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Alton Towers
Just back from Alton Towers with Trees and Lauren.
I cannot tell you how much I do not like that kind of place. They just hold no fun for me what so ever. I am a reluctant participant to say the least.
Trees and Lauren went on everything they could. Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, Rita Queen of Speed and others.
I managed three laps on the water rides, a kind of railroad rollercoaster before trying to empty the contents of my stomach after a trip around Nemesis. Surprised I got that far before wretching. Motion sickness runs in the family.
Have to say that I fancy Air and Rita Queen of Speed but I could not chance throwing up on passers by or my fellow riders. Maybe next time I will do them first then spend the next 3 hours recovering.
Trees and Lauren do not blink an eye. They just could not get enough.
The things you do for love.
My new toy
Having had my mountain stolen last week I have purchased a new one. Was thinking of getting a Specialized but none of my local dealers do them and I did not fancy trips to Manchester for servicing, purchasing and the like. Got a slighty cheaper Claude Butler Cape Wrath instead. I am told it is a Hardtail with disc barkes. Does not mean a great deal to me but it has had OK reviews and did not break under my weight.
Daniel did an introductory MB course on Saturday. Looking forward to getting some pointers from him when we get out and about next.
Here she is:
The 1st Canadians have arrived
Tracey and Barb have arrived. Oh, and now they are gone! 
It has been a hectic few days of catching up, travelling to castle's and eating. They are now off and on their way to Pam and Andy's. They then go out to see Jackie. Then off to Glasgow for the day. Then back to see mum. Then Lyn's wedding. I sent them off with my Tom Tom Sat Nav. Oh and mum and Lauren got to see them too.
Where do they get their energy from? I thought I had energy. Must run in the family. I am tired just watching them.
Fantastic to see them both. If you haven't got tickets to see them already you have no chance.
I have held Tracey's camera as ransome. They will have to come back and see us now.
Phew...... where ar my slippers and chair?
Glagow
I forgot to mention I had a day out working in Glasgow on Tuesday.
Met some great people and did some startegic thinking. Great to get away for the day.
Tom Tom was excellent.
Mountain Bike Fun
Bugger me, that was hard work.
Daniel and I decided the new Mountain Bikes would have a run out today. We have a couple of Trailquest events in the very near future and we need to have have ridden the cycles at least once before we are thrown (ouch) in the deep end.
Daniel had some one on one coaching last week so it was time to put his new found skills to the test in Delamere Forest.
I am not sure we are the finest examples of off road riders. But we enjoy ourselves to the limits our age, bottle and weight allows us. 30 stone of men hurtling down hills I guess can be a very scary sight.
After a little light trail cycling we came across a suitably large natural bowl with what for us was a long scary drop. After very tentative beginnings we were soon trying out different techiniques of using braking, sliding and drop the bodies bodies behind the seat post. Watch your knackers! Great fun but by heck it uses muscles that have not been used for some time.
So, with limited basic techniques we were off up and down the hardest trails we could find. You know, it is soooo difficult to stay mounted when you are crashing downhill laughing your head off and screaming like a little girl. But we did it, survived it and loved it.
At one point we decided a long straight trail had our names on it. Unfortunately we were not able to stop as we crashed across one of the main trails. Fortunately there was nobody crossing our path and we survived another moment. Must of been funny to see two Hippo on bikes crash through the forest, dash across the clearing and disaapear back in to the trees.
OK, so we only lasted a couple of hours and we are not going to get medals for bravey or skill, but I just had the most fantastic time. What a hoot.
Great Company, fantastic scenery, good for fitness and the feeling of being alive. I can recommend it.
Must be getting old
I was unbelievably tired all yesterday afternoon and through the rest of the day. The mountain bike ride around Delamere Forest took so much out of me. It took all my effort to saty awake and walk around Wrexham Centre with Trees.
I guess we were out there for a few hours but I am not sure I should have been that tired. Maybe at 45 I just have to expect it.
Having said that, it is not going to stop me. I am taking Trees over to Erddig country park this morning for a run as far over one hour as I can get out of her.
Trees has ben suffering with Hayfever fo the last week or so. Never seen it hit her so strongly. Hope she can manage the run.
Thought I was going to have a bad reaction to the curry Paul, Daniel and myself went for on Friday. Not been as bad as expected. Stephen could not join us as he has to arrange a Hospice for his dad.
Lewis got knocked out of Joseph last night. Cannot believe how upset Trees and I were. I guess Lee was always the best. We are going to see the show with Nicky and Carl later in the year.
We have also got our tickets for the Summer Ball at the local barracks with Terry. Good excuse to get dressed up and have a very formal event. Sandra, Dave, and Trevor will be also joining in. Should be good.
Llandegla Forest
Trees and I have just spent most of the day in Llandegla Forest.
A mix of running, walking, bird watching, photography and generally having a good outdoors experience.
Originally a Mountain Bike area it has had walks, a bird hide and horse riding added. It was absolutely packed but even so we managed to get lots of time alone in a great area.
Daniel, we have to get over there for a Mountain Bike experience. They have a great range of routes. A number within our capabilities.
<http://www.coedllandegla.com/index.htm>
Popped in to Ruthin afterwards. Very quiet. We found some lovely gardens around the Castle area. The Peacocks were numerous, bold and very loud.
We took this picture of a Mountain Bear sneaking in to the Llandegla Forest. Don't worry, local wardens shot it and it is being stuffed as we speak.
