2014

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Well, June isn't so far away. Hope it goes well for you.

I too have again entered the London ballot. We'll see what happens this time.

[marathondan]

Not sure what time the ballot opened this morning, but I checked at 10.23am and it's already closed.

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Not sure what time the ballot opened this morning, but I checked at 10.23am and it's already closed.

Lucky for me the overseas entrant ballot stayed open longer. I'm in!

[marathondan]

Lucky for me the overseas entrant ballot stayed open longer. I'm in!

OK, I'll see you on the start line!

That's how the system works, right?

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Lucky for me the overseas entrant ballot stayed open longer. I'm in!

OK, I'll see you on the start line!

That's how the system works, right?

I wish. Tell you what though - if we do both get an entry, that'll make three RCers at least who will be running next year - isn't that right, EG?

[marathondan]

I wish. Tell you what though - if we do both get an entry, that'll make three RCers at least who will be running next year - isn't that right, EG?

Hang on a minute though - don't forget that the UK's premier marathon will be in March 2015, not April...

[Sweder]

I wish. Tell you what though - if we do both get an entry, that'll make three RCers at least who will be running next year - isn't that right, EG?

Hang on a minute though - don't forget that the UK's premier marathon will be in March 2015, not April...

Quite right too

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

I wish. Tell you what though - if we do both get an entry, that'll make three RCers at least who will be running next year - isn't that right, EG?

Hang on a minute though - don't forget that the UK's premier marathon will be in March 2015, not April...

Quite right too

To be sure, and the London is a poor consolation prize at that. However, EG has a confirmed place in London, and I just cannot make it over in March in time for the premier event.

But Dan, you could do both Moyleman and London, yes?

[marathondan]

But Dan, you could do both Moyleman and London, yes?

Well, obviously I'll be doing that - and I think there's just time to fit the Brighton marathon in between those as well.

[marathondan]

Cycled to work for the second time this morning, it's a pleasant 10 mile route through leafy lanes which should help with a tiny bit of fitness while I'm not running. A few pheasant and bunnies around at 6am. I'm still riding the old girl Rusty, in the wet this morning her ancient brakes were all but useless (it seems to take about a second for the rims to dry before the blocks actually bite). Anyway, I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would, mainly due to not pushing the pace.

In other news, I may have cracked this beer making lark. Must get out and pick some dandelions for my proposed summer dandelion ale (also cordial) - but with the mild winter I may have left it too late.

   

[glaconman]

Cycling to work can be a real joy Dan. If you have a decent route without grinding traffic. Glad you're on it. Bike-to-work-scheme? Worth asking.

The beer looks good. I do the occasional kit. I'm guessing you're a back-to-basics brewer. Is that a Dark Mild or some kind of Porter? Do you have Booths supermarkets in your corner of England?

[marathondan]

No, it seems Booths are limited to the North West. I can get a few bits in Wilko (mostly hardware) but my current stock of ingredients was sourced online. The malt keeps well and the hop pellets seem OK in the freezer. Yes I'm trying to do it from scratch, although not the real hardcore stuff of mashing the grains. The recipe is a porter but I think it's closer to a stout, due to the use of cracked black malt (which is amazing stuff straight out of the packet, like ground coffee but not so bitter). This effort passes the "drinkable" test but it's not yet at the "better than shop bought" level (or indeed "better than a decent kit" level).

[glaconman]

Great stuff. The renaissance in local brewing has inspired me to think about the brewing process. I need to be retired really to have time to do all this stuff!

The Booths reference was because they stock Thornbridge beers in bottles. You may be able to get them elsewhere. They are one of my favourite brewers. Strong and hoppy if you like that kind of thing. Also partial to the more traditional malty stuff. OK, lets be honest, it's all good.

In terms of the history of brewing it's probably the greatest era to be alive.

[Sweder]

In terms of the history of brewing it's probably the greatest era to be alive.

One of the most inspirational and uplifting posts I've ever read.
I have a ticket to the Dark Star Brewery Tour in August (along with OutAlongTheRiver) courtesy of Mr Simon Ho, sometimes mentioned in these hallowed halls and a former Almerian. This trip promises to be a bit messy, so I'm unlikely to remember any valuable tips.

[glaconman]

Glad that managed to resonate Sweder

Darkstar have made a couple of collaborative beers with one of my local brewers:

BOCK

In fact they're also making one to commemorate The Tour. And alot of others are getting in on the act, including my legendary hometown brewery:

Le Champion

I think this collaboration thing is great. Wetherspoons brought some American brewers over to make one-offs at British breweries for thier beer festival last year.

And I think it's fair to say the Americans are leading the way at the moment with their double IPAs, Red Ales and incredible Porters. Fair play to them. They've turned it around over there from the days of generic fizz water.

In fact my birthday treat last night was a mid-week trip to The Fighting Cock.

Happy Days.

[marathondan]

Jogged a mile this afternoon. The tendon will give its verdict tomorrow morning when I get out of bed.

[Antonio247]

Hope the test has been successful, Dan.

[marathondan]

So far so good. That's to say, it's no worse than it has been recently. Which is still a bit sore. Will try a crazy 1.5 miles tomorrow.

(Thanks Antonio!)

[Charliecat5]

So far so good. That's to say, it's no worse than it has been recently. Which is still a bit sore. Will try a crazy 1.5 miles tomorrow.

It puts my aches and pains into perspective... good luck with the crazy 1.5.

[Sweder]

So far so good. That's to say, it's no worse than it has been recently. Which is still a bit sore. Will try a crazy 1.5 miles tomorrow.

Encouraging news, Dan. Very best of luck. My knee brace was hugely successful this morning.