Posted by Gary
Monday, 29 April 2013
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Thank You 98 Days to Go
Posted by Gary
98 days until the big day, if Kati had moaned this much leading up to our other big day I would never have married her. But seriously I wouldn't change a thing because of the support we have had from friends and family, not just donating money, but encouraging gifts arriving in the post such water bottles, puncture repair kits and cycling inspired jewellery creations from creative friends. We have friends who have given up their weekends to cycle with us and so many who have already booked hotels in London so they can support us on the day.
We have raised £962 (excluding gift aid) which is fantastic considering we have over 3 months to go. Another £38 and we are in to quadruple figures, If we could get there this weekend it would be amazing. Once again a massive thank you for all your support and donations so far.
98 days until the big day, if Kati had moaned this much leading up to our other big day I would never have married her. But seriously I wouldn't change a thing because of the support we have had from friends and family, not just donating money, but encouraging gifts arriving in the post such water bottles, puncture repair kits and cycling inspired jewellery creations from creative friends. We have friends who have given up their weekends to cycle with us and so many who have already booked hotels in London so they can support us on the day.
We have raised £962 (excluding gift aid) which is fantastic considering we have over 3 months to go. Another £38 and we are in to quadruple figures, If we could get there this weekend it would be amazing. Once again a massive thank you for all your support and donations so far.
Thursday, 25 April 2013
My Bike Hates Me
Posted by Kati (well what's left of her)
It's official. There I was cycling away, turning slowly and the next minute off it chucks me. My arm went out (ouch) and my knee went down. Evil little bike. So while I'm 'whimpering' on the side of the path (thank god no one was around) Gary aka my hero finds the whole thing slightly amusing (he was smirking while trying to cox me up, I know him well enough to know that once he had established I hadn't actually broke anything his sympathy dissolved). So here's my injury. Evil bike I always knew it hated me! (I suspect the emotional scars will be ever lasting).......
It's official. There I was cycling away, turning slowly and the next minute off it chucks me. My arm went out (ouch) and my knee went down. Evil little bike. So while I'm 'whimpering' on the side of the path (thank god no one was around) Gary aka my hero finds the whole thing slightly amusing (he was smirking while trying to cox me up, I know him well enough to know that once he had established I hadn't actually broke anything his sympathy dissolved). So here's my injury. Evil bike I always knew it hated me! (I suspect the emotional scars will be ever lasting).......
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Biking with some Besties
Posted by Kati
Just a little thank you for a perfect weekend cycle with some of our nearest and dearest. Despite the fact we only had old bikes spare (Bec's came from my nan with painful seat to boot, Carly spent the first three miles with the brake permanently on and Dan's was possibly the heaviest I've ever come across) Always better to cycle with friends (it helps they encourage with gin and champagne at the end) Ace weekend and if anyone else fancies a day on a bike, the encouragement was a treat! Thanks guys much appreciated.
Just a little thank you for a perfect weekend cycle with some of our nearest and dearest. Despite the fact we only had old bikes spare (Bec's came from my nan with painful seat to boot, Carly spent the first three miles with the brake permanently on and Dan's was possibly the heaviest I've ever come across) Always better to cycle with friends (it helps they encourage with gin and champagne at the end) Ace weekend and if anyone else fancies a day on a bike, the encouragement was a treat! Thanks guys much appreciated.
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Fly Eating...... Not the Diet Supplement I Envisaged
Posted by Kati
Is this normal? Am I abnormal? I have discovered that not only do I sleep with my mouth open (I have mastered the art of doing this without looking like a complete tool when sharing a room with friends/anyone other than Gary by simply leaving a 'little gap' between my lips - clever huh!) However I have discovered I also cycle with my mouth open! I didn't realise I did this prior to the onset of Spring (not sure it's quite here yet even though it's well over due!) Basically Spring/warmer weather seems to bring flying bugs that gravitate towards my mouth! I suspect these poor unsuspecting creatures tend to fly around like I cycle, all effort and no co-ordination.
