So way way way back at the start of the year while we were still in the deep doggy doo doo with no signs of light at the end of the tunnel and vaccinations were still a far away dream I decided to book a shed load of camping breaks for the Summer. We had that long weekend in Oxford where the tent poles snapped but luckily I had a second tent with me. Followed by the weekend in Gloucestershire with Kieran and Netu (so much fun). Then I spent 5 very sunny days in Wales walking the coast path with Benson closely followed by a long weekend in the new forest with Magda and Iza (who could forget that steak and chimichuri with chips campfire dinner!!!). Well the final camping trip of the year occurred last weekend with a trip to the Isle of Wight with my trusty road bike. I stayed at a campsite just outside Shanklin called Ninham Country Farm. I cannot recommend the place enough. Pristine site with the cleanest toilet and shower blocks I’ve ever seen. It even had a massive outdoor swimming pool. This time I went for an electric hookup pitch which meant I didn’t have to constantly switch on the car engine if I wanted to charge my electronics. 

Did some amazing cycling over the weekend. I have to say the Isle of Wight is beautiful but Jesus Christ there are so many hills. It’s hill after hill after bloody hill. My legs were aching, especially after day 2 where I did 90km in 5hrs. 

Tgere we’re some hairy moments and a lot of hill driven expletives but we got there in the end. 

Of course there was a cold beer from the igloo ice box at the end of the ride. Can you imagine I cycled 90km without a single incident and I fell off the bike just as I arrived at the tent. Gravel paths and road bikes are not good friends. 

To top it all off I got together with local islanders Katie, Ross and Billy for some beer and chips at the Ventnoor seafront.  Always good to catch up with old friends.