comfort zone, I think I had completely lost my bearings as we dropped down in to Turville when a sharp right turn presented us with the climbing wall that leads up to the Windmill. With several members of the group opting to run this, I went for the ‘home question’, deciding that a bit of oxygen debt due to walking was better than a cardiac arrest and total body collapse from trying to run.
Once gathered / recovered at the top, a fairly rapid descent down the other side presented us with yet another climb. What looked to be a more gentle slope was, to those with previous knowledge, possibly more of a psychological challenge than the first hill. A rather bemused couple out for an evening stroll, or alternative summer evening outdoor pursuit (?), were overtaken by the fitties, and then kindly held the gate open for the not so fit, who desperately tried to give the impression that the hill had presented very little difficulty. But once through the gate, an even steeper section of foot path demonstrated our true fitness levels and normal service of walking (for me anyway) was resumed.
After a flat final section, we returned to the pub after having completed just under 4 miles in approx 50 mins. Having opted for a sensible shorter route, Heather was already waiting for us. As we turned the car park into our usual changing room, I was aware of some shenanigans going on with the locals. Firstly it seemed that our ‘parallel’ parking had upset some and after moving the cars accordingly, I hope that the one extra space created help restore harmony. John, meanwhile was in negotiations with a ‘local’ over the release of his bike, which this individual had taken the liberty of padlocking to a gas canister !! The pub was fairly busy for a Wednesday, with local fayre seemingly very popular. Service was……….slow. In what was quickly turning in to a sauna, we retired to the covered area of the patio for drinks and nibbles as apparently the garden was out of bounds due to flooding ? Just for future reference the pub does not sell lager and I am reliably informed that the White wine spritzers have a certain ‘mouldy’ quality, also the sundried tomatoes in the olives have a ‘fizzy’ taste consistent with having a sell by date of 2006 !
Usual topical conversation pieces entertained us all. How to fool the Olympic drug testers by injecting someone else’s urine into one’s bladder prior to the test, and how there was a roaring trade in scrap metal leading to cannibalisation of road signs and burglary where copper piping is the primary target. The sound of rain on the canopy roof prompted fond memories of camping trips where the thought of a 400m trip to the ablutions block in the middle of the night gave rise to the dilemma of…. ‘I really need to get up before daylight so I won’t be seen nipping round behind the nearby hedge’ !
Next weeks jaunt will be from the Chequers in Wheeler End at 7pm. Would anyone with local knowledge be able to plan a route please ?
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