which is essentially the German equivalent of Rememberence Day here in the UK.

Whilst these days it is marked across much of German speaking Europe, it started out in Prussia in 1895 and is marked by a quite strict set of rules, Christmas markets will be closed, you can literally be fined for playing loud music today! I'm sure i'm not the only one on BC who has lost relatives on both sides in two world wars and i know there are a good few German nationals here too so take a moment to remember those who have perished on all sides in all theatres.

So, onto lighter things. Well on Thursday i took myself out for a ride down the Brizzle Avon (think i've mentioned it before, Avon is or Afon is a fairly common river name in south western England and Wales, the literal translation is river!) to Portishead. I did a few twiddles on the way, had a cuppa at the Lido by the beach then did a few more twiddles on the return to complete 62km.

Friday, well an 8km walk along the local version of the River Frome (see Avon above!) Then it was down to sweating over the keyboard on more new Gaby.

The weekend forecast suggested today would be best for a ride so instead i did a 12km+ walk, getting caught in a bit of drizzle during the second half. It was then back to the grindstone to complete the chapter i was working on, now on Patreon, and even starting the next.

Which brings us to today. I had a bit of an idea for the ride but nothing fixed, i really was making it up as i went along. Out through Yate and Wickwar to reach Wotton under Edge where i tackled a little climb which ramped up to over 17% with a long stretch over 15%, 'because it was there' before starting to loop around to Thornbury and the run back to Brizzle. The weather remained mostly sunny and dry but the wind was a constant nag on the return leg, quite tiring in fact.

All in all a good day, 87km, 779m of up and i stayed dry and quite cosy. The day got better, Aunty Bev cooked our tea when i got back, liver and mash with sprouts and home grown carrots topped with onion gravy - yum!

And then of course i've posted chapter 23 of Balancing Trick for your delectation and delight, what more could you want?

What am i up to this week then? Well Monday we are off to Dorsetshire to visit Angharad (and get some lunch!) then on Tuesday i'm hoping to get in another good solid ride, perhaps out to Royal Wootton Bassett before returning to the keyboard on Wednesday. The latter part of the week will hopefully have more riding and writing as we head into the advent season.

That's about it for today, i'll be back on Wednesday,
Tschuss,
Madeline Anafrid