November-2024 monthly update from Garry McGivern. Considering it’s November, it’s been a relatively good month on the cycling front. I was away in the New Forest and Isle of Wight at the beginning of the month. And, of course, I had my trip to Wales, which wasn’t as successful as I’d hoped. But hey, at least I managed to get away.
As I said, the month started well with my trip to the New Forest and Isle of Wight. It was a continuation of my ride to Swanage. You may remember I’d gone to Grange Farm on the Isle of Wight and Tom’s Field in Swanage for their final nights of the season before they closed at the end of October. While away, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the new campsite I’d found in the New Forest, Long Meadow, was also open and that Grange Farm was open for a little longer than expected. Enabling me to extend my ride into November. A good start to the month.
Any Excuse
My second trip of the month came about due to my cousin’s husband passing away. The funeral was in Wales, where they lived. So, I used it as an excuse to go on another ride. The ride up to Wales went well, and the funeral, well, let’s just say the funeral was as good as a funeral came be. Although it’s always nice to catch up with my cousins and their families. Unfortunately, it’s the only time we get to meet these days, when there’s a funeral.
After the funeral, I had intended to continue up to North Wales (my cousins lived near Cardiff) and duly set off the day after the funeral. I only got about eight or nine miles before it started to snow. I continued on for a while, but the snow was coming down pretty thick and fast, so reluctantly, I turned around and started to head home. But not directly. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out too well either, and I had to abandon that idea and race home due to storm Bert coming in. which I was reluctant to do. But as it turned out, it was probably for the best.
I had hoped to go to France again before the end of the year. But I’ve run out of time. I’ve got a doctor’s or hospital appointment every week in December, sometimes two. This leaves me with no time, plus we’ve got that Christmas thing at the end of the month. Hopefully, if the weather’s not too bad I’ll get out on a few day rides.
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