one small step… one giant leap

It has been the tradition in Christmases past, for Anniemay and I to go out on our bikes on Christmas morning.  Sometimes on our mountain bikes and sometimes on our road bikes, depending on our mood, the roads and the weather.  

Today we forsook the bikes for the car and headed out early to try and blip this statue.  I’ve passed it numerous times and have realised that the only way to get a decent image is to stand either in the middle of the road (a busy dual carriageway) or on the roundabout upon which it stands.

It’s a tribute to local Olympic hero Greg Rutherford and is located on the A421 just off Junction 13 of the M1.  I reason that the traffic is likely to be light on Christmas morning and with a favourable weather forecast, set the alarm for 7.00am.  My plucky sidekick, Anniemay, comes too, helpfully pointing out the shots I could have taken, as I dodge cars to set foot upon the roundabout.  

Having captured Greg’s giant leap, we head into Central Milton Keynes and walk up to the top of Campbell Park.  Apart from a lone mountain biker there is no one else in sight.  It’s silent, save for the wind which whips in from the East.  And crystal clear; we can see for miles.

We received a photo from Mollymay this morning showing her Christmas Day walk with Glyn and Milo along the beach, where it’s too hot to eat outside.  Anniemay sent her a couple from our walk, where it’s too cold to eat outside.

We’re out in the cold today by choice.  There are many who are out in the cold today through no fault of their own.


Best wishes to all who happen on this page today, wherever you are.