Saturday 7 July 2012

The Big One (14-7)


Saturday 7th July 2012




Gas Street Basin. Shepcote Street Bridge.


More heavy rain fell over night and the towpath is much the worse for wear. This was amply demonstrated when the towpath turned into a running track as competitors in a half marathon ran past the boat. I always thought sport was for fun and to keep yourself in good shape. The competitors today looked to be wet, tired and miserable. Most were covered in mud and some were slowly walking home after running out of energy. A few excitable spectators were very vocal in giving some encouragement and cheering people home. 

The towpath here is also a part time velodrome where in a morning and again in the evening people cycle into and out of the city centre. With few exceptions most of the cyclists are moving at a speed that leaves no margin for error. In a way they are like the runners and seem to be making the cycle ride part of their keeping fit regime. The problem is that their fitness is measured by the faster they travel the better the cyclists believe they are. 


There is also one worrying thing that I have noticed at any time of the day. It's the speed that people move at even with small children strapped in a child seat that is attached to the bikes. It only takes one slip and bike and rider are going to be in the canal, with a child strapped to the bike!


Topped up the water tank at Granville Street and then turned around and moored up again at Sheepcote Street Bridge. We went out for an Indian meal tonight with daughter Steph and her partner Scot. We went to a restaurant called Sweet Chilli in Mosley. A very good and friendly place, serving brilliant food. Another one to visit again in the future.





Daily Total
Miles: 2.1
Locks: 0
Swing/Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 0.0
Diesel: 0




Accumulated Totals
Miles: 972.5
Locks: 722
Swing / Lift Bridges: 119
Tunnels: 9
Pump Outs: 11
Engine Hours: 2250.3
Diesel: 40L (49.57)



Later......

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