We show off our muddy backsides, Ian and the team, Koko is lost somewhere on the downs exhausted - we are covered in mud, as are our shoes, Koko and Michael head for the sea!

Merry Christmas everyone!

We had another training weekend at the beginning of December down on the south downs to improve our mountain biking skills. Ian Davey, from www.bikeforlife.org.uk took on the dangerous job of being our instructor for the day and put us and our bikes through their paces. We learnt lots of skills for going uphill (gears are a great thing when they work..) and for going downhill (how not to go a over t when sliding your back wheels over hidden roots, leaves and mud).

The conditions were atrocious - heavy rain the previous two days had turned the whole place into a mud pit - which meant that we were all covered in mud from head to two within minutes. But it was a great day as we biked it all the way up to the south downs way, over the crest of the hills, ran into the sussex hunt in full pursuit and back down again to the coast - followed by a bike maintenance and repair session - which amazed me more than the rest I think because I had never know how to change a bike tyre before... ah well you learn something new everyday!

Saturday night there was a huge storm and then sunday we deciding to go running/cycling along the beachfront. The wind was still howling, the waves were crashing and we were dodging pebbles and seaweed. As if this wasnt enough - and Chrissie clearly thought it was by the expletives coming out of her mouth - Koko decided (and convinced me as well eventually) to go swimming in the sea... but we all ended up safe and sound in a cafe with tea and mincepies!

Have a fab christmas - more training weekends in January! We are now under 100 days to go!

Merry Xmas!
Michael x