Mallorca - and this time I raced

I will apologize upfront for this post. I'm either in athletic gear or I'm eating. I've got more pictures of Mallorca (Spain) for the next one and there will be less lycra or neoprene. I think. 

I went to Spain again this year. After being inspired by Paul and Gope (see last year's posts), Katy and I decided to sign up for the half ironman. Unfortunately, she ended up injured and couldn't race but still came out to enjoy her birthday and holiday with me. Before the race, we did a recon of the course route. At the top of the climb, Kenneth (American), me, Katy (British) and Christophe (Belgian) stopped for a photo. I look teeny tiny next to these very tall people.

A few days before the race I'm trying to keep the protein and carbs up. The fish is bigger than the plate. Oh yeah.

 Since it has been so cold in England this year, it's the first time I've put the wetsuit on since August. So nice to go for a swim in warm water! Christophe, Kenneth and I put in some practice before the race.

 Pre-race dinner. We had a table for 8 - the benefits of being part of a club. You can always convince someone to travel with you to exotic race locations.

 Race morning!

 In front of the start.

 Surviving the swim. You know it is me because you can see John Hart's nose clearly protruding in this photo. It was actually one of the toughest swims that I have ever done. There were so many women in my race wave that we were battered about for about 1500 metres before it felt like you had room to swim. Unfortunately, then the men began to overtake so we were battered about again! Grr...

 Came in with an okay bike time. However, my form is awful. AWFUL. I probably could have gained an extra 10 minutes on my bike had I properly fit to my aero bars. Or used a time trial bike. I think one of these days I may actually have to borrow one and feel the magic. In the mean time, note to self: do not install your aero bars the day before a race. Practice first.

 Lastly, coming in on the run. Yeah, I survived!!! (and I did pass that guy in front of me)

I always kid around that when I sweat, I lose a lot of salt. Proof that I've like to lose good old NaCl. Not attractive though, eh?

Post race celebration. Big thanks to Katy for being a great athletic supporter and camera woman!

Bike Tour in France - Arras to Reims

At the end of April, I did a quick weekend trip to France (again, who says that?!?!). John Booker hatched a plan to ride one of the stages of the Tour de France, from Arras to Reims. So, we organized some cyclists and support drivers and away we went.

Arras is a lovely town, no more than 90 minutes away from the Chunnel. It was easy to get to on Friday night and we arrived and settled in just as the sun was setting.

Arras is very Old World feel with several large squares, cathedrals and cobblestones throughout the city centre.

In order to fuel up for our monster ride (it turned out to be 120 miles, geesh!), we ate in a subterranean Italain restaurant. Interestingly enough, several of the buildings have 'caves' if you will and have been turned into great restaurants.

Gope is enjoying some pre-ride grape juice while Jeeves conveys his Italian order in French.

The next day, before we set out, the city centre is turned into a massive market. There were tables and stalls everyone. it was quite amazing what was for sale. It was giant farmers market and thrift shop all rolled into one.

Unfortunately, I didn't see much of the market. Instead, I saw the inside of the Arras police station to try and find my car. Apparently, after a late night of fueling, I neglected to read the sign that says 'don't park anywhere or the giant market will get  your car towed.'

Good thing the police station wasn't busy. I was quite impressed. It only took about 5 police officers to take my American passport behind that tiny door to discover where my British car was impounded.. in France. Well done Interpol.

You'd never know that I was actually here to go cycling. I only pulled out my camera once during 120 miles and that was for a photo at the lunch stop. Great to see du vin rouge and some biere on the lunch time menu for me and my fellow riders.

Speaking of food, while in France, it was time to try out all the culinary delights. We had frog legs.

And a classic escargot. You'd never know there were snails in there with all the garlic though. My dad would love it!

Also, I thought this was funny. As France is generally known as one of the cheese meccas of the world, it was nice to see that some of their cheese is still orange and comes in squares just like some slices we know.

How do you keep six bicycles safe when you want to head off to find some lunch? Use the John Booker method of security. An extra long cable.....

.... between all the bikes and both cars. Voila!

All in all, a lovely weekend. Who knew it was so 'easy' to cycle a leg of the Tour de France? (And by the way, the leg really isn't 120 miles. We thought it would be a hoot to cycle to the start. Not the best idea we've ever had.....)

