'Come on trained killer,' my new coach yelled at me, as we raced around the reservoir. My coach was peddling a hand bike extremely fast, while I was chasing after him. My nick name (trained killer) came from a game of two truths and a lie the night before. As an introductory ice-breaker, we went... Continue Reading →
Whizzing down the hills, green country fields flashed past. A breeze flowed through my hair. My heart rate was returning to normal. I was cycling the route 27 back to Barnstaple from the sleepy beach town Ilfracombe. Knowing what was in store having done the journey in reverse, I left Ocean Backpackers hostel at 8... Continue Reading →
Keen to make the most of my day in Devon I ventured out bright and early to embark on a hike. I decided to follow the South West Coastal Route from Ilfracombe (where I am staying) to Woolacombe. Approximately 8 miles. The trail began behind Ilfracombe's village museum and theatre. From there it was extremely... Continue Reading →
As I stood waiting for my train at London Paddington Station, I had a light bulb moment. Instead of taking the bus for an hour from Barnstaple Station to my hostel, why not cycle? I quickly googled bike rentals in Barnstable and phoned the first one. A gentleman picked up and told me he had... Continue Reading →
'Look at that impressive Manor house,' the lady sitting opposite me announced as she pointed out the train window. I was fortunate enough to be sitting with an elderly couple from New Zealand. The three of us enjoyed spotting out landmarks as the train journeyed from London to Edinburgh. We passed through York Station and... Continue Reading →
Fuelling up on porridge we were ready for our final day of cycling. We left Jenny's air b n b bright and early, just after 8 am. The cycle began by crossing the river on a picturesque bridge. We proceeded to follow a path along the waterway, ignoring the first 72 sign as it told... Continue Reading →
The day started off in style with a delightful buffet breakfast at Ginja Restaurant overlooking the harbour. We tucked into fruit, yoghurt, granola, a wide range of cured meats, smoked salmon, even endless oysters were an option. Then of course there were plenty of pastries to munch on. We were also allowed bottomless drinks (freshly... Continue Reading →
Rising early we wanted to summit Table Mountain before the sun reached its peak at around 12am. So, we ordered an Uber taxi at 7am to take us to the trail start point next to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway costing around 60 rand / £3. On arrival we found the trail a little way... Continue Reading →
Waking up early I wanted to make the most of the gym facilities in the hotel. As I was on the running machine an elderly couple from Johannesburg joined me. They weren't sure how to use the cycling machine so I helped. It turned out the gentleman was very fit, using all the weights and... Continue Reading →
