UK: Day 13 & Day 14

We spent the better part of the last two days tying up loose ends in Belfast before heading to London. Yesterday was a bit of a rest day. I was beginning to think I may be coming down with something, and wasn't the best company, so  I tried to keep a low profile. Today I didn't really have that luxury.

We spent the morning walking around a local shopping complex this morning looking for some things we were hoping to purchase in the UK, without having to cart them to/from London on a limited luggage allowance. The weather was much warmer (comparatively) today, so we were happy to walk around with Zac in this pram - and, the good child that he's been in his pram, he slept for the most of it.

In other news, Andel entered cycling heaven today when we visited Chain Reaction (well, that's what I assume - what do I know about cycling) and not too long thereafter, the GAP store. Even Zac, when he woke up in Chain Reaction, said "wow Mommy, look at all the bicycles!" - and was very happy with his new GAP jeans his daddy bought for him.

Discussing some or other bicycle related thing

Getting to do all the things he can't do at home!

Having a pit stop while waiting for Tarrin

Later this afternoon Tarrin dropped us at Belfast Airport which, from the front, can be mistaken for a small hole in the wall - until you go through the check in gates. Too bad we spent an hour waiting in the main area at the only cafe there!

Waiting for our flight - drinking like a big boy

Zac's new fascination - he wants to try every one he sees!

The flight to London was quick and uneventful, and Zac (again) after singing Jingle Bells for the entire aircraft, fell asleep half way through making it a quiet landing. After briefly having our pram misplaced, we found uncle Neil and Kirsty waiting for us, and took the train home to aunty Michelle.

Sleeping baby = happy Mommy (when it comes to flying, anyway)

Needless to say, Zac made himself at home almost immediately (despite never having met uncle Neil, aunty Michelle or Kirsty before), and was tearing down the house before the clock struck 00h00, which is when he finally fell asleep!

We are really happy to be in London again, and can't wait to show Zac the lights and sights, but mostly we are so grateful to be able to see the UK family again, and are looking forward to the next two weeks with them.

The WAG, The Rant & The Roadster

If you've read some of my previous posts you'll know I'm usually quite an enthusiastic WAG. Whether it's rugby or cycling I am, more-often-than-not, somewhere in the thick of things (quietly) supporting from the sideline. So I don't know if it's being pregnant or impatient (or a bit of both), but I am quickly losing my zeal  for this.

According to my nearest and dearest, it may be entirely understandable though. After all, cycling training (never mind rugby for now as this only featured one month this year) is a time consuming exercise. In order to prepare for a 100km race, you have to be doing 100km distances (you get what I mean). Add to this that you cycle with other people (which can often mean it takes longer, not shorter to complete), and that the group never sets out before 06h30 or 07h00 - this can be a nearly all-day affair.

This is what 2014 has looked like so far:

• January - Andel was recovering from his shoulder op. This meant no cycling, but tons of rehab, and lots of moaning (on his part).
• February - While he should still have been recovering, Andel was now cycling in preparation for the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
• March - Cape Town Cycle Tour. Need I say more?
• April - Here we experienced a short break - and by short I mean, maybe a week or two because despite being told not to play rugby, Andel went to a few training sessions when he wasn't cycling.
• May - Andel entered the Knysna Rotary Cycle Tour, and prompty started training for it.
• June - By this time Andel had decided he was also going to do the Coronation Double Century race in November. As this is a team race, he joined the eta College team which met more than they cycled at first. Still, Andel was also training for Knysna.
• July - Knysna came and went. It was a hectic race in terribly windy conditions. Still there was no rest after this, as the DC training schedule came out: 18 weeks of training for this 202km race.
• August: DC training.
• September: DC training.
• October: DC training, including West Coast and One Tonner races, with the actual DC and Die Burger races a week apart on 22nd and 30th November.

So to Andel:
As we reach the end of this part of a seemingly perpetual season, I just want to tell you I am so very proud of all the things you have achieved on and with your bike this year - including losing 20kg to improve your cycling. I am still your biggest fan. I just simply cannot wait for a break from the almost 30 weekend mornings this year so far I've spent as a single parent: juggling things at home (usually doing washing and hoping that you've not fallen or been hit by a bus somewhere), attending social engagements alone (because you were running late) and being run ragged by Zac.
Please note that we have a baby on the way four weeks after next year's Cape Town Cycle Tour. I promise to try keep him/her in long enough for you to complete the race, but know that thereafter, as soon as I am able, next year is my training year!
All my love, the #1 WAG x