New Sport Therapist

Introducing Greg Burns, new Sports Therapist

So Summer just started hey? I'll withhold my disappointing Aussie comments on the weather... I'm happy to be introducing the new Sports Therapist Greg Burns, who has just joined us to help with the growing demand in Ealing. He is available Mondays, Tuesdays and all day Saturdays. Eoin is still available Saturdays, specialising in myofascial release techniques.

- Jo Goh, Sports Massage Therapist

Book Jo for Sports Massage (Wed, Thur, Fri, Sun)

Book Greg for Sports Massage (Mon, Tue, Sat)

Book Eoin for Sports Massage (Saturdays)

Greg Burns, new Sports Massage therapist

Introducing Greg Burns, originally from Scotland, qualified with a Sports Massage Diploma & Active IQ Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy since 2012 and recently accredited with Sports Massage Association. He has since worked in various clinics with clients ranging from Professional Actors, Dancers & Athletes, corporate professionals and general public.

Also a Strength & Conditioning Coach/Personal Trainer, Greg specialises in Neuromuscular and Soft Tissue Mobilisation Techniques and applying corrective exercise to support the treatment of common injuries and soft tissue dysfunction.

As he lives super close by, he is willing to do early mornings (6am anyone?)!

If you cannot find a time that works for you please contact him below:

Works: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday (flexible with advanced notice)

Email:  Greg@Saddledrunk.com 

Mobile: 07817 408 712

Macedonia & Albania by our friend Leigh.

Ciao all, our friend Leigh is our guest writer/rider for this month sharing is experience.

I had never considered a trip to Macedonia or Albania before. In truth I don’t think I could have even pointed to them on a map. So when my colleague Alex mentioned he and his friend TJ were heading to both countries on a cycling holiday my interest was piqued. With only an outline plan in place it was not too much trouble having me along so I decided to invite myself. Pretty sure they were cool with it.

Flights from Luton to Ohrid were around an unbelievably reasonable £8 per person with Wizz Air. Unfortunately bikes were a further £25. TJ did suggest it was easier booking 3 extra seats each and taking the bikes on board with us (would have saved all the sweaty stressful work of dismantling and ...errr... remantling the bikes) but this idea didn’t fly with the airline. Ohrid is not, as everyone joked, HORID (That joke gets really old after 7 days by the way). The town is actually very beautiful. One of the oldest human settlements in Europe, it boasts a maze of tight, steep cobbled streets and is squeezed between towering mountains and the crystal clear lake that shares the town’s name. There’s a lovely fort, amphitheatre, many picturesque churches and incredible views of the lake and mountains. There’s also a paper museum! https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g303864-d6589999-Reviews-National_Workshop_For_Handmade_Paper-Ohrid_Southwestern_Region.html.

It was only on day 2 when it dawned on me this was not a cycle tour at all. After a lazy morning strolling the streets of Ohrid, visiting the sites, we rolled out of town for an epic 20km ride. That’s right, 20km. We followed the lake South to Trpejca through torrential rain. The rain didn’t dampen our spirits ... much. We still had beautiful scenery all around us and the enthusiasm that comes with the first day of riding on a cycle tour in new lands. We were happy just getting to Trpejca that day but before we did we stumbled across a random museum called the Bay of Bones. With such a promising name we decided to investigate. It turned out to be a replica prehistoric village on stilts on the lake. You can walk out on to the platform and go in the huts and see how the other half live. There was a diving school too but we were wet enough.

