• 13 Dec 2024, 12:30 p.m.

    Played football yesterday. It was mostly the same old crap, different day. Near the end, possibly my last kick of the game. I was down the right wing, chopped back inside and eyed up a curled shot to the far corner. A defender was coming out to me, and another coming back, closing the space. I decided I could get the shot off. As I hit it both their arms and legs were out, about five years from me, forming a shield shaped aperture about a ball and a half width wide, by two high. Drove it through the gap, with a touch of curl, hitting the base of the far post on the first bounce, and straight in. Unstoppable. It was a peak Robbie Fowler class finish.

    Like with all addictions, I choose to remember that to bring me back to the game, rather than the crap that preceded it.

  • 27 Dec 2024, 11:46 p.m.

    Against my better judgement our annual Christmas school reunion football match has continued. This year's fixture earlier today, the first indoors, was locked at more or less level scores for 85 minutes, one side never more than 3 infront. But then a tactical masterstroke, planned over the course of the second half by the dashing hero of the hour lead to a 4 goal victory. AC Afro - Radcliffe champions 2024.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 10:41 a.m.

    As I've been with the company 5 years, this year I get an extra five annual leave days. I've got permission from the Mrs to go away with a mate for a long weekend in March. Thursday to Monday probably. Anyone got any recommendations for a trip? I'm thinking a relaxed European cycling jaunt. 60-80km a day for a few days (leaving enough time for some relaxed mornings and an afternoon on a beach etc?). Wondered whether doing a lap of Ibiza island might work, ending on a big night at a club before flying home.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 11:22 a.m.

    I've got a friend who did a cycling tour of Majorca, said it was really good.

    Or you could join the teams and do a bit of altitude training in Tenerife

  • 12 Jan 2025, 11:46 a.m.

    Noted. Will take a look.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 11:51 a.m.

    Bangkok. Fly out Thursday morning, you'll be there Friday morning. Friday daytime, I know a bloke with a studio where you can get all your holiday photos done on green screen. Then head out onto the main strip, bang a lady boy, then another, then another, then another, then another. Don't sforget to end home your holiday snaps regularly. Then fly home.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 12:05 p.m.

    I think @Jim7 of this parish does a fair amount of this sort of thing. Although he may be not on much for a bit. I believe he's currently in NZ.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 12:34 p.m.

    I spent last week cycling through Moab, Utah. This week it's Chamonix.
    Who knows where the exercise bike will take me next?

  • 12 Jan 2025, 4:30 p.m.

    I imagine it'd be a bit of a shitter if it randomly took you to within five minutes of where you actually live.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 4:35 p.m.

    I wonder how the bike would simulate all the potholes?

  • 12 Jan 2025, 7:01 p.m.

    If you haven’t been before then I’d say 100% Mallorca because it has a bit of everything - flat, rolling and mountainous - so you can go as easy or as hard as you like.
    I’ve been to tons of other places in France, Italy, Germany, Spain etc and they’re all good in their own way but none have the variety of Mallorca.
    The roads are also generally really good, with wide cycle lanes if you ever need to go on the main roads (you barely do) or plenty of back lanes. I have tons of routes you could have if you like.
    Base yourself in the north of the island though if you want this variation. Porto Pollensa is the main place with tons of bike shops, nice restaurants and cafes. For a slightly cheaper alternative try Alcudia or even Muro (all on the coast).

  • 12 Jan 2025, 7:04 p.m.

    Thinking about it, late March is hit and miss on the weather front though. For guaranteed sunshine then you’ll need to go to the canaries. Lanzarote is probably better than Tenerife but hills, hills, hills. Again, I have plenty of routes.
    I’ve heard Cyprus is good weather in March but have never been cycling there.