So, after my initial ride on a borrowed mountain bike I decided to go all in. (This is my “diamond year”, and I’m not holding back!) Bike to Work Scheme and some online shopping got me kitted out with an ebike (360kWh), shoes, pads, helmet and waterproofs. Now the bike I’m normally on has no suspension, no knobbly bits on the tyres, and no battery. My regular ride is between my house and the gym; a flat ten-minute route about three times a week (when I’m at home), and I only

Work takes me across the country, usually around the SW of England, occasionally further afield. I was in Manchester overnight, and inspired by my ski-loving cousin, I decided to try snowboarding (in snow!).  Arriving at the adult beginners lesson I raised the average age substantially.  The instructor was gentle and clear, taking the time to give attention to each of us equally.  Plenty of laughter and concentration ensued; I fell over quite a lot, but not painfully. My snow

Sometime last month I spent the weekend being trained to be a steward at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. I enjoy watching the odd game of rugby, and definitely enjoy live music. This seemed like a pleasant way to experience both in a different way, and sounded like an interesting thing to fit around work and other stuff. The first morning was power point followed by power point. All delivered by various white males over the age of 50.  I didn’t need my background in teac

My last night; a warm evening, with ice cream and gentle conversation with some lovely people. Sharing our experiences of the amazing...

If everything had gone as expected I wouldn't have had such an amazing, eye-opening time. I wouldn't have tried kite-surfing, I wouldn't...

A bump to the head, then Christmas, followed by a week in one place with no surf within reach. Still flat as a pancake. I've done lots...