The Dream

Sheffield’s having a funny effect on me, I’m thinking a lot more about large expeditions and a lot less about fast races. I think it’s all of the stunning scenery. Anyway, to get some ideas I’ve harvested a load of links and posted this picture of a VW van. Who knows, one day we might be able to go touring round the alps in one. If anyone has any ideas, let me know in the comments.

http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/001903.php

http://www.cyclingholidays.org/

http://www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk/leaflets/wildcamp.html

http://mbruk.co.uk/

http://www.scotclimb.org.uk/area_index.shtml

http://www.seakayakscotland.com/

http://www.adventurousexperiences.com/gallery.htm

http://www.whiskycoast.co.uk/

http://www.bicyclemania.co.uk/eventskyeindex.htm

Walking round Burbage

Just a few photos from the Burbage valley, Mel’s so taken with the Peak District that there’s a serious plan afoot to walk the Pennine Way!

Running round Wales*

Top of Consti Hill

Well I took a week off to celebrate my little sisters b’day and graduation and my cunning plan of fixing up her bike and taking it for a ride was cruelly thwarted by a bunch of chavs who’d stripped it for parts! Not to be outdone I decided to put in a few runs instead so first of all I ran up Consti hill a decent 6k from Tessa’s house. It was a beautiful day and looking out over the bay reminded me why I like Aber so much.

Back in Symonds Yat I took the dog for a few runs and scoped out a few forest routes to the pub for the forthcoming go ape weekend.

*Symonds Yat isn’t in Wales before anyone says anything

Outdoor Show – Part 1

Still surprisingly knackered after the weekend so I’ll write up a full report later, but for now here’s a few photos of a cracking weekend.

It’s raining :(

Well folks, the ride from the reservoirs past Stanage to the Burbage bouldering is all mapped out and looking good on paper: lots of stunning scenery and nothing too technically tricky. I was going to check it out this weekend but in the end the rain saw me cracking out the old turbo trainer and spending some time spinning in front of the telly.

So I was wondering, when the weather is scuppering your outdoor plans what tunes/DVDs keep alive the memory of glorious adventures in great weather. Roam and (the now ancient) Trail keep me sane when it’s pissing it down. Phontaine, Mr. Scruff, DJ Shadow, Latch Key Kid and (thanks to Rob) The Beautiful Girls mean that while I’m at work with my headphones in at least part of my head is enjoying the great outdoors.

So what keeps you guys sane during the ‘great’ British summer?

Obituaries: Simon’s climbing shoes

After many years of dignified service Simon’s climbing shoes sadly passed away on Simon’s first successful 6b+ climb. Doctors believe that the strain of being bought out of retirement and bouldering 2-3 times a week proved too much for them as they cracked along the sole. Simon commented “It’s how they would have wanted to go, and now I can buy something with that new fangled velcro stuff that I’ve been hearing so much about.”