Making the most of the good weather we got out on the Mountain Bikes for the morning. Much tougher going than we thought with plenty of snow hanging round up on the tops tracks. Back brake disk went about 1/3 way out so had to cope with front brake only on the downhills. Gave me an excuse for being the slowest anyway.
Some really good climbs early on managed to finish me off, definitely a good bit of training needed before the End 2 End.. Ended up around 3 hours but it was slow going up over the top tracks. Ace to get out in the sunshine and a really good morning out. Made a nice change from cycling in the dark on nights after work.
We took a trip out today to Castletown and Derbyhaven to make the most of there being some sunshine. We had a bit of a photo competition as we went round. Not really sure who won but here’s the photos anyway. Got to say I made more of an effort by actually getting out of the car. All of Don’s are taken from out the car window as she wasn’t prepared to move from the hot air blowers!
Tried to make the most of the decent weather today and took a wander out around Glen Maye. We were going to head up over the slabs on to Dalby through to Eary Cushlin but it was like a river coming down the footpath. Instead we took a detour up through to Glen Rushen before cutting up through the fields to Arrasey Plantation. From here we got on the old road that drops back down in to Glen Maye behind the old Post Office. Ground is still pretty wet round abouts but great to be out in the sunshine. Roll on Spring!
Decided it was about time we got into making a Sunday Roast so went out yesterday and picked up a Half Shoulder of Manx Lamb. Also pushed the boat out and got fresh veg, made our own roast spuds and homemade gravy. Only bit we cheated on really was Aunt Bessie’s Yorkshire Puddings. But having just made the best Roast Potatoes I’ve ever eaten I reckon next Sunday could see us attempt some homemade Yorkies too.
Don found a Lamb recipe online for Rosemary and Honey Lamb which was fantastic. I’m made up. I love Sunday dinner but been too lazy to make it properly before. It was so easy though so hopefully this will be a weekly feature. Just need to get into making scones and it will be just Sundays as a kid again.
Oh yeah, found a pretty groovy red wine too. I’m not really a red wine drinker but have always liked the idea of it. It looks wicked (think I think of Ribena when I see a glass) and now I’ve found a red wine that delivers. Alcoholic Ribena!!! Well not far off anyway. Brown Brother Cienna wine which I’ve just found out has a Facebook Fanpage too!
Just starting to get into Mountain Biking and probably had my hardest ever ride out tonight. Don’t think my body has ever been pushed like this before and think I was pretty close to my limit today. Absolutely loving getting out and hitting tracks that I’ve never been on before. Nice to find bits of the Island I’ve not been to before. Route tonight is below.
The Isle of Man Queenie Festival has launched it’s 2009 Manx Queenie Recipe Competitions; one for the general public and one for Chefs and the hospitality sector.
Get your aprons on and get your recipe entered for a chance to win £100 of seafood (Public comp).
Not sure why it’s taken me until now but today I walked from Douglas to Peel along the old Railway line for the first time. I was even more amazed that Don decided to join me, as a chocolate, Eastenders, Corrie loving Brummy walking isn’t usually top of her list!
It ended up 10.7 miles from our door to the Creek in Peel where we enjoyed a well earned pint before taking the bus back to Douglas. It actually took us a ittle longer than expected because of a couple of pit stops on the way. Took us about 3 1/2 hours and we averaged just under 3 miles per hour so a gentle pace. I reckon I’ll feel it tomorrow, legs are already feeling a little stiff.
The walk itself is a great walk, flat all the way and through some beautiful country. I was gutted I forgot to bring my camera so might have to do it again next weekend. It is always strange seeing the Island from a different perspective and I’d never seen it from in the valley before. Nice passing the old farms and hidden houses with plenty of nice gardens to nosey in along the way. Continue reading
Just found this really great site all about local blogging. Well worth checking out. Plenty of cool tips and just an interesting look at blogging for a local market. US focussed but the principals can be applied anywhere.
It’s also inspired me to take a look at this blog when I find some spare time. Desperately in need of a face lift and a refocus I think!
Making the most of the good weather we got out on the Mountain Bikes for the morning. Much tougher going than we thought with plenty of snow hanging round up on the tops tracks. Back brake disk went about 1/3 way out so had to cope with front brake only on the downhills. Gave me an excuse for being the slowest anyway.