Spring Break in Italy (yet again)

Yet another year where I get really lazy and head off to Italy for a week's worth of cycling. I can't help it. I don't have to do anything but show up and make the decision of what to choose from the buffet. It's easy. This year, we had some sun and some clouds but the weather was better than in England so it made it worthwhile. Surprisingly, there are lots of photos of me for a change. (I obviously only put the good ones in......)

On the day we cycled to the barbeque, I thought I would take advantage of the lounge chair. And the wine with lunch made me sleepy.

 Climbing up a hill. I was actually first for a change, but only because Marc chose to take the day off. It really was quite steep, I'm having to look at my feet to see if they are still moving.

The wine made me sleep and it made Simon giddy. Or he is happy that he stole the whole pitcher.

Paul, me and Gope resting up. Sorry about the pictue Paul, nice face. If it makes you feel any better, my sunglasses are sitting funny on my head. No, doesn't help. You look funnier.

On the last day, I rode with the fast group. When we finally got to stop, it was only a few steps from the top. Plenty of climbing in Italy. Did you know there are hills there??

 Making our way down to the lookout point and trying not to fall on our rear ends in slippy cycling shoes.

 The lovely water. Some day I will actually go there when it is warm enough to swim in the water!

 This would be my Pippi Longstocking look.

Not quite sure why I was posing all the time. It must have been the sun dazzling my brain.

Last day. My good friends enjoying our final beer and Italian pizza. Such fun!

My Favorite Kind of Marketing

My favorite kind of Marketing? Pure - unadulterated - honesty. Honestly. I love it.

When I was in New York, I saw this shop that sold rice pudding. Rice to Riches....

Perhaps a bit harsh, but technically true.....

This is my favorite. It's almost a bit like Bertie Bots Every Flavour Jelly Beans from Harry Potter. Here's hoping you order one of the dozens of good ones....

The Passport is Back in Action

I know it's been ages and I don't really have a good excuse, but with the long Easter weekend I thought I'd catch up a bit. Now that the passport is back, I actually got to leave the country again. In January, I went to California and New York - just to make sure I crossed as many time zones as possible. 

Although I went to visit in January, Rachel was sweet enough to save Christmas for me. Here Winnie is helping me to unwrap my stocking.

Since it was the first time I'd been on vacation in over 6 months, and the weather was good, I had to bring my cycling kit. A self portrait in the sun. Yes, that's right. It's the sun!

I also got to meet my new newphew on this trip. You can see the expanding Hart family is hard at work. Once again, Winnie is there to supervise.

 Did I mention the hard work? You can just make out Ken, Rachel and Winnie in this picture.

 When Ken and Rachel weren't around - Winnie went into stealth mode.

 I took advantage of the sunshine by spending some time reading in the sun (yep, I'm using that word a lot!). Once again, Winnie is on hand to act as supervisor. .... I know, not much going on in these pictures. It wasn't exactly like my trips to India, France or Africa. BUT, it was a great break and wonderful to spend with family. In the sun.

After California, it was off to NYC. I need to grab some better photos from friends for another blog. Here are a few that I took with my camera. Holly's dog Shakti is tired out from helping us shop at Lululemon.

I had to share the photos of my hotel bathroom. It was completely black. Black toilet, black tile, black shower, black sink. It made trying to shave your legs in the shower quite dangerous. I was trying to figure out if that is all the rage, or just a throw back so it's easier for people to see their drugs on the counter top? Hmmmm....

The black shower. The flash has illuminated it quite differently so I'm afraid you cannot get the full effect. As for the next picture, WARNING: contains adult material. :o)

The other interesting thing about the hotel room, is aside from the black bathroom, the mini bar (counter) was also stocked with Babelube and playing cards. Whereas I tend not to spend much time in the hotel room when I'm on vacation, I think this hotel is encouraging that behaviour........

Thanksgiving!

Hmmm.. I magically seem to have the pictures working again so I am going to play a bit of catch up. 

This was the table for Thanksgiving. For some reason, I once again thought it would be a brilliant idea to host a table for 12. This time I have learned my lesson and I roped in a bit more help than last year. I was ready with about 10 minutes to spare this time! You can admire the butternut squash soup as it is served and ignore the water bottle on the table. That actually held Gope's special dressing and it was the best travel container he could find! I don't want you to think we completely hard core athletes or anything.....

Out of Space

Just a random update... I'm out of space to post new photos. As soon as I stop to breathe (Christmas?) I'll buy more space and start posting again. I might even try and go out of the country before then....