Predictable old me.

January, and it's resolutions pretty much went up in smoke. I drank 3 times in the month, after planning not to drink. I didn't lose any weight; but didn't put any on either, and I only managed to get 270 miles done on the bike; which I guess can be excusable because of the weather, and I didn't really advance my maths knowledge as far as I'd liked. We're in February now, and I am still a maths retard. I was doing linear equations, and quadratic (sort of getting, but not quite); but I've realised after doing one of the level 2 papers, that I need to swat up on the more remedial stuff first, before I press on. I have until mid June to get up to speed; I've never been confident about getting the B in Maths; but it's the only option that I have, so I must go with it.  If I don't get a B, then I don't get the position it's as simple as that.  If I keep procrastinating, then it's my own damn fault if I'm moaning on here about not passing, come August.  I had my third English language assessment back, in which I got the top band; so that's 3 in the top band so far; next week's controlled assessment, is the 'rant' - I have a feeling I will get maximum marks for that. So, I'm ticking over nicely for an A in English, and I'd like to think I'm ticking over nicely for an A in Literature as well. The sciences, maybe A's, possibly B's. I've felt so sorry for myself today, and yesterday. What's passed is past.

I had a tax rebate last week, from 2007;  and I also had a few winners on the horses, so I went in to spontaneous spending mode; and as I type this, I now have little money left. But I'm pretty happy with my purchases:

1: Seaworthy; adrift with William Willis in the golden age of rafting - T.R Pearson
A novelist, pretty much summarizes my HERO; William Willis' adventures. I've been meaning to get this for a few years now; I guess it was on my wish list. I look forward to reading it.

2: The Real Heroes of Telemark - R Mears
Not really a fan of Ray; I think he's a pompous scrotum; but to be fair to him, this book is fantastic. I'm interested in this, obviously, because of Knut Haugland taking part in the raid, before his exploits on the Kon-Tiki.  I've read it, but it was that good, I felt I should buy it. The gripping account 2 Norwegian resistance operations, gunnerside, and grouse; just about sabotaging a heavy water production plant at Vermok.   Heavy water is instrumental in getting a nuclear reactor going; so the stakes were high! Although it has recently been shown that the barrels that they "sank" didn't contain enough of the stuff to be a danger. Still.


3:  I'd recently watched a cracking documentary called Deep Water, on the none stop around the world Yacht race, in 1968. I was particularly interested in Donald Crowhurst; who essentially, went mental, and pretty much killed himself, but we'll never know. I have the book to read, I've had it for a while; Tom Mcnally, the fearless atlantic crossing record holder gave it to me. I was also interested in Bernard Moitessier - The Long Way - Who essentially, was about to win the race; and decided that he would turn his boat around, and carry on sailing around the world. I'm very eager to read this book.  I've also purchased Robin Knox Johnsons' A World of My Own: The First Ever Non-stop Solo Round the World Voyage - I guess he won the coveted prize by default. I'm sure it will make for some good reading.

4. I purchased "The best of: The Kingston Trio" on CD

5. Had my mudguards fitted on my winter bike, and I also purchased a pannier, and a rack bag; so my winter bike looks like I'm a right "tourer" - I guess you've got to be into cycling to know what a "tourer" actually is. My definition is "Middle aged/Elderly male, with a bike fitted with lots of baggage; slow travelling, and probably carrying NOTHING AT ALL"  I'll basically be using it for my long rides, so I can take food/water/waterproofs. I also purchased some new electrolyte tablets as I've ran out of my SIS GO. I was doing 70 mile rides last year, and when I started on the electrolytes, I was getting about 20 or more miles before getting totally drained. These one's I've bought have fewer calories.

Fucking Christ,  I'm starting to bore myself now. To be honest, I was bored when I started writing this.

