The Retirement Thread

[Mo1959]

It is interesting how the human body adapts to heat.

I used to go to southern Spain in early March every year. The temperature here at that time of year is typically 5-6 degrees C. In Spain we used to get 15-25 degrees most days. We UK cyclists would be wearing light summer cycling kit and sweating. We would see Spanish pro cyclists out on training rides and they would be wearing full winter kit - long tights, overshoes, jackets, long fingered gloves, and often scarves and woolly hats too! We would ride up to mountain villages and see old men sitting out chatting on roadside benches - they would be wearing heavy overcoats, gloves, scarves, hats...

I stuck with the Spanish tradition of having an afternoon siesta. As lovely as it is out there, I couldn’t be bothered doing anything.

 

[ColinJ]

I stuck with the Spanish tradition of having an afternoon siesta. As lovely as it is out there, I couldn’t be bothered doing anything.

That's why we went in early March! (Mainly though because we wanted to escape the tail-end of the UK winter and be getting ready for a good spring back home.)

 

[Mo1959]

That's why we went in early March! (Mainly though because we wanted to escape the tail-end of the UK winter and be getting ready for a good spring back home.)

I used to envy all the old codgers that used to go over for an extended holiday when it was winter here! Not sure it happens much now.....even pre-covid.

 

[ColinJ]

I used to envy all the old codgers that used to go over for an extended holiday when it was winter here! Not sure it happens much now.....even pre-covid.

We saw the same group of 3 every year. They were in their early 70s. They used to do Christmas at home, maybe NY too, but then fly to Spain and stop until the start of April. The flights were very cheap and they got incredibly cheap hotel rooms in Benidorm by block-booking 3 months in the off-season. They said they almost covered the cost of their holidays by the savings in their fuel bills back home.

 

[BoldonLad]

I used to envy all the old codgers that used to go over for an extended holiday when it was winter here! Not sure it happens much now.....even pre-covid.

We have done that every year for the past 14 years. Head south through France, in January, to Spain. Stay there until March/April, then, meander slowly home through France. We were in Spain, March 2020, when the Covid thing kicked off, we had to make a run for it through France to get home. Obviously, this year it has not been possible, but, next year hopefully. Actually, left to my own devices, I would head South in November and stay until April/May, but, Mrs @BoldonLad will not agree to be "away" at Christmas.

 

[gavroche]

I have finally done it. Phoned my lbs to find out when their next delivery of trek domane al3 is coming and they only have two coming in, one of them is already reserved. I went to the shop and reserved the other one by putting a deposit on it. In about two weeks time, it will be mine, can't wait. wait.

 

[BoldonLad]

I have finally done it. Phoned my lbs to find out when their next delivery of trek domane al3 is coming and they only have two coming in, one of them is already reserved. I went to the shop and reserved the other ine by putting a deposit on it. In about two weeks time, it will be mine, can't wait. View attachment 591704

Well done, no pockets in a Shroud, as they say.

Enjoy it!

 

[oldwheels]

Funny you should say that. Mrs @BoldonLad asked “what if I fall in”. I answered “good point, how will I get the bike out?”. She was not amused.

The remark was triggered by an article I read in a Glasgow alleged newspaper encouraging people to cycle on the Forth and Clyde canal path. The most essential bit of equipment was a h----t which always seemed to me to be a bit daft as it is not a flotation device. Before I left that area I was actively engaged in the campaign to reopen it after it had been shut for reasons I will not go into.

 

[oldwheels]

Fortunately we don't pay, I presume its the council that picks up the bill, if I was paying I'd be having word later, as it is my Good lady has said leave it.

When I had a carer for my wife I had to pay them directly and if private individuals they had to keep proper books and register with the tax people. I used an organisation that dealt with that and got reimbursed by the local council. Even that was a bit of a faff as I had to set up a specific bank account and fill in numerous forms. The system was so complex that I was advised to consult a lawyer before signing anything and the social work dept had not a clue as it was a brand new system. I could see no reason for a lawyer so I ignored that advice. Almost designed to discourage people but I did get paid faithfully a month in arrears.

 

[oldwheels]

I don't think most people think we will get old, I still don't feel old.

Since I was hemmed in by first lockdown and then hordes of the detested touroid I feel I have got very much older very quickly.

 

[oldwheels]

I used to envy all the old codgers that used to go over for an extended holiday when it was winter here! Not sure it happens much now.....even pre-covid.

Friend of mine, a retired fishing boat owner/skipper and his wife used to winter in their motorhome every year after he retired. They went to Spain, Portugal, Morocco or wherever the fancy took them and came home about March/April.

 

[numbnuts]

Well done, no pockets in a Shroud, as they say.

Enjoy it!

I don't want a shroud, I'll go the same way as I arrived

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I don't want a shroud, I'll go the same way as I arrived

In hospital crying???

 

[postman]

I have finally done it. Phoned my lbs to find out when their next delivery of trek domane al3 is coming and they only have two coming in, one of them is already reserved. I went to the shop and reserved the other one by putting a deposit on it. In about two weeks time, it will be mine, can't wait. wait. View attachment 591704

What have Gavroche and a London pigeon got in common.They can both put deposits on bicycles.

 

[pjd57]

I'd posted a few pictures of some old fire stations around Glasgow on a retired firefighters group. Lots of comments on them, mainly about how good the older buildings looked compared to their replacements.

I decided to organise a run round the city stopping off at a good few of them.
Only four of us for the first one. Just a ten mile round trip starting and finishing at the Free Wheel North cafe on Glasgow Green