Exploration

Yesterday we cycled to the Tatsfield church yard, a staple location for us. I was running late so again the longer ride to the lakes was out.

It's a good place to stop for tea and cereal bars. Not much evidence of the recent rain, just a little wet grass.

The weather was great, a gentle breeze and the right amount of sun. Previous weekends the temperature would have been starting to rise by the time we headed home. Making for a sweaty return journey.












Today we decided to visit a place not often cycled to. I nearly regretted it though. The off-road path was steep down hill and uneven. It was very narrow, and bordered by stinging nettles. Not a problem for Matt, he was wearing long trousers. Me, not so much; I was wearing shorts. We talked about how disappointed we were that the path wasn't cleared. It is amazing how much we take for granted. A rarely used path in the middle of nowhere, and we were complaining it hadn't been tidied up.

The path leads to a stile, no fence, just a stile at the edge of the field. Doesn't make sense to have one there. But it does provide a seat.

We had planned to continue along the path but it was completely impassable. So we cycled around the field along a track. A short distance and we were on a footpath, we only had a vague idea where we were. Relying on our inbuilt sense of direction we eventually came across the Limpsfield road, turned right and headed to the green. Next weekend we'll be back, starting from this point, and exploring some of the other paths we passed.

Us at a signpost. Which way?

Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts. 
Follow me on twitter. 

Leave a comment about this post. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this or any blog post.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website

When will it end?

The summer this year has been incredible, I know I have said it before. But every weekend I can't believe how good the cycling has been. It's been months since the weather has caused an abort. The torrential rain last Sunday just wasn't worth braving. But the feeling of disappointment is a reminder of what it's normally like. And of what is to come.

But let's not think about the end of summer while it's so good.

When Matt and I met yesterday we had previously decided on a long ride to the lakes, but time constraints meant a slightly shorter ride to have tea with Winston Churchill.

On the way we were passed by loads of road bike riders. One guy slowed for a chat. He was wearing an Oxted CC jersey so I asked if he knew Pat. Pat was the person who had given me two energy gels that helped me get to the end of the recent Caterham to Canterbury ride. He said it sounded like the kind of thing Pat would do; just goes to show it's a small world.

When we arrived at Westerham Green a cyclist asked if we knew the area. She wanted to know if there was a bike shop; her chain had snapped. We pointed across the green to the Cyclery. She said it didn't look open, we informed her it was likely open, we had consumed tea and cake there in the past. With that she pushed her bike towards shop and we sat down to start our tea and cereal bars. She walked passed us a short time later, sans bike, on her way to Costa. Maybe the Cyclery cafe wasn't open.

It made us think about what she would have done if there was no local workshop. We know how far the closest station is, Oxted, it's a twenty to thirty minute walk. It's a trek we undertaken in the past. In the early days of our cycling we didn't carry tools, not even a puncture repair kit. Incredible I know; more than once we walked to Oxted and caught the train, or even walked all the way home. Eventually we started carrying a repair kit and spare tubes. What would have we done with a broken chain? How many tools and spares should we carry?

I am now back from today's ride. I don't know what to say, it was sunny with a cooling breeze. I can't think how it could have been better. We decided to follow a narrow track, a bit of exploration. 

The track opened on to a field, we cycled to the middle and stopped for tea and cereal bars. 

This has to be the best location for a great view.

At the other side of the field was a path through woods that lead back to the road.

Fingers crossed we get more weekends like this.

Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts. 
Follow me on twitter. 

Leave a comment about this post. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this or any blog post.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website

More great weather.

parched field while cycling

I can't remember when we last had a summer like this.  The weather report is saying we are due some rain. I know the garden needs it and the water companies are running ads on the radio asking people to conserve water. But no hosepipe ban yet, I don't think it's far off though.

The rain arrived yesterday, and it was torrential. Fortunately it only happened when I was travelling on public transport. As I neared my bus stop the rain abated long enough for me to get home dry.

It rained during the night and until ten minutes before I was due to cycle to meet Matt.

parched grass and a wet bench while cycling, little evidence of the rain.

The ride was great, fresher than recent days, with little evidence of the heavy downpour. Which made for a pleasant seventeen miles.

