Sticking One's Neck Out

Had to go into Worcester this afternoon to sort out my glasses so decided to get a Trail Map for the 'Worcester Stands Tall' trail.  This is one of the 27 calves.

There are also 30 8ft giraffes too …

Giraffa in Banana Pyjamas

Wooly Worcester

Robo Giraffe

Gregory

Blooming Lovely

The weather has been lovely here for weeks and the only rain we have had was a heavy thunderstorm a couple of days ago. I took this view of the Malverns a week ago when I was out on my bike.

I cannot remember what this tree is but it is on the corner of a junction close to where we live. It is absolutely full of blossom at the moment.

Giraffe Spotting

It is surprising what you come across when you are out cycling.  This lovely creature is one of the 30 sculptures currently on display in Worcester raising funds for St Richard's Hospice Build 2020 expansion appeal.  It is called "An Outstanding Source" and was created by Gayana Ariyaratne.

It is situated near Diglis Bridge which the 'Couch to 50k' group were crossing en route to Croome Park and then back to Malvern via Upton, Hanley Swan, Guarlford and Madresfield. It was their graduation ride. I only went along for the ride as I thought it was a nicer option than doing less miles on my own.

Whooppee for WOW

Sheena with the award

Good week and a bad week for Women on Wheels … Malvern Hills District Council awarded the group 'Club of the Year' and I am not surprised considering the amount of effort everyone puts into make it such a success.  They have encouraged lots of women to get out cycling as a group, meeting new friends and increasing their general fitness.  The trained ride leaders are all voluntary and commit a lot of their valuable time into making WOW such a success.

On the down side unfortunately one of the ride leaders had an accident on her bike this week and has broken her wrist and will be out of action for some time. Hope the break mends quickly as we will all miss Jo's help, enthusiasm and encouragement.

Biking Boys Weekend

We had the annual visit from 2 of DH's friends this last weekend.  They always arrive on their motorbikes and insist on camping in our back garden. At least they did not fall in the stream which is just beyond the green tent!!

We had a lovely meal out on Friday evening and then on Saturday the boys all went off to Chateau Impney for a car related event leaving me to have a nice peaceful day at home. On Sunday morning I whizzed off on my pushbike just before they left to do an organised cycle ride starting at 9 am with the most recent 'Couch to 50k' group.

Cycling Deja Vu

Not a cycling road, but the view from the top of one of the hills after we had left Croome Park.  I was waiting for the others to catch up before we set off back home via Upton.

A selfie by Rachel of her and the riders who were participating in the 2018 Graduation Ride for the Couch to 50k.  Pleased to say everyone managed the full distance.  I did 39.5 miles, but rode very slowly, perhaps just as well as it was very, very hot. At least I found it less challenging than the first time I did it.

An amazing lady called Louise who rode a specially adapted tricycle and completed the full distance. A fantastic achievement. Rachel kept her cool along the way with regular water sprays and encouragement.

Beetling About

As usual I went to Solo Printing with Sue Brown today, with only half an idea of what I was going to do, but ended up with some nice viscosity prints from a couple of 'beetle' plates.  I have been meaning to try them out for ages.