Author: Garry

Garry McGivern Travelsonabike2  bike ride to Christchurch, Saturday, 2nd-February-2019. Bognor Regis to Christchurch. 65 miles. Well, I did say the other day in my monthly update that I wanted to get away! After being stuck indoors because of the slippery conditions yesterday, I decided to come away today! I’ve only come down to Christchurch via the New Forest, which was nice to see once again!

Originally I was going to cycle down Swanage, as I wanted to go camping! Yes, I know it’s like Antarctica out there at the moment, but my equipment should be up to it! Although my equipment may be up to it, I’m not sure I am! Because it was icy first thing and the roads were a little slippery, I wasn’t able to get on the road very early. I really don’t want to fall off! And leaving late meant I didn’t have enough time to get to Swanage, I did look for a campsite that might be open in the New Forest, but they’re all closed. So I’m staying at a hotel.

It was a pleasant ride down, and it felt good to be back on the road! Although It’s been pretty cold with a strong wind all day, but it’s been dry and sunny. There wasn’t much snow lying on the ground as I cycled down. But there was some in the New Forest.

The roads have all been clear of any snow or ice! Although in a few places where the sun hasn’t got to, it was a bit slippy, and I felt my back wheel go on a few occasions! Not too sure what I’m going to do tomorrow. I’ll think about it overnight.

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Now I know that winters not over with just yet, and looking out of my window today, it certainly isn’t! But the days are definitely getting longer! And if I can just string a few days together, when I don’t have to go to the doctors or hospital I’m going to go away! I’m feeling pretty good at the moment and certainly feel as if I could manage a short tour somewhere!

And the one time when I do get a few days free, we’ve got a weather warning out for snow and ice! The last thing I want to do is fall off my bike, I think that could end in tears and possibly hospital!

Health

If you remember back to last September, a couple of weeks after I came out of hospital I lost my voice! At the time I was referred to see a specialist, and although he couldn’t see or find any reason for my hoarseness, there was a little redness in my throat!

Well after going back to see him earlier this month he’s now given me the all clear. One more ailment to cross off the list!

Out On The Bike

As I said earlier, I’m feeling pretty good, and I now feel strong enough to just get on my bike and cycle to Portsmouth or Brighton without giving it a second thought! (they’re both about a 60-mile round trip) Whereas just a month ago it required a bit of thought and effort on my part.

On one of those said trips, I managed to get a puncture, no problem I’ll just pump it up, and hopefully, that’ll get me to a cycle shop. So out comes the pump and I start to pump, but instead of putting air in, it just let out what air there was! I then had to walk 2 miles to find a cycle shop!

But it all worked out for the best and as I’ve always said about travelling “there’ll always be someone who can fix it.” Although I wasn’t referring to a bike ride 30-miles away! As a bonus Nick the guy who fixed it also found a problem with the gears and sorted that out! Well worth getting the puncture!

I’m also walking a lot, admittedly I still use a crutch! But with it, I can walk for miles and am regularly walking 8 to 10-miles! I’m even thinking about walking the South Downs Way, although that could be a bit too much, we’ll see!

I’ve managed to make it down onto the beach for the first time in two years! And to celebrate I decided to recreate an old photo of mine! Somehow it doesn’t look quite the same!