How to avoid running injuries

How to avoid running injuries

There is nothing more disapointing to a runner than suffering an injury. Days, Weeks, months, and even years of training and fitness can go out the wondow if you slip on the ice, turn over your ankle, or a chronic overuse injury. I'm writing this with experience of chronic over use. Running Injured Sports scientists say between 30 and 80% of regular runners, amateur or Pro have an injury in a given year. Other fitness experts narrow that to nearly 70% of all runners will become injured at some point. The chances are,…continue reading →
A Beginner’s Guide to Walking and Hiking

A Beginner’s Guide to Walking and Hiking

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. The photo above reminds me of the two friends Frodo and Sam as they set out from the shire on there big adventure, not knowing whats around the corner. When you think of proper walking or hiking, you probably picture a group of people with walking boots, walking sticks (ski sticks), oversized backpacks, looking…continue reading →
Review – Cube AMS 100 Comp

Review – Cube AMS 100 Comp

The German brand Cube are slowly setting up a UK network of dealers and with the bikes I've seen so far I've been impressed with the build, ride and value for money they offer over established brands in the UK. Cube offer a 'choose your own finishing parts' options. You pick from either a frame and fork with headset and stem, or a complete bike, which you then choose the groupset, fork and brakes you want. Both options offer great value for money and build quality is superb. My Cube AMS is now…continue reading →
Essential tips for your first-time wild camping

Essential tips for your first-time wild camping

Photo above from Coleman Tents. Camping wild is something everyone should experience in my eyes, however there are some very simple gold rules to remember. Here are my top tips for wild camping to that you have a great trip and a wonderful nights sleep under the stars. 1 Where in the countryside are you allowed to wild camp in the UK? Scotland is the only location where you can legally camp in the wild. England, Wales and Northern Ireland you need to ask the landowner’s permission. However in many hills areas such…continue reading →
Holidaying with mans best friends

Holidaying with mans best friends

My dogs are very much part of my family, so why would I leave them at home when I go on holiday? Well I don't! Over the years I have spent a great deal of time hunting the internet for dog friendly holiday accommodation in the UK. Some pleaces have been good, offering just what they state on their websites. Some places very poor, saying they are dog friendly only to get there and find all sorts of restrictions. Then a few places have stood out from the crowd not only been stunning…continue reading →
Making the most of a summers evenings

Making the most of a summers evenings

Watching the warm glowing light of another days sunset spill over the horizon will make you stop for just a minute and appreciate life. You really do need to get out in the evenings this time of year and enjoy the extra light. With day light well past 10pm in Hampshire at the moment, its just a waste sitting at home. June and July produces some amazing sights if you just take a second to stop and look. With a massive array of wild flowers, bumble bees, butterflys, lady birds and so much more.…continue reading →
An cycle in The Test Valley

An cycle in The Test Valley

I've enjoyed cyclying for many years, ever since I tought myself to ride an old Raleigh road bike that I was given by a family friend. I'm lucky to live in a beautiful part of England. Hampshire and The Test Valley have miles of stunning riding through picture postcard thatched villages and some of the finest rivers in the UK. The River Test is the Test Valley's and Hampshire's finest chalk stream. World famous for great fishing. The Test Way footpath follows the banks for alot of it's run of 44 mile. The…continue reading →
Little Darcey

Little Darcey

Darcey is a very special little dog in my family. She was a rescue dog, only 9 or so months old when we got her. She was a confussed and very nervious little girl, dribbled alot and very anxious. There was only one way to really handle her and turn her in to the great dog and friend that she is now. We through her in the deep end. Darcey is a Sprollie, Border Collies and Springer Spaniels cross. They thrive within a busy, active family environment but require you to spend plenty of…continue reading →
The taste of summer. Grow your own!

The taste of summer. Grow your own!

It’s almost July and that means Strawberries and lots of them. Add in some with cream and I'm in heaven. One of my favourite past times growing up in the summer was visiting the local pick your own place. Not only was it fun, but we always wanted to see who could find the biggest strawberry. Of course you have to sampling one or two of them while you’re there! Many local pick your owns now offer more than just strawberries with blueberries, raspberries and other such crops and jams often on offer…continue reading →
Offroading and Green Laning

Offroading and Green Laning

Byway (green lanes) in the UK are typically tracks, often in rural locations, which are too minor to be called a road. These tracks are often unsurfaced, may have stone or mud base to them, typically having the appearance of 'green lanes'. Lot's of these byways are old roads or even Roman roads, now replaces with larger main roads. It is legal (but may not be physically possible) to drive any type of vehicle along these byways, however some do have restrictions now. In 2000 the legal term 'restricted byway' was introduced in…continue reading →