This post is in memoriam of Banita's dear friend Steve Wright, who passed away this time last year. We were fortunate to be able to visit with him briefly in his home, near Leeds, in May 2019 during my 50th birthday trip. Upon his passing were were able to travel back to celebrate his life … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge-Mile Marker 565.6: Bradford/Leeds with a jaunt through the Peak District

It's a big week in 'merica and stress levels are off the chart. Good time to visit my virtual trek. This mileage was completed via a couple five mile hikes in Upper Michigan and multiple, now short biking commutes to work. Been a busy couple months of fitting in a getaway, moving, and maintaining sanity … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge-Mile Marker 520.6: Sheffield and almost the halfway point

We have reached the Midlands...and more or less of the halfway point of this virtual adventure. This mileage was brought to you by some bike commuting and walks around Ohiopyle, PA during a brief road trip last week. Leicester Murder, mystery, mayhem. The War of the Roses. The death and disappearance of a King...until 2012 … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge- Mile Marker 478.6: Leicester and Nottingham (or where Richard III was lost then found and Robin Hood is a thorn in the side of the rich).

Before I start the virtual English tour part of this post, I want to spend a moment to say their names. Jacob Blake. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery...the list goes on and on. Don't be complicit. Don't be silent. Do VOTE! Stratford-upon-Avon Most of my mileage as been due to bike commuting and if … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 438.7. Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry

The hot, sticky weather continued so not much Chicago venturing was had, but I counted my steps and added in a bike ride home from work to move myself 18 more miles closer to my virtual goal. In my virtual English world this had me venture past Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame. I admit … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 328.7, near Donnington

It has been a very sticky, uncomfortably hot week or more in Chicago so not much bike riding or walking long distances was done. But it's cooled off enough that I was able to log 25 miles over a couple of bike commutes to work. This get's me my next postcard! Every year on the … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 310.7 in a hamlet somewhere

Received a postcard this time around that shows an idyllic beach scene in Bournemouth. From the reports coming out of England last weekend, the reality looked a liitle more like this! I'm sorry but that is my worst nightmare even in pre-pandemic days. I know you pasty white English are dying for sun when you … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 285.7. Salisbury, Near Stonehenge

It has been quite the week or so since I last posted as cities across the United States, including Chicago, protested the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. The area where I live was in the heart of the first night of protests and the ensuing riots. I could spend all day … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mileage Marker 185.7 Somewhere in Dorset