As a vegetarian I wasn’t sure how I would manage in Macedonia and Albania. Turned out I needn’t worry. Mainly because I like cheese. Cheese, cheese, cheese. And pizza. They also do beans. The best trademark Macedonian huge bowl of beans dish I had was on Day 3 in Macedonia’s number one tourist attraction, Plaoshnik. This historical site is where the Macedonian Orthodox Christian Faith was first founded in the 9th century AD by Saint Clement the first Bishop of Macedonia. It is now mainly a hotel surrounded by a large number of peacocks. Weird. 3 days under our belt and we were getting even worse with our cycling, only 18km this day. But we were progressing. This time in to Albania and Pogradec. Pogradec is a lakeside resort that felt a little down at heel. Still you can’t argue with 50p beers and £8 each for a room and breakfast in a hotel with sauna, swimming pool and gym. True the swimming pool was more like an ice bath or plunge pool, and the sauna had a gap under the door, but beggars can’t be choosers. The highlight was the lakeside entertainment. Much like English seaside towns there was the usual medley of peddle boats, swing boats, and dodgem like cars advertised as Formula Uno. We decided it would be a good idea to swap bikes for Formula Uno for one night. Needless to say it was a close and electrifying race.

It was Day 4 when we really picked up the pace. We raced through Albania past horse and carts, and waving kids back into Macedonia. We were tackling a 70km route heading over the hills to Stenje on the shores of our second massive lake of the holiday, Lake Prespa. I found my first Strava segment on route SH79 just before we left Albania. A beautiful climb through a quarry with some great switchbacks. Unfortunately being on a fully laden touring bike meant I didn’t place too highly on the KOM list.

Now up till this point we had thought everywhere had been pretty dead and quiet. We put this down to being out of season and the fact we were in Macedonia and Albania. But Stenje really was deserted. It was a beautiful setting on the lake’s edge but there wasn’t much to do. We had a very lazy rest day here where we went to an old palace of Tito’s built by political prisoners and now in disrepair. We also attempted a visit to Snake Island which sounded exciting. Unfortunately our boatman was not the bravest and decided the waves were too big for us to get there. Oh well, more cheese then back at our guest house.

The highlight of the trip for me came on Day 6. It was time to tackle an alpine pass. We’d seen the pass on Google maps back when we were discussing the rough route in our dreary London office. I had been dreaming of the climb and descent ever since. The day was only going to be 45km or so but roughly 800m of climbing. The climb did not disappoint. We zigzagged up from lake shore to mountain top. Well mountain pass top to be precise. The climb started in shade through dense woodland with only glimpses back to Lake Prespa. As we climbed higher we emerged from the greenery to be met with staggering views back to the lake and last night’s accommodation. What added to the beauty of the climb was the fact we felt like the only people on the road. There were a few German camper vans and one biker gang but apart from that it was deserted. Climbing the mountain we had always been looking back for the lake views, so it was with great delight we crested the pass and found our old friend Lake Ohrid before us in all her glory. Our descent should have been straightforward. A wonderful collection of switchbacks down to the lakeside. However, I thought I saw a short cut off one of the switchbacks to our accommodation that night. It was marked as a MTB route but hey how bad can it be? Four punctures, roughly 20km and a whole heap of mud and rock later, my fellow adventurers were ready to mutiny. Luckily for me when we finally arrived, our lakeside accommodation was probably the best of the trip. Plus there was always beer to bring the team back together.

Day 7, and following an ice cold swim in the lake (our only venture into the lake on the holiday) and watching a romantic sunset the previous night, we were refreshed and ready to make the most of our final day in Macedonia. We hadn’t ventured East of Ohrid yet so we decided to see what Struga was like. Struga is just down the road and probably nearer the airport, but it hadn’t received rave reviews online. Lucky for us it was much nicer than expected. It wasn’t as historic and picturesque as Ohrid but there were plenty of restaurants and cafes and it was probably the most lively lakeside resort we visited. We went out with a bang that night visiting Ohrid’s premier jazz club following a plentiful amount of beer and spirits. Needless to say a rip roaring night was had by all, although we don’t really know what happened to TJ, last seen wandering around on stage trying to offer band members drinks while they played.

With heavy hearts and heavier hangovers we departed Macedonia vowing to return (I’m bringing the road bike next to tackle that Strava segment and probably create some more on the many fantastic climbs in the area). To sum it all up; beautiful scenery, gorgeous lakes, fantastic mountain climbs, cheap food and beer, friendly people, interesting history, and Luton airport sucks.

Thank you Leigh for this amazing piece of art.