It's a bit gross and I'm unsure of a cure (I tried closing my mouth but while a simple solution I realised its necessary for me to breath!) So any thought on this, proven cures etc would be a great help.....
Is this normal? Am I abnormal? I have discovered that not only do I sleep with my mouth open (I have mastered the art of doing this without looking like a complete tool when sharing a room with friends/anyone other than Gary by simply leaving a 'little gap' between my lips - clever huh!) However I have discovered I also cycle with my mouth open! I didn't realise I did this prior to the onset of Spring (not sure it's quite here yet even though it's well over due!) Basically Spring/warmer weather seems to bring flying bugs that gravitate towards my mouth! I suspect these poor unsuspecting creatures tend to fly around like I cycle, all effort and no co-ordination.
It's a bit gross and I'm unsure of a cure (I tried closing my mouth but while a simple solution I realised its necessary for me to breath!) So any thought on this, proven cures etc would be a great help.....
Matt Bradley Lance Tour de France Taylor
Posted by Gary
Matt has decided to extend his name to Matt Bradley Lance Tour de France Taylor. I think he has been having too many barbies and tinnies whilst working in Australia. He would be better spending his time blogging. (haha, this should get a reaction)
Matt has decided to extend his name to Matt Bradley Lance Tour de France Taylor. I think he has been having too many barbies and tinnies whilst working in Australia. He would be better spending his time blogging. (haha, this should get a reaction)
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Clip me on Baby!
Posted by Kati
As Gary has bought me some new cycling 'clip me on and hope for the best' shoes, this evening was the time of reckoning to test them out (After a day over at Caernarfon and the joy that is the A55 roadworks, all I wanted was a gentle cycle and a bath). Still off we went and apart from a bit of a wobble at the roundabout I pretty much coped & was grateful for the power in my feet and of the distraction they bought. Its been a rough few days and I've found cycling has opened up a whole new side of losing Simon. I can pretty much cope on a daily basis by thinking as little as possible & imagining he's just moved & a bit busy. I know it's odd but it keeps me working and able to function. However all these miles of cycling with no distractions and it's really hard not to over think & that's more painful than anything that's going on with my thighs, bum & back. I would cycle a million miles every day for the rest of my life if I could change things (with or without clips!)
As Gary has bought me some new cycling 'clip me on and hope for the best' shoes, this evening was the time of reckoning to test them out (After a day over at Caernarfon and the joy that is the A55 roadworks, all I wanted was a gentle cycle and a bath). Still off we went and apart from a bit of a wobble at the roundabout I pretty much coped & was grateful for the power in my feet and of the distraction they bought. Its been a rough few days and I've found cycling has opened up a whole new side of losing Simon. I can pretty much cope on a daily basis by thinking as little as possible & imagining he's just moved & a bit busy. I know it's odd but it keeps me working and able to function. However all these miles of cycling with no distractions and it's really hard not to over think & that's more painful than anything that's going on with my thighs, bum & back. I would cycle a million miles every day for the rest of my life if I could change things (with or without clips!)
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Long mile cycles - is what my weekend have become!
Posted by Kati
Thought I'd write a little update about how everything's going. Basically this week along with our usual 10 milers in the week we did a 30 mile coastal cycle (with hills, that pretty much killed me). I'm feeling proud of this as I did with last weeks 35 miles. I know it's not 100 miles or even 50 but I do think it's getting slightly easier (well I am recovering faster if this means the same thing?) That's not to say it feels it while we're out! With Gary encouraging words of wisdom (at one point he actually shouted over his shoulder, "come on you t*t") and the not so encouraging wind (why oh why is it always against us on the way back when I need it the most?) but I'm getting there! My bike is working like a dream, thoughts of divorcing my trainer are getting less frequent & the saddle sore bum is taking longer to appear!