We only went to the bus stop, a lack of time and the certainty of a dry seat made it a good choice. Normal chat was about this and that. Old Top Gear was a topic; and how it went downhill during the last couple of series before the Clarkson debacle. I like Matt LeBlanc in the new setup, but he is leaving so that might be it for me watching it. Matt isn't so keen on Matt.

We discussed the merits of pitching a series hosted by us about our cycling. I'm not sure it would be commissioned. The outline would be us two cycling to a destination, drinking tea and eating biscuits. Talking about not much, and laughing at stuff I doubt anyone else would find funny.

The meeting with the TV exec could go like this.

Where would you cycle too? A few places within twenty miles of our homes.

Interesting places? Two bus stops, a churchyard, Westerham or Godstone Green and a lake near a pub.

Would you talk about cycling news? Sporting events, new tech and cycling celebrities etc. Nope, don't really follow or know much about that.

How about nutrition, sports drinks and gels etc? Nope we just drink the tea we brought with us and eat cereal bars. Occasionally we'll go to a cafe and eat cake and sausages sandwiches. If on a longer ride it's hot we'll stop to buy an ice cream.

So what do you do? Not much now we come to think about it. But it keeps us happy.

Back to our normal concerns then.

The weather is predicted to be wetter tomorrow, hopefully it wont interrupt our cycling.

Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts. Follow me on twitter. 

Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts. Follow me on twitter. 

Please checkout my website and Facebook page. And leave a comment about this post. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this or any blog post.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website

Another weekend, more great weather

On the way home, a field of wheat

I can't remember the last time a weekend ride was in danger due to bad weather. Yesterday it was a bit grey as I left the house, but quickly warmed up. It was a hilly route including White Lane near Botley and then on to Hosey Hill via Westerham, both very steep. In addition to Clarks Lane out of Westerham, and Burntwood Lane near to home. A proper test again. Being on my own it was just a circuit and back to the house.

Today was better, Matt was back. Just the question of where to go when we met at the green; we discussed Westerham, the quick way. But I just wasn't up to it, so the Church yard at Tatsfield was our eventual destination. Sitting there drinking tea, eating cereal bars and chatting about the news was perfect. We also talked about what we would do if we had no ties, no responsibilities and could just do whatever we wanted. Matt had been reading One man and his bike by Mark Carter. The backstory was that one day on his way to work he just kept cycling past his workplace and on around the coast. We were skeptical, how did he put his life on hold, how did he afford it? A book deal and writing articles for a newspaper must have made it easier to do it. And then we moved onto explores and adventurers. How did they do it? Decide to not follow the norm, and travel the world. Matt mentioned a woman who had rowed across oceans. One voyage had to be abandoned when a severe storm blew in. The problem I saw with this and most adventures is that they are fine when all goes well. But if it doesn't, like when the storm rolled in, other people have to risk their lives to mount a rescue. My view is that these people are a little selfish. Or am I just jealous?

Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts. Follow me on twitter. 

Please checkout my website and Facebook page. And leave a comment about this post. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this or any blog post.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website

Enjoy, value and protect your countryside.

Matt and myself ride our bikes around Surrey and Kent all year. Only very bad weather and adult responsibilities will stop us. We meet at a village green just fifteen minutes from our houses, and we are on the edge of fields and winding lanes. Some places we cycle to are very quiet; we could be in the middle of no-where it's so peaceful. But in fact we are very close to civilisation.

What makes summer cycling so good is the winter. It makes you appreciate when the weather improved. Seemingly endless weekends of cold, wet and at times very unpleasant rides. It keeps us fit and is needed stress relief, but it can become a chore.  Then I realise it's warm enough for shorts and t-shirts, the fields are full of crops and I am presented with a view like the one above.

I have a long awaited ride next weekend, sixty-six miles to Canterbury. My usual rides are about 25 miles. That distance allows time to chat and have a laugh with Matt. The extra distance does give me the chance to push myself a bit more. But it wouldn't be possible without the year round rides with Matt, and occasionally James, Richard and Matt D. Does this sound like an awards ceremony speech?

The award should go to the British countryside. Long may it be so close.

