Journey journal
A whistle stop to Bletchley to update me after a previous visit there and made possible by Jill Hawkin’s arch negotiation skills – in which she swapped music a live performance notes with most charming gate porter of the year, Barney Jain. He was a must for the blog, in what turned out to be a day of musts.
After Bletchley we went to Caldecotte Lake where Enigma Running’s David Bayley was hosting one of his famous low key running events with a charming medal, a 5K he called Wind in the Pillows. The Lake made for a lovely run. I came round in 3rd place.
After the run finished, we were sent of to Newcastle with a glass of champagne poured by Richard from his Champagne Firetruck.
‘Where I live’
Enigma Running’s David Foxy Bayley has roots in the Black Country, but 30 years in MK has left him nearly blending in. He certainly knows his way around Caldecotte Lake.
Fuel
Nothing of note unless Monster Munch counts. Charis is a Pickled Onion fan, so am I but I ate some beef ones.
Venues
If a Champagne Firetruck is a venue, and it is, then that wins.
Quiz
Jill asked, “Why do the roads in MK all start with an H or a V?”. There is a prize of Beers and vouchers at MK Biergarten.
Overnight stay
It was the Travelodge, Newcastle Quayside. I wanted to dislike it because Travelodge declined being a key Big TOE sponsor, but it was comfortable and nice, with good staff in a convenient location.
Brand Experience
The Champagne Firetruck has been building demand all summer. Its really such a simple eye catcher but we had plenty of interest in it when it pipped up at the Lake carpark. Amongst a few spoked toasts, I also raised a quiet glass to WW2 hero Alan Turing.
Friends old and new
David Foxy Bayley and his partner Sarah, Firetruck maestro Richard, Enigma Runner Lindy (pictured) who was running in tandem with her sister, who completed her 5K virtually in Switzerland at Lake Geneva and the Motown playing porter from Bletchley Park, Barney Jain.
Club Scene
Enigma Running regular Julie was a proud Redway Runner, a club the sounds very inclusive to all levels, and beginner friendly.
Heroes and Villains
The England Football team managed to be both as they won heroically in the last minute vs Slovakia and got slated by everyone watching in the ‘Lodge all at once.
Photo of the day
The Firetruck produced several good pics but Charis took this one at Caldecotte that I really like.
Events and Festivals
The Euros were the big story with many big screens up. At Glasto Sza performed to sparse crowds.
Inspiration
David Foxy Bayley – he launched Enigma Running to raise money for the Brathay Challenged 10 in 10 and his runners all get treated with courtesy and kindness.