SD TEAM

Bournemouth to Manchester for Dorset Cancer Care

After months of training and planning, to wake up to monsoon weather conditions did not provide the team with the start to the ride it was hoping for, fortunately by the time our kit arrived the rain had not just relented but the sun was shining! After a photo call with AFC Bournemouth chairman and Dorset Cancer Care Patron Jeff Mostyn it was time to start riding and we set off from the Vitality Stadium in high spirits, the nine riders and 2 support crew were on their way! 

Stage one Bournemouth to Chepstow 92 miles

This was the only stage I had done any reconnaissance on, and with 7 of the riders being from Bournemouth we were riding on familiar roads, the team cycled out of Bournemouth and headed to Wimborne, after a brief first stop on top of Compton Abbas we descended down the infamous zig zag hill and into Shaftesbury before heading north out of Dorset and into Wiltshire and then Somerset.

The team struggled in hot conditions and a strong head wind, it was clear we would miss our target time for our lunch stop, but the team never left any man behind and we hit the disused railway track which took us through Bath and Bristol giving us some shade and a flat 20k to reenergise! 

As we headed out of Bristol and crossed the M4 motorway the 2nd Severn bridge came into view and despite it being still 20k away it acted as a beacon of hope with the knowledge that Chepstow was was on the other side, the end was in sight! 

We crossed the bridge into Wales and then got lost for the first time that day before quickly finding the right route and the hotel!

Stage 2 Chepstow to Telford 96 miles

We woke up to Perfect conditions for the 2nd leg of the ride, after a quick breakfast we went the wrong way out of the hotel before heading the right way back into England and climbing away from Chepstow, with this being the longest day in the saddle the team settled into a steady pace  as the route undulated through stunning countryside often curtailing valleys and rivers taking us to Ross on Wye and Coffee which became a solace for the guys throughout the trip! 

What happened next was not planned but let's just say it then became a battle of wills as the group fragmented for various reasons, all ending in myself dropping back to support our lantern rouge Michael Trotter and his carer for the afternoon Paul Blacow. 

It came as a surprise that when we reached the hotel in Telford that after 10 hours in the saddle and the time being after 7pm we had in fact arrived ahead of the faster group! As the 3 of us checked in and started on our 2nd pints the remaining six riders arrived, tired but glad to have finished after adding an extra 5 miles and several wrong turns to their ride!

Asking directions

Stage 3 Telford to Manchester 71 miles

With a flatter route into Manchester and it being the last day the team set off with purpose and a positive mentality, as it was a Saturday and again perfect conditions there were lots of other cyclists out enjoying the beautiful Herefordshire countryside.

We quickly ticked off the miles before stopping briefly in Knutsford before cycling through the stunning Tatton Park before dropping into Manchester, Old Trafford the Theatre of dreams came into view, the pace stepped up and the race down Matt Busby Way to finish the ride was an incredible feeling, we'd done it! 

The great thing was the fact every rider completed every mile, some even doing extra! After a tour of Old Trafford and a photo shoot pitchside we left a dummy bomb in the toilet before heading out for a celebration meal! 

As disappointing as it was that the game was called off it did not take away what we achieved the camaraderie and dynamic of the group meant it was a trip we will all remember whilst raising £4000 for charity was a great effort! Look out for our film which should be out by mid July! 

The Handlebarmy Saddledrunk team! 

The team was

Riders

1. Michael Trotter 
2. Carl Cavanagh 
3. David Jones 
4. Paul Blacow 
5. Daniel Archer
6. Andrew Sargent
7. Richard Powell
8. David Harris Snr
9. David Harris Jnr  

Support Crew

1. Tom Green
2. Andy Wilkin

A BURGEONING cycling culture has caught up to an established wine industry in Australia’s most famous wine region.

From our friend Jim Plouffe ,Editor of "THE LEAD SOUTH AUSTRALIA".

World renowned for its wine, South Australia’s capital Adelaide was recently included in the exclusive Great Wine Capitals Global Network featuring the world’s pre-eminent wine cities.