I also spent £200.00 on a weekend in Krakow, Poland. Last week, I was kicking a can; moaning to myself about not having the money to get away; the next day; BAM- tax rebate. I am going with my friend from my days at secondary school, Paul. It should be funny, with my volatility, and his OCD; it should make for an odd weekend to say the least. I will try and borrow a camera and take some pictures of shitty old buildings and such. There's the option to visit the concentration camps; but, I'm really not sure this is something I want to do; I will decide when I get there. So, In just 2 weeks time, I'll be leaving for Poland. I'm still scared of flying; but, I need to face the fear, because, when I become a deck officer, I'll be flying all over the show.  I wasn't supposed to pay that much, and I'm pretty much as cheesed off as I can be. If you book via Icelolly.com, be sure to do some background checks on the company before you even ring them; my company, "Deal of the day holidays" - part of "jetline" are absolute cretins, and should be avoided at all costs.

Summer of.....life of discontent.

Tenerife was frustrating on all levels. When we landed, I was visually impressed. I was harbouring thoughts that it was going to be decent.  I knew before I went that I wouldn’t have much in common with the people I was going with, but I think if I just stand back from the entire situation, I don’t really have much in common with anyone these days, never mind a bunch of student nurses, and a random south African called Stem.

 View from the roof of the hotel...the row of palm trees is where my wallet was taken...


 The 1^st night pretty much set up the sentiments for the rest of the holiday. There was a host of drunken arguments in the first few days, and I ended up getting my wallet pick pocketed during one of the arguments; the Spanish police were utterly useless.  The resort of Playa De Las Americas was pretty grim. Think Blackpool with Palm Trees. People constantly hassling you into restaurants, and sell you shit sunglasses.   

Day two seen a long term ambition achieved; Going out sailing.  Unlucky for me; I was sea sick! On day three, I was close to booking a flight home; but was put off by the price. The Holiday rep was pretty understanding about the whole thing; and she kindly offered to let me tag along with all the Thomas Cook reps. I felt totally isolated from the people I was travelling with, so I decided to take the kind strangers offer.  I managed to let my hair down, and ended up having a decent night, although the ensuing drama returning home sort of cancelled it all out.   At one point I ended up going for a hill walk, which turned into some sort of team building exercise.  I had a lot of fun, and I can certainly see how team building exercises are used. 

 Views from the hill walk...

 Me, on the top of the hotel....

Asked the fellah how much the canary was to eat.....

 Walking down a street in Vilaflor

 Praying that the bus would turn up when leaving vilaflor

 Vilaflor again . . .

 Really loved the quirky little buildings...and glad I got to see the real Tenerife....

This is a view from Arona; the final destination of my ascent on the bike..

Some hippys, that live in tent/caves year round. 

 Then came the bike hire day, which was the 5^thand definitely the best day of the trip. I’d intended to ride to Vilafor, but not long after beginning my ascent, it became apparent that the bike I’d hired wasn’t up to the task, and neither was my un-acclimatised body. See pics above, of Arona.

 Regardless of me leaving early, by 9.30, I was sweating profusely. When it’s economically viable, and I’ve lost a few more stone, I’m going to go on a full on cycling holiday, either in Tenerife, or possibly south france/northern spain. I don’t think there’s a better feeling than an hour and a half of sweating and pushing like hell and looking back down at all you’ve conquered.  Not one to be diverted from my goal, I made my descent back to the Hell hole that is “Playa De Las Americas” (Spicy Blackpool) after encountering the real Tenerife, a random chicken in the road, a nice restaurateur who could have ripped me off, but didn’t, some feral dogs, and a stricken lizard in a lolly ice wrapper that I saved; me, and Christine got on a bus (several), and headed up to Vilaflor which was truly an experience. You’re so high that you’re in the clouds. It’s madness that all this civilization exists so high up, and the buildings are rich in character! It was like a Ghost town when we arrived (Possibly during siesta) but we found a cafe next to the main square and tucked into some delicious Canarian cuisine. I’d tell you what it was like, but that would make me a big fat hypocrite, as I’m always sounding off about morons who watch cooking programmes and them being a total waste of time (the programmes and the watchers)  Anyway....Canarian potatoes. Yes! 

