Fourteen Days and Counting....

After months of planning, hundreds of miles of training, and repeated thoughts of 'why on earth?', we are now only 14 days away from the Grand Depart!

We are all delighted to say that Chester Vets 4 Pets has entered into the spirit, and adorned the storefront with a wonderful display to mark the fundraising event! Knowing there are companies and organisations backing us up on the mission really helps. Here's a picture from the shop's window! Thanks Guys! You are all amazing.

And this weekend, Toby and myself have got close to nature on our long adventure rides.

On the quieter country roads in Essex, I love the fact that the hedgerows and grass verges come to life. Rabbits, hares and deer, in the absence of any traffic noise, are not put off by us cyclists quietly pedalling our way along the empty early-morning roads. A rather brave (or foolhardy) domestic cat, acting out a bizarre stealth-mode sneak across my path got the shock of one of its nine lives when I shouted 'OI!!!' to save it from my rapidly approaching front wheel. I was recounting this story to some running friends, and we puzzled briefly on whether to shout 'cat' - given that cats don't really understand human-speak.... Anyway, tail and wheel missed by millimetres, and we both lived to tell the tale.
Another joy on Saturday, was bumping into four beautiful hounds, and their owner, Janette, in the village of Kelvedon Hatch, near Brentwood in Essex. Not put off by a random cyclist skidding to a halt alongside her before 7am in a peaceful village, Janette introduced me to her four lovelies. Penny, Katie, Lady and Shell. They all politely accepted a great deal of fuss (the dogs, that is!), and we chatted hounds for a while. I also took a selfie with them - which confused a passing van driver, who saw a cyclist on his arse in front of 4 hounds, bike laid out on the grass. He may have thought I'd been knocked over - though his concern didn't extend to actually stopping to see if I was alright! As it happened, the affections and attentions of the 4 girls had me singing along to myself for the remaining parts
of my triple-figures-mileage ride!  Janette, if you are reading this, I hope Katie's deteriorating health doesn't keep her from sharing her love with you and her houndmates for as long as possible. Much love.

Horseshoe Pass, Langollen. Category 3 Climb.

Toby, too, has been close to nature this weekend. On Sunday, he tackled the famous, and very lumpy Horseshoe Pass, as part of a ride around North Wales. A Category 3 climb, it's not for the faint hearted, and will have been excellent prep for our adventures in the Pyrenees! Along the way, Toby had a close encounter with a Kestrel who took flight along his eyeline for part of the ride. Not to be outdone, a local swallow also swooped and ducked under his arm as he rode.  
 
The pleasures of riding a bike go a long, long way.

Anyway, thanks for reading! Comments always appreciated! Either here, or on the Facebook page! Until next time!!

AP (16/07 @ 10pm)