Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Jenny Kate and Shay visit and start Fell Running!

The week we were lucky to host Jenny, Kate and Shay who enthusiastically requested we took them to do the Wansfell Race in Ambleside. It was a lovely winter day and they all did very well, suppoted by the Haygarths and Polly!

Christmas 2014

This christmas Gran and Grandma came to join us and we had a relaxing time at home, playing table tennis and eating far too much. We managed to get out for a walk run on boxing day! Here are the pictures, Merry Christmas to all!

A note on Docker Garth

It is already 2.5 years since we moved into our beloved 1600s project house and this year we have started to make real progress on the outside. I spent between April to August stripping off the damp render, raking out the old mortar, and lime pointing. It was a great project, that required much time and was also very rewarding. So far it has stood upto the winter weather well and feels much drier! Thanks to all our friends who have helped us in various ways over the year. Next year we start on the inside! Pictures from the last 2 years here....

Ingleborough Christmas Eve - Record breaker!

Continuing in village tradition, this year we had a dawn ascent of Ingleborough in Christmas eve. On this occasion we managed to get 34 people plus dogs on top - way in excess of previous years. Terrific record! Matt, Angus, Helen (for the first time) Polly and I were among them. Lovely morning. Here are the pictures.

World Cup Cyclo Cross - Cowbells at the ready!

In November Dave Angus and I, with friends, Alan, Mark and co, had a treat to a day out to the World Cup Cyclo Cross, the first time ever this has been in the UK, in Milton Keynes. What a terrific day we had, we were in our element. Lots of picturs of Sven Nys and the dude's here.....

Video: Queen Charlotte Track, New Zealand, on Mountain Bikes

Trip to New Zealand

In November I was lucky enough to get invited for a work trip to New Zealand, which gave me a terrific opportunity, after, to visit Aunty Eileen (Dad's sister), Mark (her son) and Sarah, in Nelson, after. Although my time with them was short, we had a terrific reunion and jammed loads in, including some cycling. More to follow on that! Pictures of family here and some cycling here.

London Trip for Half Term Holidays

In October we went to London to stay with Jenny in her house in East Putney and visit the sights of London. It was an eye opener for the country folk, the crowds were large! Lovely time visiting the tower of London, walking around Westminster and Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, The Science Museum, riding the Tube. And great to see Jenny and have a lovely meal out too. Thanks Jenny! Here are all the snaps we took.

Happy Birthday Angus - Cycling Enthuser!

In October our lovely son Angus turned 12 and here is a moment to celebrate him. Angus loves all things with a great passion, especially cycling. This autumn he and I have enjoyed doing some of the northern England cyclo cross events together, we have had some special times. here he is captured in all his glory at the Waddow Cross race.

The Scott Trial - Deep in my bones

In October I took Angus and Matt to spectate the Scott Trial in Arkengarth and Swaledale. I absolutely love this event, it is deep in my bones and I think the boys enjoyed it too. The countryside and the bikes and the epic nature of the challenge are fantastic. It reminds me of my late Dad who loved it too and used to take us. Here is the full set of pictures including one of myself with the trials legend (and 1960s winner) Bill Wilkinson, an old friend of my Dad's, that we bumped into. Happy happy days.

Little Boogie Machine bangs Borrowby!

In October we had a rare treat to a reunion gig of one of my first bands, the Little Boogie Machine, back together for the first time in about 5 years, thanks to the organization and kind hosting of Richard and Lucy Critchlow. It was great to pump it out again and realise that in most cases, I think we actually get better with age! Full pictures here.

College Friends Reunited

In October I met up with my old college friends from CF Mott in Liverpool, for a gathering n Ambleside in the Lakes for a one nighter. It was amazing to see everyone 25 years on. Nothing really changes, just a bit less hair, a bit more grey and a bit more tubby (for some of us!). Happy days.

Team Dave - 3 Peaks 2014

In September Angus supported Dave in his 3 Peaks Race, terrific shot here captured at Ribblehead where Dave changes his bike. Latterly Helen Angus and I rode all the way from Chapel-le-dale to Helwith Bridge as the team Dave support crew. The full set of pictures are here. One day Angus and Helen, one day......

50th Birthday Gathering for David Chadwick

In early September this year we gathered with friends for a surprise birthday party in Bala North Wales for David Chadwick. Happy Birthday Dave you old Mule - enjoy the rapids! The full set of pictures are here...

Video of our Summer Holiday in Devon & Cornwall 2014

Summer Holiday in Devon & Cornwall

In August we started our summer holiday this year by staying in our 'old' rental house and renovating it for possible sale or re-let. So we stayed in South Zeal for a few days and caught up with old friends, a lovely trip down memory lane and great for the children to 'camp' in their old bedrooms and hand out in the park in South Zeal. Latterly we went to Gwithian Farm campsite near Hayle and had a terrific time with our trailer tent, surfing and cycling and visiting National Trust Properties. Here is a link to the full set of pictures - mostly taken on my phone this year!

Langdale Camping - and Matt's Walk

In the Summer holidays Matt walked from Greenodd to Gt Langdale with his friends Gareth and Sam, over 3 days. On the fine night we and their parents joined them camping at the National Park Campsite, and also tried out a new tent. The full album is here.

Le Tour De Yorkshire

In July there was a once in a lifetime moment for us...The Tour de France came within about 40 miles of our home. Early in the morning the boys and I cycled from Garsdale to Buttertubs pass near Hawes. We met loads of friends and family. What a day!