No fee and a win! (TT column 14.10.13)

As I get older it seems our legal system is gradually becoming more frustrating and unjust. I have now realised that this isn't due to the law changing but to the fact that I am becoming more aware of all it's pit falls. Compared with the USA we are reasonably laid back when it comes to pursuing claims against each other, although I'm not sure how long it's going to remain this way. A recent conversation with a friend highlighted this. After his claim had been settled for an incident with his parked vehicle his phone has not stopped ringing with the "no win, no fee" offers from personal injury lawyers - the fact that he was not in his vehicle at the time doesn't seem to be a mitigating factor.
The point that brought me to this topic was personal, I have just had a satisfying letter from my lawyer to inform me that justice has been done from a cycling incident I was involved in back in April. The case is now closed and what a relief that is. Sometimes you feel it is easier to forget and move on - I was apparently researched by the opposing legal team, and the fact that I had publicly written about previous self inflicted falls from my bicycle, implied that the accident was therefore my fault. Thankfully I have no lasting physical injuries from the incident so will not be answering any calls from dubious legal firms and will just continue to ride my bicycle with ever increased awareness.

Time to walk (TT column 06.10.13)

At last I am allowed to walk. Yes you heard me, although I wasn't quite sure I myself had heard the Doctor correctly. I'm now moving into the testing phase for my tibial stress fracture and have been instructed to go for three, yes just three, thirty minute walks in the first week. Being naturally active I'm sure I've been exceeding this quota on a daily basis, therefore I decided to move straight onto the next phase, adding in a little jog, and so far so good. I do feel that when heading out to do a jog/walk I should be carrying dumbbells in my hands, wearing a bumbag around my waist and sporting an eighties style headband - I've always been happy to go for a walk and love a decent run but somehow for me combining them together doesn't seem natural. I'm following the protocol as I'm desperate to recover from this injury, the frustrations now will hopefully be worth it in the long term.

I gather that summer was trying to hang on a little longer at home last weekend, I was lucky to have mine truly extended as I had a short trip to Cyprus. It was a last minute request to head out to the Mediterranean island for the Biathle World Championships, unsurprisingly not to compete. It was basically an invite to talk - so no hesitation in taking up that offer - actually the job description was to act as MC for the event. This was almost a near impossible challenge, just a few days prior I picked up the first cold I have had in about a year and disastrously my voice started to disappear. Much to the organisers horror I was pretty croaky when arriving the night before, thankfully it must have been the sunshine as I made it through two days of talking pretty much continuously.

Embracing autumn (TT column 29.09.13)

As an athlete I've always been a doer and not necessarily the most patient spectator. You might have noticed I enjoy dipping my toes in a little sailing, making the most of any spare Sunday to join the crew of a Plymouth based yacht. Having said that, for the majority of the race I might as well be a spectator as my role only lasts a minute or two per tack. This is quite the opposite to any sailor on board one of the Americas' Cup catamarans. Sailing still seems to receive too little media coverage (in my opinion) so I'm not sure whether you'll be aware of last weeks battle between the Kiwis and the Americans out in San Fransicso bay, but one thing is for certain this year most certainly made compelling viewing. It was apparently all down to our very own Sir Ben Ainslie's efforts that Team Oracle USA powered to the most incredible comeback in history. The challenge for Ainslie's future is now to secure a British team that can rival this years champions.

I've always been known to love the sun but there is still plenty to smile about as we enter the autumn. From my point of view this weekend has confirmed we are into the new season. The two affirmative factors being the change in sporting events and the return of some decent viewing to our small screens. Yes I know the rugby season has been up and running for a few weeks now, but I've just been to my first game since the summer. As for the other factor, I'm sure you have a strong idea as to what I'm referring to in particular. All I need to say is the sequin season has returned.

Embracing Autumn (TT column 29.09.13)

As an athlete I've always been a doer and not necessarily the most patient spectator. You might have noticed I enjoy dipping my toes in a little sailing, making the most of any spare Sunday to join the crew of a Plymouth based yacht. Having said that, for the majority of the race I might as well be a spectator as my role only lasts a minute or two per tack. This is quite the opposite to any sailor on board one of the Americas' Cup catamarans. Sailing still seems to receive too little media coverage (in my opinion) so I'm not sure whether you'll be aware of last weeks battle between the Kiwis and the Americans out in San Fransicso bay, but one thing is for certain this year most certainly made compelling viewing. It was apparently all down to our very own Sir Ben Ainslie's efforts that Team Oracle USA powered to the most incredible comeback in history. The challenge for Ainslie's future is now to secure a British team that can rival this years champions.

