24/05/09 - 3 Weeks to go

Sun - Light NW wind and dust haze. 32k fast around AlJasra, a good way to wake up and start the day. Drove to Awali in evening and 20k cycle round, then supper with Atkinsons and friends.

Mon - Slight overcast, cooler and clearer. 32k AlJasra. Passed Sports Diver exam 94%.!

Tues - Bright and clear. 46k to Al Areen and back as a birthday treat. In evening long choir practice doing most of Puccini Mass to almost concert standard - its got some great catchy tunes. Shame I'm missing it next week. To bed late.....

Wed - ....so missed getting up to cycle. 30 mins row and 40 lengths swim instead. Spin/abs at Ritz in evening, it felt hard work.

Bahrain has arrived on Google Maps! From today the updated maps show all the roads and the proper coastline. The old ones had about 3 roads and showed me cycling in the sea most of the time.

Thur - 35k (down to Kazakhan, then Aljasra)*2

Fri - 72k. Up early, Riffa Fort (hills*2), felt flat on back outside Awali, pumped it up, immediately went down, so changed for new tube I had bought last week. It was a new tyre and I couldn't see any reason for the leak. Using the micro pump I pumped too hard sideways and snapped off the alloy valve stem. Bugger. Changed it again for an older, but new, tube with a nice solid steel valve stem. I am becoming an expert at changing tires with the VAR tyre levers, they are magic for tight beads (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-VAR-VAR-Tyre-Lever-903.htm). But its not something to enjoy doing in the heat. Picked up Richard and we cycled down to AlJazyer beach to see the Tri-ers. Cheered on some of the Awali Wheelers and saw some old faces from Riyadh (the Gocians, Frank and Andrew Neal). Sort of sad I wasn't doing it, but that would have been silly. Back via F1 Costa for coffee, cake and chill down before getting back in 39C heat. Felt strong riding, legs are good. Just need to refuel and rehydrate regularly. Checked flat tube - stem was pulling away from tube so the tyre is holeless.

Updated blog with links to bikehike.co.uk and pictures of daily routes.

Sun - Diving. I was boatdriver and we went to the Caisson wreck about 25 miles out. Calm, clear and hot (40C+). Saw dolphins on way out. 2 dives, played with DSMB, distance lines to find fish traps. Lots of fish, inc barracuda, and cormarants that dived down 15m to swim with us! Managed not to damage the boat too much docking it. Quite exhausting so thats the exercise for the day.