Thought I'd write a little update about how everything's going. Basically this week along with our usual 10 milers in the week we did a 30 mile coastal cycle (with hills, that pretty much killed me). I'm feeling proud of this as I did with last weeks 35 miles. I know it's not 100 miles or even 50 but I do think it's getting slightly easier (well I am recovering faster if this means the same thing?) That's not to say it feels it while we're out! With Gary encouraging words of wisdom (at one point he actually shouted over his shoulder, "come on you t*t") and the not so encouraging wind (why oh why is it always against us on the way back when I need it the most?) but I'm getting there! My bike is working like a dream, thoughts of divorcing my trainer are getting less frequent & the saddle sore bum is taking longer to appear!
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Spoilt Myself
Posted by Gary
Training went well this week, it helped that the weather is getting better and we can go out after work now the nights are lighter. Culminated in a 30 miler on Saturday. I also treated myself to some second hand brakes and carbon forks off eBay. The forks are so much lighter than the aluminium ones, now Kati wants some for her bike because she thinks I have an unfair advantage. I have to carry the water bottles now to keep her quiet, oh the joys of cycling with your wife.
Training went well this week, it helped that the weather is getting better and we can go out after work now the nights are lighter. Culminated in a 30 miler on Saturday. I also treated myself to some second hand brakes and carbon forks off eBay. The forks are so much lighter than the aluminium ones, now Kati wants some for her bike because she thinks I have an unfair advantage. I have to carry the water bottles now to keep her quiet, oh the joys of cycling with your wife.
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
Upped to 35 miles
Posted by Gary
We upped our weekend cycle to 35 miles. We felt good after 12.5 miles so we thought we should do another 5 miles before we turned back. I wish we didnt live on a mountain, because we finish with climbs all the time. And I realised we felt good half way because we had the wind behind us, so not only did we have the climbs on the way back but a head wind as well. Of course this wiped the smile off Kati's face. Kati made a video of our own version of Box Hill on the coastal path. She decided to do a bit of narration with it, I dont know why but she seemed to be narrating it for the under 5's, have a look.
We upped our weekend cycle to 35 miles. We felt good after 12.5 miles so we thought we should do another 5 miles before we turned back. I wish we didnt live on a mountain, because we finish with climbs all the time. And I realised we felt good half way because we had the wind behind us, so not only did we have the climbs on the way back but a head wind as well. Of course this wiped the smile off Kati's face. Kati made a video of our own version of Box Hill on the coastal path. She decided to do a bit of narration with it, I dont know why but she seemed to be narrating it for the under 5's, have a look.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Two Training Sessions in One Day
Just thought I'd update you as I'm mighty proud of my little self. As its International Epilepsy Awareness Day I have completed two training sessions today! A good hour this morning on the evil rollers before work & then another 50 minutes 10 mile cycle this evening (may I add in a head wind surrounded by snow!) impressed? You should be, I am! Maybe even, some would say all the effort is worth a bonus donation?? ;)
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Cycling on Ice
Posted by Gary
Nothing can stop me training. Cycling on ice, sounds like it could be a hit TV show.
Nothing can stop me training. Cycling on ice, sounds like it could be a hit TV show.
Friday, 22 March 2013
Ordered business Cards
Posted by Gary
Ordered business cards today, thay sould be with us in a week. We will post some to Matty, then we really can start spreading the word. I hope the photos of us don't put people off.
Ordered business cards today, thay sould be with us in a week. We will post some to Matty, then we really can start spreading the word. I hope the photos of us don't put people off.
