RSS FeedsTurn On, Tune in and Pedal On
by Andy on Wednesday, July 11th, 2007Another day on the road. I drink a large coffee, pack the trailer and panniers pedal on to the next big adventure. Each new experience is challenging my preconceptions and leaving me with an excitement and anticipation for the next one.
The most difficult thing so far is the challenge of working in a team and sharing responsibilities as a group, taking into account three sets of ideas. However it is ultimately a very rewarding experience.
What is completely unexpected is the amount of hospitality we have received. Through asking people where to camp or to fill water bottles, we have been invited in for coffee, even food and a place to sleep or camp. For me this is the most interesting aspect of the trip so far, and offers a glimpse into the philosophy and lifestyle of different people.
The weather has been dreadful with the best in England. We have asked people about the climate along the way and the general response is that it is unusual for the time of year. It has been incredibly changeable from warm and sunny to rainstorms. A few days ago we stopped in village to buy some vegetables from a local farmer and much of his produce was unavailable due to being ruined by the rain. We have seen many farmers harvesting there crops early due to the heatwave in April. As we are asking people about climate change and experience the weather first hand, it is interesting to see if it is a freak occurence or a possible trend.
Our next destination is the WWF near Geneva where we will be stopping for a couple of days and then heading into the Alpes to Les Gets for some off-road riding. I am looking forward to the possibility of seeing the Tour de France en route in the Alpes, although I won’t be trying to keep up. From then on we will be making a decision about the route, whether to head East or continue south into Spain.
July 11th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Good to have an update. Where’s that podcast we are all waiting for? Joint decision making is difficult but work at it, listen to one another, be fair, accept the decision made and go forward. No holding grudges you need each other in the bad times. And at the end of the day your time is your own, enjoy your adventures. Just some motherly advice!!!!!!!!
Lots of love xxxxxx
July 11th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Andy - why head East or South? Why don’t you just go UP? That’s my best advice - maybe a small spell in orbit can help you acclimatise to the high altitude in the Alps.
Have you encountered any ‘Hedge Wizards’ or ‘Trolls’ that I hear they have in the continent? If so, has Tom cunningly painted any of them in exquisite detail yet using his cunningly hidden trout shaped brush?
Also, when you are in Geneva - Try and live up to the reputation of being typically English - a spot of hoolilganism here and there works wonders!
Ben.
July 11th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
East is good :)
good luck for the rest! I think you are all doing great!xxxxxxx raspberry beans
July 12th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
West from Swiss land must be lots more downhill than East which must be LOTS more uphill. And you get away from the Lederhosen, although remembering that picture outside the Bothy in Scottish land some of you might rather enjoy them.
Just throw a rope round the Tour de France Peloton as it goes steaming by and hang on.
Stiff upper lip and all that Chaps, remember you’re British - and don’t mention the war.
July 13th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Good advice all. Thanks. xx
July 18th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Hi Boys! Just wanted to let you know we are keeping track back here @ ExtremeGB!
Good Luck!!!
July 18th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
thank you for episode One, was good to see you and what happened at the party and the day you left, very emotional, awesome… good luck Andrew and boys xxxxxxx