My wife, Elaine and I had one of those awkward negotiations this week. If you’re into cycling and your partner isn’t, you’ll know how it goes. ‘I fancy a big ride this weekend.’ Silence. ‘The forecast looks a bit rubbish on Friday and Saturday. Maybe I could go on one of those days so we … Continue reading A Big Day Out Around Exeter
Other Sports
Advancing in the Moonlight
This was a really nice feature over four pages about an overnight Audax cycling event that I rode with my friend Graeme in November. The first version appeared here on this blog and I sent in an edited version to the Audax members' magazine, Arrivée. It was published in their spring 2026 issue and I'm … Continue reading Advancing in the Moonlight
The Long Way Home
At last it’s that time of year again! The sun is out, the sky is blue, conditions are absolutely perfect for cycling, and up and down the country the same conversations are taking place in cyclists’ households. When is the best time for me to go out for a ride this weekend? It isn’t always … Continue reading The Long Way Home
Paris-Nice 2026 – the DIY version
I get on incredibly badly with winter, so I always look forward to Paris-Nice. The first major stage race of the European cycling calendar is famed for starting in the cold and wet of late winter in northern France and, over the course of the following week, making its way steadily south to meet the … Continue reading Paris-Nice 2026 – the DIY version
The Cavendish Cavaliers
Last night I was invited to the end-of-season awards night for the Cavendish Cavaliers, a very fine local cricket club that I ran and skippered for many happy years. To my surprise, the committee had an award for me and I was very proud to be offered the Presidency of the club. An absolute honour … Continue reading The Cavendish Cavaliers
Moonrakers and Sunseekers 2025
Beautiful dawn at Bournemouth It's 5.30am on a Saturday. The air is cold and crisp, bitingly sharp on the lungs. My fingers and toes are satisfyingly numb with the cold. Behind us, away to the east, the sky is starting to crimson below a thin line of grey clouds, and the warming air will soon … Continue reading Moonrakers and Sunseekers 2025
Green Lanes, Potholes and Punctures
Summer ended pretty sharpish, didn't it? One day I was sitting on the decking in the evening sunshine enjoying a pre-dinner pastis and a few olives, and the next I was sitting in my kitchen listening to the wind howl while looking up recipes for hearty stews. This country. My least favourite time of year. … Continue reading Green Lanes, Potholes and Punctures
Reflections on the Tour de France 2025
Dawn over the Rance For once I'm the first one awake. The open skylight lets in enough breeze to wake and cool me, the first light of the day creeping into the attic room, last night's beers gently fogging my brain. I quickly get myself organised, make just enough noise to say goodbye to Graeme … Continue reading Reflections on the Tour de France 2025
Following the Tour de France Day Two: Aucaleuc to Saint-Carreuc
65km, 683m climbing, 3h15min, average speed 19.8km/h Watching Geriant Thomas lead the breakaway through Saint-Carreuc Near the start of Friday's ride, recorded from Plancöet (1:05) The discussion about how to play Friday's stage started almost as soon as we got in the car, continued through dinner and drinks, and was only really concluded at breakfast. … Continue reading Following the Tour de France Day Two: Aucaleuc to Saint-Carreuc
Following the Tour de France Day One: Caen to La Boussac
200km, 1451m climbing; 11 hours 30 minutes (moving 9h30), average speed 21km/h Approaching Mont St Michel Start of the day at Ouistreham, a bit of a prologue to the day (1:28) Not for the first time in my life, I woke up in the same spot where I'd finished a beer just a few hours … Continue reading Following the Tour de France Day One: Caen to La Boussac
Blaggers' Blog 