It is also developing a strong cycling culture and hosts the Tour Down Under every year, a portion of which includes cycling through the iconic Barossa Valley vineyards, located 60km northeast of Adelaide.

The inclusion of cycling trails in South Australia’s premier wine regions is giving tourists more freedom to explore the state and enjoy its world famous wine at the same time.

There are even chances for visitors to experience some of the native wildlife as well, including kangaroos, cockatoos and echidnas.

The latest addition to the wine bicycle trails is the Barossa Cycling Hub, which was established last year and provides bikes for hire, including power and assisted bikes for beginners or less confident riders.

It also acts as a bike lock-up centre, and provides riders with interpretive maps and access to cycling accessories.

Craig Grocke, who is in charge of economic development at the Regional Development Australia Barossa, said the hub was established to help cater to South Australia’s growing cycling culture and allows visitors more riding opportunities.

“South Australia has really grown internationally and has become a bit more known for its cycling culture – I think the Tour Down Under has been a big promo of that,” he said.

“The cycling hub is an effective way to help people get out and experience the region. It is also a chance for us to diversify the wine region offerings.”

Picture: Tony Tervoert

The award-winning hub is situated in the town of Tanunda and is the start and finish of a 40km sealed bike path network through the famous Barossa Valley.

The trail has averaged 320 trips per day since opening in January 2015 and is used as a meeting point for riders to begin their Barossa tour...

To read the entire story and use it royalty-free in your publication simply click the link: http://bit.ly/1TeOOaX 

Thank You JIM for sharing this with the SaddleDrunk Community.

All the best for the SD TEAM

Ironman South Africa: Saddle Drunk Style

Our friend Chris,tell us about his experience at the Ironman South Africa 2016.

‘I want you to be around when the baby arrives, so get this exercise thing out your system before it arrives.’ The now infamous words my wife told me that inspired the idea to do the hardest thing I could do, to become an Ironman triathlete.

Truth be told I always wanted to do an Ironman but was too scared to do it for it seemed too tough. Added to that that I was studying to become a priest, working out how to be a father and only done one Olympic distance triathlon before it was fair to say happily confessing to not manning up. But with being the last chance I would get it to do it whilst supposedly still being in my ‘ physical peak’ I entered and threw myself into it at the beginning of December last year.

Now believe what they say, the training is relentless and it’s the most guilty I have ever felt that, despite doing on average 90 minutes a day 5 times a week you think you’re not doing enough. Add in the diet, training in mid-winter and always smelling ‘athletic’ it’s the most selfish thing I have ever done.

But standing on that beach waiting for the start in Port Elizabeth, South Africa was one of the most surreal things I have ever done. Beautiful sunrise of pinks and oranges, 3 helicopters ready to film and 1800 athletes ready to take on swell, heat and wind over 140 miles was gut wrenchingly exhilarating.

But I knew I was at least 80% ready and I had the best kit. Especially what I was wearing. Considering that you are in one outfit for the whole event I had to be confident I would be comfortable. That’s where Stefano and the awesome team at Saddle Drunk came up trumps. Perfectly fitting skin suit material with proper padding for the bike that didn’t affect the run, I knew I had the gear to pull through.

I swam an extra 550 yards because of the waves and the swell, the bike was 112 miles of rolling hills and wind and the marathon was in 32ºC heat. But after 11:39 minutes the words I had dreamed all my life to hear ‘Chris Kennedy you are an Ironman’ filled my ears as I celebrated crossing the line.

I want to thank the community of St Mary’s Ealing including Saddle Drunk gang for all your support. The blisters were surreal but the memories and fulfilment of a dream hugely gratifying. I managed to run London Marathon 2 weeks later and now I can fully embrace parenthood, even bought a gown yesterday!!

I did it all for my Theological College St Mellitus to upgrade our library. Even filmed a poem I wrote about it https://youtu.be/xtgyx2R6Vck. If you fancy sponsoring you still can http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/stpaulstheologicalcentre

If you would like to ask any questions come see me at St Mary’s Ealing or email chris.kennedy@stmarysealing.org.uk

Many thanks Saddle Drunk and God bless!