The rain, grey skies and cold weather of late haven’t provided much incentive to taking morning bike rides; some days you really have to force yourself and then you risk getting caught in a shower. I believe that you have to go out in order to live a little and make the most of life – even if that means getting wet occasionally. Hence, yesterday morning, upon awakening and observing the grey of day outside, Chris and I agreed to go for a cycle ride regardless; and we popped our raincoats in my basket.
In truth, there was no great pleasure to be had from cycling in the cold; it was just exercise. When we reached Cockwood Harbour the tide was in; the boats cast reflections on the water; and dandelions, pink weeds and long grasses edged the bank where we had parked our bikes. But the water was grey like the sky and I thought how lovely it would have been…if only the sun had been shining. Nevertheless, I captured the scene as it was – there was a sparkling oiliness to the water that gave it beauty, albeit a grey beauty. Just as I was lamenting the lack of sun and abundance of grey clouds, the sun burst through and lasted for about two minutes.
On the way back, I had stopped on the cycle path to take photographs of some pretty roses when a strapping cyclist dressed in yellow warned of the advance and imminent arrival of runners – a group of six athletic heroes (and add ons who had joined in for some of the way) who have been skiing, cycling, canoeing and running since Valentine’s Day (perhaps to avoid an avalanche of female suitors). The stalwart six had begun their journey in Norway and, not wishing to impede their progress on that leg of their route, we rushed off ahead of them to Dawlish Warren where we saw them again a few minutes later.
A couple of the marines awaiting the runners at Dawlish Warren told me about the Royal Marines 1664 Challenge (details of which I shall paste below). And while we chatted the runners came into view; several old people at the bus stop looked on with a degree of interest, if not exactly enthusiasm; my marines applauded and I took photographs with my now temperamental mobile phone camera. Unable to clap, I called out, “Well done!” My mother always told me, “You can tell that to the marines!”
Royal Marines 1664 Challenge
In 2014 the Royal Marines will celebrate their 350th Anniversary. To commemorate this milestone Royal Marines will ski, sail, cycle, canoe and run 6656km (circa 4136 miles); the event will be called the Royal Marines 1664 Challenge. In outline, the Challenge will traverse four countries, span five months and involve over 2000 Royal Marines, including all Commando and Reserve Units. Beginning on 14 February 2014, Royal Marines will ski 1664km from north to south Norway. Marrying up with a Challenger 67 yacht, they will then sail 1664 miles south around Europe to Gibraltar. Turning north, they will cycle 1664km through Spain and France to Saint Malo, canoe across the English Channel and finally run 1664km around the United Kingdom. The final day on 25 July 2014 will be a marathon around the City of London; this final event will end just prior to the start of the Royal Marines parade through the city. The Challenge will raise funds for the RMCTF; this is an opportunity for the whole Corps family to get involved, feel part of RM350 and raise money for their Charity.