Wednesday 1 April 2015

Oh no it's that time of year again...


Yes, you've guessed it. The time of year when I am forced to play second fiddle to, gulp, to a BICYCLE.

Between you and me, I had been hoping, what with Human Granny's illness and so on, that Gail might forgo her annual Easter cycling holiday with her old friends from London, and stay home with me instead.

But no, and it seems they are going even further afield than usual, for an eight day tour round Croatia and Bosnia-Herzogovina  (the latter a place I thought only existed in European history books).

Most years, I've noticed that prior to the Easter Tour, Gail disappears out on her bike for a few hours every Sunday for a training ride. Something she has not had much opportunity to do this year.

So yesterday, when I caught sight of the itinerary, I started to worry...

Let's look in more detail. This is the route profile for the first full day's cycling...

Remember, we have been in Nottingham most of the year, where the hills typically look like this:

From molehills to mountains indeed. To be honest, I am far from convinced that Gail's legs will be up to it.

What will a poor pup do if his human collapses on a steep Croatian ascent, never to return?

Perhaps someone out there would adopt me?

I really am very cute.



P.S. from Gail: this blog will be quiet for the next couple of weeks while Bertie is at 'camp' and I am pedalling  with my friends round a scenic part of former Yugoslavia. Unfortunately, Bertie's assessment of my lack of fitness this year is all too accurate, and the route is tougher than usual, so wish me luck! 

21 comments:

  1. Bonnes vacances Gail! Sounds like a great adventure and the break will be good for you. Bertie, you are welcome here anytime! Although you will only pick up bad habits from Horatio!

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  2. Bertie, I bet as cute as ya are, ya'd have a lot of takers if Gail collapses in da middle of Cro-ay-sha. My momma would be one of em. Are dere a line?

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  3. Have a great time and hope it all goes well weather wise and terrain. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  4. Have a fab time. If u want yo visit the states your welcome here
    Retro rover

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  5. Have a wonderful time Gail
    And Bertie, make the most of 'camp' you can make up your own rules there!!!
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  6. Hari OM
    Bertie lad, you KNOW you're welcome here in Dunoon!!! lots of walking by the water, maybe even a bit up the back hill... nothing like the ones Gail is about to face of course. Strewth, that is one spikey bikey hikey getting planned...it could be legs are the least of the concerns; this will require mental and emotional stamina too - a photo of you on the handlebars might be a useful addition to the packing!!! Just to remind her what there is waiting at the end, you understand... Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

    Pee ess to Gail - happy and safe riding to you!!! Yxx

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  7. Bertie darlin' hang tight good buddy I'll be sending you a ticket across the pond so you can stay here. Hopefully it arrives before Gail leaves. Otherwise I know you'll have fun at camp

    Gail...have a glorious time on this well deserved vacation!! Pace yourself Your route looks wonderful. I know the scenery will be breathtaking.
    Lots of good wishes for a successful and pain free trip.
    We will miss you and Bertie and look forward to lots of stories and photos
    Hugs
    Cecilia

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  8. Bertie, I know what you mean... my dad's biker days ended as an evil beast snitched the saddle of his bike and he had to ride home like the "standing ovation" on two wheels :o)
    I wish your Gail a wonderful time while pedalling through Croatia and BH, have a wonderful Easter and if you feel alone, I always have a guest bed for friends :o)
    easy rider

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  9. Loving the mole hills - hilarious! Take it easy Gail and stay safe... good luck. Enjoy "camp" Bertie!

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  10. that is going to be quite a bike ride - hope the legs hold up - we still think there should be a basket on the bike for Bertie to sit in - we are sure he would love the adventure :)

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  11. Bertie we are sorry that YOU are going to CAMP... Butt we know that Miss Gail is gonna have a GOOOOOD time.
    OMD you have MOLES??? GWALK A MOLEY.... We love to do that... we see a Mole Hill and just DIG IN...
    HOW could you resist????

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  12. Wait! Can't you get a No Walkin' Amish Cruising Wagon to put behind the bike?

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  13. Yous can always comes and stays wiv me yer nose cos we could dig beautiful sandy holes together.
    Luvs Freya Rose Blossom X

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  14. Crikey Bertie ..... Mum's almost HOPING Gail doesn't make it. She'd be over there so fast to get you ...... get your shots in order, mate! You'd have to have a stopover for a week or two in NZ but it's a beautiful country and we've got good friends there to care for you. Then it's you and me and beach time, aye??
    See you when you return, aye, Gail? Mmmmmmm ..... if you return!!

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  15. We'd adopt you Bertie. You can come and like with us.
    I will miss your handsome face for a few weeks. Have fun at camp and dont forget me. And dont ever worry about Loki, your still my main squeeze!!!

    wags
    Addi

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  16. Have a great time Miss Gail....We know yu will have a great time at camp Bertie!!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  17. Good luck Gail! Rather you than Mum, she can't even ride a bike. I'm sure your legs will quickly get used to it again.
    Have a good time at camp Bertie. I'm sure we could adopt you if Gail's legs fall off or something, though i'm not sure you'd want to put up with little Scamp!
    ~Lickies, Ludo

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  18. Ahhh Bertie if Gail never returns you can come over to the States and live with us. Lee's bicycle just hangs from hooks she has not had it down in two years. She use to do scenic tours and her last Scot went along in a basket. Happy Easter. Gail will come back a new women refreshed energized and ready to hike those hills with you.
    Sweet William The Scot

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  19. Just yesterday, Dachshund Daddy and I said, "Shouldn't Gail be on her trip now?!" Hope you are having a fantastic time!

    We send love to Bertie, too.

    Love,
    Tootsie & Renee

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  20. Hi Bertie just checking in to see if you have per chance escaped from camp, returned home and taken over the blog? MOL MOL MOL
    hugs madi your bfff

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  21. Gail, you'll be back in shape before you know it! Though I don't envy you the first few days!! Sorry about the camp thing, Bertie!

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