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Rolling on the Rollers
Posted by Kati
Thought I'd update you on my progress. Feeling slightly better about the whole cycling malarkey. I have 'upped' the miles I'm doing in the week and after 50 minutes spinning on the rollers after work this evening I actually feel fine! Still the whole 100 miles seems extremely daunting at this point but the support we have received so far has kept me going and inspiring me to push a little more each day. Saying that I am dreading the snow predicted weather this weekend but when Simon decided he was going to get fit I watched him go out in all weathers for many hours so guess I have no excuse not to make him proud. I hope he is xx
Thought I'd update you on my progress. Feeling slightly better about the whole cycling malarkey. I have 'upped' the miles I'm doing in the week and after 50 minutes spinning on the rollers after work this evening I actually feel fine! Still the whole 100 miles seems extremely daunting at this point but the support we have received so far has kept me going and inspiring me to push a little more each day. Saying that I am dreading the snow predicted weather this weekend but when Simon decided he was going to get fit I watched him go out in all weathers for many hours so guess I have no excuse not to make him proud. I hope he is xx
Old Photo
Posted by Gary
Came across an old photo from 17 years ago when I used to cycle a bit. I am far right. I don't look any older now, haha
Came across an old photo from 17 years ago when I used to cycle a bit. I am far right. I don't look any older now, haha
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
The 100 Mile Route
Posted by Gary
We had quite an easy 10 miles training today, It must have been easy Kati didn't cry, might have to get on the rollers for 40 mins tonight.
Just so you can see the route we will be taking on the 4th Aug I have posted the map (red & red/blue). And watch out for some blogs off Matty who is working down under, he has bought a bike today.
We had quite an easy 10 miles training today, It must have been easy Kati didn't cry, might have to get on the rollers for 40 mins tonight.
Just so you can see the route we will be taking on the 4th Aug I have posted the map (red & red/blue). And watch out for some blogs off Matty who is working down under, he has bought a bike today.
Monday, 18 March 2013
Thank You Gift
Posted by Gary
As a thank you from Team Si and hopefully encourage maybe a few more donations, I have re-worked one of my favourite art pieces I did a few years ago and decided to give an 8 x 10 mounted signed and numbered print to everybody who donates £20.00 or more to the Epilepsy Society on the teamsilondon100 page. All you need to do, once you have donated, is email teamsilondon100@gmail.com with your name and address and we will post you a print.
My intension in this photograph although ambiguous, was to use the purple colour of the epilepsy society to highlight how there can be unnecessary negative perceptions of epilepsy which can lead to social avoidance and even discrimination in the workplace. Education and awareness is the way forward, the Epilepsy Society is committed to this and many other aspects including "campaigning with people effected by epilepsy to influence society, government and media."
As a thank you from Team Si and hopefully encourage maybe a few more donations, I have re-worked one of my favourite art pieces I did a few years ago and decided to give an 8 x 10 mounted signed and numbered print to everybody who donates £20.00 or more to the Epilepsy Society on the teamsilondon100 page. All you need to do, once you have donated, is email teamsilondon100@gmail.com with your name and address and we will post you a print.
My intension in this photograph although ambiguous, was to use the purple colour of the epilepsy society to highlight how there can be unnecessary negative perceptions of epilepsy which can lead to social avoidance and even discrimination in the workplace. Education and awareness is the way forward, the Epilepsy Society is committed to this and many other aspects including "campaigning with people effected by epilepsy to influence society, government and media."
Sunday, 17 March 2013
25 miles 550 ft climbs
Posted by Gary
Picture of myself and Kati looking chirpy before we went on our cycle today. After 25 miles, 550 ft climbs, rain and a cold wind we didn't look so chirpy. Wanted to take a picture after the ride, Kati wasn't so keen, I thought the tears running down her cheeks would make a good shot. In the dog house again, might have to get her a new trainer haha.
Picture of myself and Kati looking chirpy before we went on our cycle today. After 25 miles, 550 ft climbs, rain and a cold wind we didn't look so chirpy. Wanted to take a picture after the ride, Kati wasn't so keen, I thought the tears running down her cheeks would make a good shot. In the dog house again, might have to get her a new trainer haha.
Thursday, 14 March 2013
My Thoughtful Husband
Just thought I'd share this little gem. I got home from work this evening to Gary excitedly telling me he had a present for me (not the cycling mag he bought me yesterday-total romantic that he is!) A proper 'ladies seat' with good padding and a central cut out section (the mind boggles) but hey he 'prettied' it up with a daff!
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