I am a cyclist. Have been since I was a child and am hoping to stay that way long beyond my current two score and sixteen years. It is time for my road bike to go overseas to a place where I will be riding often; cheaper by far than renting bikes all the time and for sure a lot cheaper than buying a new one. The easiest and cheapest way to get it there is on the plane with me but that is not a possibility as my car is too small for me to transport a packed bike box to the air

It's the middle of the winter here in the UK. In rural England where I live the roads are covered in mud and deep pools of water. Whilst this can make for some entertaining driving it also ensures a very dirty car. So dirty that I keep a packet of wet wipes in the car door pocket to clean my front and rear lights and number plates inbetween visits to the car wash so that I don't get pulled over by the traffic police. Last week it was time for my car's annual MOT. This is a go

A letter landed on the doormat this morning, its purpose clearly inscribed on the envelope ... the annual renewal of my roadside assistance cover for my much-loved 12 year old car. I have used this particular company for many years. Every so now and again I have a look at the competition but I always stay put. And always for the same reason. Their customer service I have always found excellent, even though I have friends whose journey with this company is far from mine. If th

A few days ago I was treated to dinner at one of London's oldest and most renowned fine dining establishments: they have been serving food for over 250 years. My dining companion had eaten there before so, with a reservation made a day earlier, our anticipation of an evening of unsurpassed service and mouthwatering food was high. We dressed as befitted such an evening and as we wandered to the restaurant we wondered whether our expectations would be met. To be honest, there w

I have lived in this area of England on and off for almost 25 years. Whenever I return from my stints in Asia it is always to the rural beauty of Devon. It’s a region of rolling hills and stark moorland, high sea cliffs and golden sandy beaches. There a villages a plenty and market towns here and there, many still with thriving farmer’s markets and weekly livestock sales. There is only one city, home to an exquisite cathedral and one of the country’s best universities. The ec