Lockdown Life

Hi everybody and welcome back to another post. I hope you are all safe and well, and coping admirably during this period. Since the previous post (click here if you missed it) I've been staying at home as instructed and also heading out on my road bike several times a week. To say I have been thankful to be able to exercise within the restrictions would be an understatement. I have certainly felt sorry for those living in other European countries where the lockdown has been tighter and people couldn't run or cycle far from their homes, if at all.

This period has helped me appreciate my location even more than before. Warwickshire is a lovely county in which to live. For a couple of rides I popped my small compact camera into one of the back pockets of my cycling jersey, and took some snaps.

Being able to build up some cycling fitness since the premature end of the ski season has been enjoyable, if bizarre with the quiet roads. Even with phase two of the lockdown currently in place, on the whole the roads continue to stay empty.

Back in the French Alps, ski resorts are reporting that they will be opening for the summer season, including Méribel and Courchevel. Events that would've attracted crowds, including mass-participation races, have either been postponed until next summer or cancelled completely. However the Tour de France bike race has been rescheduled to start on August 29th, and the two stages that visit Méribel are currently going ahead!

I spoke to my mate and fellow ski instructor Slippers Jackson again the other day. He is based over in Morzine, and has just opened up his bike hire shop for the summer. Granted, he doesn't know how his trade will be affected this year, especially as there are still driving distance restrictions in place. I'm guessing that visitor numbers will be different to normal. Fingers crossed for Slippers, and those who love riding in the Alps.

Lockdown life here in Leamington Spa continues. My wedding photography work is.... how can I say this, affected. Weddings are being postponed until next year, and at the moment no wedding fayres are taking place. My wife Harriet has been furloughed at Jaguar Land Rover since mid-April, and like many people doesn't know when and how this will change. We have been unable to visit our parents and other family members. Fingers crossed I might be able to visit my Dad up in Cheshire as restrictions relax. Although I'm sure I won't be able to visit my Mum in her care home for quite some time. A resident there has tested positive for Covid-19; Mum was tested soon after, and has thankfully returned a negative result.

At the end of every ski blog, I finish with the words 'Live With Passion'. Perhaps I should change this for the moment. How about something snappy like 'Stay at Home', or 'Stay Alert'? Maybe not, it might confuse people. I know, this will do - 'Toodle Pip'. Martin.