Leaving New Zealand

When Ben and I realised that we were obliged to satisfy the needs of the New Zealand tax payer by attending a teaching course in Dublin, we asked ourselves, "is Guiness alone enough?"  No. When life offers you opportunity you must grab it, embellish it and then blog about it. This is the modern way. 

So we made contact with Stefan, a good friend from my university days back in South Africa (too far back in time for my likings). Stefan is not one to shy away from a bit of adventure and when I suggested to him we spend a few days riding mountain bikes it took him only a moment to advise me that he has not ridden in years and recently damaged ligaments in his knee. His fitness is at an all time low. It was immediately clear that we would all be well matched. 

And so our West Highlands trip with a bit of Skye thrown in, was borne. The plan being a week mountain biking in Scotland together with Stef, followed by a week of drinking Guiness and of course educating ourselves..

So a bit about my mates. Stef is a lovely man. A thinker and a gentle spirit. He has introduced me to my best music and has accompanied me on some of my best times. We cannot talk of all of these in a public forum, but riding in the Swiss Alps was right up there on the awesome scale. Think Legolas. 

Ben is Australian. 

So hopefully a week of beautiful, moody and spectacular scenery. Lots of photos to inspire Jennie and whoever else may find themselves on this blog and some good times on the mountain bike. 

The plan is in the region of 150km of technical off road riding with perhaps 3000metres of uphill(more if we find a gondola at Fort William).

This is at least 10 times as far as we have covered in our "training". In total. 

Sorry Stef but at least we will have stories to tell. 

Tomorrow Glasgow.