Day 35
Rider: Andy/Grant
Bike: Cannondale & Pinarello FP2
Location: Camberwell - Richmond Park
Conditions: Relatively mild, little drizzle, cloudy and VERY, VERY, VERY Windy
Total Mileage: 50 miles
Route: Camberwell/ Herne Hill/Brixton/Clapham/Wandsworth/Putney/Mortlake/Barnes/Richmond
Time: 11.30am
Food: Weetabix with Honey, Fresh Mango, Juice, Tea, Banana, Water (bottles x2), Latte, Sausage Roll - Yes not great for my diet but it was lovely and well deserved,Energy Bar (Mule Bar - Pinacolada), Mango, 2x Kiwis, Juice, tea, Teriyaki Salmon, brown rice and vegetables (Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato, Broccoli, Green beans), Nice glass of white wine.
Weight: 10st 13 1/2lbs - the ride made all the difference
Idiots encountered: 1. Girl on bike on pavement. There was a young girl cycling on the pavement, with no helmet, headphones on and texting at the same time - what is it with these people. 2. Lady on phone in car. As I approached a junction the car in front seemed to be finding it difficult to turn left - on closer inspection the female driver was trying to juggle her mobile and move it from her left hand to her right hand while turning. She then proceeded to drive down the road on the phone. I knocked on her window and she ignored me while she continued her haphazard drive down the road. Incensed i cycle up to her again and started banging on her window - she soon dropped the phone and while looking shocked, continued to drive but this time concentrating on her driving. It's illegal, dangerous and if you do it your an idiot. 3. Cut up by Car. Grant and I were cycling home and about to turn left when a car sped past us, pulled up sharply infront and turned left, cutting us up in the meantime. We made it known we were not happy and received the customary shake of the fist. The lady the pulled up further down the road to chat to a gang of friends, so we quickly cycled on - you never know in Camberwell.
Interesting Fact: February 1st saw the beginning of a six week Deer cull in Richmond Park. The gates are closed at night so enter at your peril. It takes place twice yearly in November and February. The meat is sold to local butchers, so I am sure you can guess what might be on the menu at local Richmond restaurants. Nearly 1200 deer have been shot since 2002. Those which are shot include young animals, elderly beasts and those with imperfections which could lead to birth defects in future generations. The aim is to keep the herd to about 650 (300 red and 350 fallow deer).
The deer have been kept in Royal Parks since medieval times when they were also hunted.
Embarrassing Moment: Some people will know i am not someone who likes being beaten up a hill. Today was just an easy paced ride, but even so, I like to get to the top of the hills first. As Grant and I headed up one of the hills in the park I put on a steady pace and slowly increased the pace in order to drop him. As I stated to approach the last hundred yards I felt his wheel lock on to my back wheel and as he came by my side, I got out of the saddle, turned to him and quickly said " No fucking way am I going to let you beat me........" - Ooooops - as the guy on my right looked at me with surprise, and I suddenly realized it wasn't Grant. I slowly sank back into my saddle with embarrassment.
