OK, I type this post, because I want to. I begin with a couple of current issues, before continuing to explain why although my situation is very difficult, I am easily able to draw on past experiences, as self-confidence boosters! Self-belief is essential for everyone. Sometimes, when assessing my current situation, I get depressed, so I review my successes, with joy. As should everyone, especially at the current state of affairs!
Milan derby
Not needed in anyway, but I was given a striking reminder of this global pandemic, affecting so many countries in such a tragically similar way. The past weekend saw ‘il Derby della Madonnina’ (Milan derby). Definitely one of the biggest games in the Italian season. Much to my disappointment, Inter proved too good for AC in quite an astonishing match. The magical stadium ‘Giuseppe Meazza/San Siro’ hosted the match, but empty! OK, this is obvious, currently, but part of these matches’ magic is made by the thousands of fans. Seas of colours, songs, celebrations etc, but now …
This affect is felt everywhere. Tifosi (fans) make the events. Without them?… WEIRD
Finally a member of the Green Party has been given a platform.
Sian Berry spent an hour on The Owen Jones Show this week, talking the Green surge in the polls, Keir Starmer and much more.
Sian Berry’s superb, thorough interview by Owen Jones.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pX9-GszJk4w
Traumatic Acquired Brain Injury
I am tackling this problem with love and support from key people, but essentially alone, by myself. I do regularly realise that I am experienced at this. University was an amazing experience (half of my life ago, but amazing). A design student involves finding a problem, and solving it. Alone. Days spent designing, but then a prototype needs to be made! You must prove yourself. A year-long project (which at student age, seems like a lifetime)! All alone. Stress. Disappointment. Tears.
But it’s definitely worth it!
When finished, you review your work with immense pride, knowing how much effort you had given.
Life as a cyclist is similar, in some respects! Only in such hindsight, I can tell that I have found myself either ‘all in’ or ’not at all’. I say ‘all-in’ but I was balancing things, which restrained me (I was grateful)! I was a keen cyclist (still am - but…). Anyway, I had joined the London Dynamos, I had raced, I had ridden long distance in France. Tick, tick, tick.
It was watching Claudio Chiapucci, ride up to Sestriere in the 1992 Tour de France, that I think I may have been infected! Infected with a dream of conquering hairpins, climbing up and up (yet, in real life, I still was learning to ride)! I soon learnt of the Mecca, that was the ‘Alpe D’Huez’. Twenty one hairpins, yes please! I had mountain-biked in the French Alps (2002), but it wasn’t until after, I bought my Bianchi road bike! Proper cycling at last! I cycled in the hills and country lanes, at university. I raced, whilst at home in early 2005. I graduated that summer. The Tour was due to go up the Alpe D’Huez, the following year. Hmmm.
Late in 2005, I decided that it was a challenge that just HAD to be done. I knew that I should have been fit enough, I was confident in my ability of climbing. The biggest climb around here, that I easily did many times, was Box Hill / Leith Hill / Ranmoore. I knew that it was time to try a proper mountain!
July 2006, mid-way through my ‘Graduate Certificate in Design for Visual Communication’ I flew with my bike, to Grenoble having signed up for a two-day cycling holiday to the French Alps. The first day I tackled ‘L’Alpe D’Huez’ watching Franck Schleck and Damiano Cunego lead the peloton up. So so so so special for me! I had done it! Another to 'tick-off'! :)
The following day I ascended up the next stage finish of ’La Toussuire’. Like the stage winner, Michael Rasmussen, I was already on a ‘high’. However, mine was natural!
I ‘cycle’ now on my Motomed bike. I first discovered them in my rehabilitation home. I wheel my wheelchair up to it, and pedal. I ride usually just over 25km per week (so around 100km in a month). I actually go nowhere, but I love it!
Deep HouseCat
I fell in love with ‘Deep-House’ music, whilst at university in Loughborough. Above, is a link to the website offering me a supply of the magical 4x4 beat sounds!
Cold Water immediately after espresso
How I regularly drink my coffee. ‘Neck’ the espresso ASAP (you can’t stay anywhere)!
Caffeine hit taken.
The magical part is then the rapid swallow of cold water, after
:) WOW!!
This morning's experience outside 'Surbeanton', induced this note!
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