Ok to Dive.

 

Well I passed the medical without issue. There was even a few well placed, ‘Bein!’ from Dr Jose.

‘Bien, bien.’ Came his response to an ECG check and as he asked if I did sport, and what type. I could see a clear and regular trace go across the screen. He was impressed and didn’t question my answer - I cycled and climb mountains. Blood pressure was also bien and I was pronounced fit and healthy to dive. This was much more thorough than anything I had experienced in the UK. There were no condescending assumptions – like an electric bike would be good for getting me around the park, or The Wrekin hardly qualifies as a mountain. This guy had the evidence to show that I did something extremely beneficial to my heart and circulation; neither was he trying to lure me into some programme or medication that would bring government funding into the practice.  Now I’m just sat waiting for the weather, rough weather has hampered my return to diving in a post covid world.

Return to the sea delayed.

Sunday came with promised sun and winds that continued to whip the med into something resembling the peaks on a meringue. Hence, we headed down to Roquetas De Mar to watch the finish of the Clasica De Almeria. The previous day had seen the women’ race finish in Vera, that was a two hour drive from here and would have required an early start to see either the start in Vicar or an early for a long drive. Neither were favoured after a late night in Oscar’s Bar.

The men’s race was one day cycle race of 190Km finishing 14Km away in Roquetas. It had attracted some big teams and names – Movistar, Euskatel, Isreal P.T., Bora – Hansgrohe and Ineos Grenadiers. The biggest name being last year’s winner Alexander Kristoff.

What always amazes me is the speed these guys travel at, I know a peloton generates momentum, but managing 47Km/H in a strong wind and over 50Km/H heading for the line, really makes my average speed look pedestrian. I do wonder if professional riders actually enjoy the ride? There are many club and amateur riders who know nothing of the places they ride through, it is only the Strava times that matter and it that which gives them their buzz. I just see cycling as a faster means of travel than walking. I can pass through the boring bits a little faster and saviour the places I like. During my preparation for the LEL, I visited some unknown corners of Shropshire that really are undiscovered.