I've always been known to love the sun but there is still plenty to smile about as we enter the autumn. From my point of view this weekend has confirmed we are into the new season. The two affirmative factors being the change in sporting events and the return of some decent viewing to our small screens. Yes I know the rugby season has been up and running for a few weeks now, but I've just been to my first game since the summer. As for the other factor, I'm sure you have a strong idea as to what I'm referring to in particular. All I need to say is the sequin season has returned.

Tour (TT column 23.09.13)

It doesn't seem a whole year ago that we witnessed the Tour of Britain flying through Tavistock, it also doesn't seem a year ago that I knew nothing of cycling. Unfortunately the route didn't pass our doorstep directly this year but from the amazing crowds seen at the Haytor finish it proved the Devon supporters were still out in force. As you can imagine I was keen to watch at least part of the Tour, only I couldn't make it to Haytor so the next best thing was a trip over the bridge to Wales. There is something contradictory with driving to spectate a cycling event; I was keen to avoid this although realised that a 130 mile round trip on my bicycle after a month of no exercise was maybe a little too ambitious. I compromised and cycled from a town just accross the border. After a few hours in the pouring rain accompanied by various debates as to where we were I was starting to wonder what I was doing, I'm glad to say the sun came out on Caerphilly Mountain just as the Tour of Britain arrived. We got double the value for our money- or our effort - as the cyclists had to climb the mountain twice, once was enough for me though.

It wasn't just in Wales that I experienced some damp cycling. After a month away I wasn't going to let the rain dampen my spirits, although maybe I should have let it influence my route. I set off towards Widecombe in the fog and wet, this wasn't a problem until I got a little disorientated, lost all phone reception and then had a dreaded puncture. I had no choice but to attempt my first ever repair, unfortunately after an unsuccessful effort I had to be rescued and am yet again indebted to my father.

Back in Blighty (TT column 16.09.13)

It is time to return to reality. After a few days of being at home I must stop comparing everything back to my holiday; the fact that the temperature has halved and the cost of an hour long Thai massage is the same as a coffee back here, will soon be forgotten. Yes I have the holiday blues and it seems that I might not be alone as I've been told that the summer is now over. It's not all depressing though, I was delighted to leave the mosquitoes behind, apparently my blood tastes far too good, okay now I'm running out of other disadvantages.

As much as I found it difficult to return home there was plenty of sport to get excited about last weekend. At a local level I was involved in the Ecover Blue Mile being held in Plymouth; it was refreshing to see so many people taking part in the various water based activities and engaging in raising awareness of ocean conservation. It was primarily aimed at participation but with the presence of two London 2012 gold medallists all of the competitions soon heated up. I must admit my role was purely land based and probably a good thing as the refreshing waters of Plymouth sound might have come as a shock after the thirty plus degrees I've become accustomed to.
Staying with the Olympic theme there were more serious events happening over the weekend and we saw the crowning of two new British World Champions in triathlon and canoeing. The wave of sporting success we saw a year ago is showing no signs of ceasing.    

Taiwan is a fair distance east, meaning two flights are needed to reach the Southern city of Kaohsiung. A changeover in Hong Kong was suggested by the agency and this got me thinking, how about extending this from a few hours to a few days on my return trip. After studying the world map I decided to take this idea a little further, the route looked to brush over Thailand, one phone call later and I had a flight via Bangkok with a two and a half week stopover.

I hear summer continues at home, so i hope I won't make you too envious when I mention that I am currently on a stunning Thai Island in the Gulf. I am sitting just a stones throw from the beach as I write, and ironically the internet here on this relatively undeveloped island is far stronger than that of ours in Merrivale. This has got me thinking, what business could I set up and run from here; well it's always nice to dream.

Planning has not been high on my agenda, I arrived in Bangkok and let my adventures begin. The little bit of research I managed did warn me about the current rainy season, I think the authors of these articles have never lived on Dartmoor. In nearly two weeks I have witnessed a handful of short warm showers, although I do hope I haven't jinxed the remainder of my stay. Not only am i here in the 'off season' I have also missed the infamous full moon party this month. There is no need to feel sorry for me as it is blissfully quiet and more importantly ridiculously good value.