View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
One from the vaults: Just what I needed
One from way back in May 2014, when I was feeling anything but chilled due to pressure of work!
Yes, I’m feeling decidedly time-pressured. This is the first time in ages I’ve had a few spare minutes to devote to my own blog. For a woman who’s allegedly “retired”, I seem to be mighty busy. I gave up a high pressured job in the City to spend time doing what I wanted to do and not the things everyone else wanted me to. Where did it all go wrong?
Don’t mind me. I’m just feeling a bit reflective after my epic fail on yesterday’s ride. At this time of year my tree pollen allergy makes me feel as if I’m riding with a heavy cold and I struggled up a climb I can usually do with ease. It was a truly glorious day. The sun shone, the countryside was green, lush and ablaze with meadow flowers, yellow broom and wild herbs whose scents seem the very essence of here. We’d rendezvoused with the boys mid-ride and enjoyed a quick cup of coffee, while gazing longingly at the sandy beach with the waves lapping the shoreline, before heading into the L’Esterel hills.
As soon as we hit the climb I started to wheeze like an asthmatic granny. No need to point out that I’m old enough to be a granny, that’s not helpful! I set my riding companion free and watched her soar up the incline, dancing away into the distance. The road was unusually busy with traffic. Depending on whether they were on two or four wheels, they seemed respectively to be practising for this week-end’s MotoGP at Le Mans or channeling their inner Sebastien Loeb.
Towards the top of the climb, on a stretch of fresh tarmac, a convoy of vehicles rushed past me. Obviously oblivious to the “A Metre Matters” campaign for cyclist safety. Their draft caught me unawares, I bobbled and my front wheel slipped unintentionally off the new tarmac and I landed ignominiously in the grass verge. I quickly leapt to my feet and brushed myself down. No one had seen my faux pas and only my pride had been bruised. I remounted and swiftly crested the summit. It was (thankfully) pretty much all downhill from there and I soon rejoined my companions who’d been topping up their tans while waiting for me to reappear.
It’ll be a recovery ride for me today!
Anyone know where I can get one of these?
Very nice. Loved the video.
Do read my latest, path-breaking article:
https://insightful.co.in/2020/05/15/china-vs-rest-of-the-world/
Warm regards.
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I trust only your pride is bruised and you have now recovered.
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Luckily I fell on grass this time, other times I’ve not been so fortunate but I’ve not done any lasting damage. It’s usually just a few cuts and bruises.
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https://youtu.be/n4OzPrskdqU You may not have seen this, Sheree, but anyone of my generation who watched it will never forget it.
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Oooh, road rash! Never seen this before, thanks.
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He was such a hero, too.
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I seem to recall some chap – was it Brian Jacks? – who was manic on these challenges. Replaced nowadays by all the « Celebrity » ones.
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I don’t remember Brian Jacks, but then I didn’t see many of them. Just googled him. He was a judo champ who won the Superstars comp.
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The name just came to me out of nowhere, thanks Derrick.
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It is amazing how often that happens.
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😎
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Cycling is risky business where I live. Few motorists seem to make even minor concessions!
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Fortunately, by and large, they’re more understanding here
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Funny how we are more concerned about our pride than if in fact we have been hurt. Still think you live a wonderful life. Great video. Buddy has a lot to learn. Lyn
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It’s pride, followed by bike and then self. Generally, adrenaline kicks in and it doesn’t hurt till you get home. Yes, you’re right, I do live a wonderful life but I could do with some help with the housework from time to time. Hope you had a good trip to Coffs Harbor and your family are fine.
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Thanks Sheree. Coffs and Mum are great. Bloody cold right now.
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I’ll send you some sunshine ☀️
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it should be a short recovery day 🙂 enjoyed the video! 🙂
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😎
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