the birm*

Beyond control.

So I had one of the most exciting drives back home EVER last night. We left G-town (I’d been at a handball course all day then co-lead youth group and picked up RC and Steve from the station) at about 8:45pm in rain/ice/sleet, stopped in for a cheeseburger and milkshake then kept driving up the mountain.

About half way the ice/sleet turned to white stuff and was all over the ground. The further we drove, the thicker it got. We crossed a snow-plough and that just made us even more excited!

In BD’, coming round a roundabout, the car we were following spun out as it was taking the turn, then a jeep on the same spot. Snow is amazing like that, once you’re sliding, it’s very difficult to re-gain control of your vehicle (having put the snow tyres on a week before was a real blessing and helped us stick to the slippery ice cream).

We were able to make it right back up to camp (the last turn was totally fresh and untracked) without chains (man these tyres are goooood!). Off to bed and woke up early this morning to total thick whiteness (15-20cm), not being able to tell where the road ended and the grass started…

50% is frustrating.

As are people who play violently but act as if they’re the victim…in any case, both of these things were not grounds to get upset and angry!

We played our 7^th game of handball on Saturday night (8:30pm!) against a well-know violent and agro team. We played fairly well, but missed way too may shots (my useless 50% scoring was the best of the whole team…) and started playing their agro and violent game, rather than good, tough handball.

So after being down 6-0 in the first few minutes we were back to 10-11 at half time, losing 19-16 after an hour’s worth of frustrating, painful, violent play.

It’s a real tester to not give back what you receive (in terms of behaviour, mouth and dirty knocks). Our defence was OK this time, we just lost the game by throwing too many goals away and playing their game rather than ours.

Anyway, I did learn a few different techniques and understood other aspects of the game I hadn’t yet. We’re still to win a game…maybe next time?

Pain from beginning to end (and after)/I’m an idiot

Well I guess all the reading about mates riding in exotic places and races influenced my decision to go for a wee spin on the GT. It was raining and cold (4 degrees), but hey, I’d be going uphill so would soon warm up…

I finished some work at camp, donned the tights, bike pants, thick thermal socks (used to be waterproof but no longer…), thermal top and sleeveless jacket.

I headed up towards les 2 Alpes (the ski resort above camp) at a pretty slow but steady pace. Having not ridden for a while meant that the climbing was pretty sustained and painful, but the temperature was perfect and the rain wasn’t bothering me. After 35 minutes/400m of vertical ascent, the rain turned to slush and then to snow. I decided to turn around when the ground became white.

As soon as I turned the bike around I knew it was going to get real painful. The snow/slush/rain was slapping my face and I had to close an eye as it was too painful. my legs, arms and face were getting real sore and cold, but my thumbs were the worst.

I tired to keep the balance between speed and safety and managed to make it back home where I immediately stripped (painfully, as the feeling was gone from my fingers) and got in a warm shower. The pain in my thumbs was unbelievable but it only lasted a few minutes. I kept bumping the temp up but it felt cold on my arms the whole time. weird.

Anyhoo, now I’ve warmed up al is well and I’m quite satisfied with the hour ride…next time I won’t be such an idiot and will wear/take the appropriate gear!

Third world countries version 3

Well it appears that in third world countries, such a France, prices at McDonalds depend on the region you’re in. hence a cheeseburger and milkshake both cost 95 euro-cents in G-town, whereas they’re 1.80 euro down south. that’s right, I agree with what you’re saying…that’s crazy! Ahhh, third world countries…