Enjoy, value and protect your countryside.

Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts. Follow me on twitter. 

Please checkout my website and Facebook page. And leave a comment about this post. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this or any blog post.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website

Another glorious cycling weekend

Another weekend of sunshine. It's brilliant to be out on the bikes with blue skies above us and a warm breeze to help us along. The pictures at the top of the post is a field we cycle past most weekends. For the last couple the poppies have been incredible. I think this weekend they have been at their most vivid. I'm not sure how much longer they will be so impressive. I do know I cant do the view justice.

Today we decided to visit a village we haven't been to for many years. I guess we don't get there very often because of a hill that is signposted as 14%. Apart from a brief section on the busy A22 the route is a good one. The steep hill on the way back wasn't that bad either. We had our tea and cereal bars in a church yard never previously visited as well, St Peter's Church, Tandridge. A peaceful place to stop, chat and take a break, must be why we regularly visit church yards.

St Peter's Church, Tandridge

It was a ride that gave me the chance to use my GoPro camera for more than recording bad driving. We had close encounters with a deer, a squirrel and a rabbit.

The deer needs to learn the green cross code.

Not sure if the squirrel was racing me or just desperately looking for a way off the road.

Matt startles a rabbit.

To top off a great weekend I had a brilliant photoshoot at a new location (Waverley Abbey) with a model I hadn't worked with before.

Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts. Follow me on twitter. 

Please checkout my website and facebook page. And leave a comment about this post. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this or any blog post.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website

Summer at last

The sun is out.

Not only does it make outdoor photography much more enjoyable. It also means cycling is nicer.

For both photography and cycling it's better when planning ahead. My regular readers will have read about my recent shoots. The run up to them was tempered by the uncertain weather. They were all to be outside.  If it had rained there would have been nowhere to hide.  The beach at the beginning of July was colder than I expected. But I had some great pictures. Then in the park with Xandria. Both had very wet weeks before the shoots.

My next shoot isn't until the end of August. It's on a farm, so there will be barns and stables if it decides to rain. I hope it doesn't

Now I ride in t-shirt and shorts. Don't worry, there won't be many selfies.

The greens of the grass turning to yellow as we inevitably draw closer to a hose pipe ban. It is a bit of an institution in the southern UK.

This was June. Very wet and green.

Pictures from today, just a month later. Already the greens are turning yellow. Happy days.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website

Cold and windy, a typical July day.

I had this shoot planned for months. I thought floaty, summer dresses under the pier and along the shore line.

And the the wettest June was followed by a very unimpressive start to July. But the weather reports suggested things were going to improve. And they did; in the morning. By the time 4 pm rolled around it was overcast and windy. It even rained as I got out of the car.

I had a jacket on and the wind was going straight through it. How would Coco, my model for the next two hours cope?

Well; she did cope very well. I guess she is use to it. But the splashing around in the sea in floaty dresses was out. We looked for more sheltered places to shoot.

The first set was around some rocks. It meant I could minimize the amount of sky in the shot. Some blown out background is okay, but not massive areas of it.

For the next set I wanted to include the sea. Standing a little higher, and further from Coco meant again I could minimise the sky and still get the background I wanted. But the largely blown out background does mean Coco stands out.

Then under the pier. A lot more windswept. So colder for Coco so we didn't stay long. But these are my favourites of the shoot.

We then moved to a sheltered garden. It meant some architecture and flowers in the background. To add some interest. And it was a bit warmer.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website

Here's to cycling.

As spring passes into Summer my weekend rides get more pleasant. There's slightly less chance of getting caught in the rain. And the landscape changes. The fields are green and trees are once again fully clothed.

I see more cyclists as well. They have moved away for the turbo trainers. I know it's not so inviting, leaving the house when there is frost on the ground, or the wind is howling. But I really think riding all year round makes you appreciate the good weather when it does make an appearance.

Here are pictures of some of the colder rides. Around Christmas time there is always home made cake. A great reward for year round cycling.

And the spring arrives. Still plenty of rain. But at least it isn't quite so cold.

Then Summer arrives. 

And the best bit - chilling out with mates. At a pub. A cold beer and good laughs. It doesn't get better than that.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website