In hindsight, I did have a good time overall, despite what happened. I had serious blues for a week after!

 Two days after arriving back, I went out Birkenhead Victoria CC on a club run and I was not expecting it. I took water with me instead of my usual isotonic drinks, and was in for a serious eye opener as we rode to Llangollen. We ended up covering about 90 miles. I squashed a testicle going up the horseshoe pass, so I was off the bike for a good 5 minutes being sick at the side of the road. Stupid road pedals not clicking in! Then we made our way back from the Cafe at Llangollen; I was unprepared and unaware as to what was about to transpire; riding over “worlds end”. I’m not entirely sure of gradient, but I was dropped pretty much instantaneously and the ascent seemed to get steeper and steeper; then without warning, the mechanism that allows the wheel to turn after you pedal gave way; so I had to basically ride up this monster without any reprieve. It was nearly impossible to get the bike going again after stopping, something that was needed given the mechanical failures my bike had encountered. After getting over the top, my bike thankfully begun to work a little better, but I was shot to fuck. Lagging behind the rest of the bunch, I felt like such a letdown, after riding so well on my previous club run to Beeston; I was 3^rd up the hills then and well pleased with how I was riding.  I put it down to the Tenerife ride, and the bike being fucked. I bought my old bike back of my mate; as my new Bianchi had failed me, and was getting fixed.

 The next club run was even more of a disappointment. We went to Llandudno at a pretty fast pace; and I decided to ride up the Great Orme.  Essentially my confidence was writing cheques that my ability couldn’t cash. I was trying out a new supplement to stop me from burning out that had been recommended to me by the cycling guru within the club I’m in....all sorts of jazzy electrolytes in it!  Now, I usually burn out at 70 miles, but managed to keep it going for 85, coupled with me riding up a stupidly steep hill, and yet more mechanical short comings, I ended up out the back of the group again. I ended up telling them to carry on. I disappointed myself. I soldiered on, and caught sight of them again close to the finishing point; which was a slight redeemer.

I opted out of this weekend’s club run, because my gears were bust, and I was a bit reluctant to be the anchor again. I stupidly went out drinking!  I’d be here all day expressing how pissed off I am at myself, but I’m not going to bother. Today, I shaved 2 minutes of my shockingly bad ten mile time; and I had a nice solo ride out to Holt...60 Miles in the bag.

I have an assessment later this month at Liverpool Community College. It’s pretty much all or nothing here. I’ve spent the last 3 and a half years working towards a goal. Getting in the Merchant Navy. Trying to lose weight, get fit, and get the qualifications and all that jazz. I’ve washed up with the idea of going in the RN, and I’ve also washed up with the idea of going in the RFA; they’ve had their budget slashed, they’re not taking on, plus, I hate rejection, and I’m not ready for another NO. I’ve encountered rejection, I’ve suffered, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, and I’ve changed. The plan now, is to finish this job next week, and all being well, ace my 5 GCSE’s. Come January, I’ll be getting interviews for HNC places for next September. Sponsored Deck position in the Merchant Navy...age 28, finally settling down to a “career”.  So by 30, I’ll be up and running. This is of course pending the outcome of my assessment. I’m not going to talk about a contingency plan, because it’s first and foremost negative to do so, and secondly, and seriocomically I don’t have a plan B. All the metaphorical eggs are in one basket here.


Assessment on the 24th August, pay day on the 26th. I'm debating riding to Hereford, which is 100 miles from mine and staying at a B&B, then heading down to Cornwall, just with a back pack with minimal essentials. I keep thinking of mechanical failures, and my lack of mechanical knowledge though; so I may just take the dog, the tent, the car, and go "where ever"   In any case, I am looking forward to some splendid isolation at the end of August. If I come back and find I don't have a place on the course.....fun and games beckon!