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This morning, prior to a live weather bulletin, I made a gesture off camera joking with my fellow presenters and without warning the camera went live to the weather studio. I am very sorry for any offence that might have been caused by my actions.

Here Comes Ditchling Beacon

It's been a while since I posted a blog...so here a slightly longer one!

What's new...Well, I'm looking forward to my London to Brighton cycle with the British Heart Foundation on Sunday 20th June. Last year was a blast so I'm expecting a great day again this year...as for THAT hill Ditchling Beacon...

I'll be among 30,000 other cyclists! It's the biggest cycle event of it's kind in Europe I'm told. I'll be setting off at 630am from Clapham Common with Dr Rosemary Leonard's team 'Strictly Come Cycling'. I'll look back and wave 'goodbye' to them 3mins after the start LOL! ;-)

The weather is looking very promising indeed - light winds, sunny and warm but not too warm - ideal really. This ride will be a 'warm-up' for the Paris ride I'm doing with Action Medical Research next month. I'll write more about that soon. Speaking of which, (or typing? lol) I've managed to raise about £2500, that's fantastic folks, thanks!

http://tinyurl.com/39tbdy2

I'll be posting more updates before and during all my rides here in the UK and in France.

In the world of weather...this weeks looks very pleasant for the majority of the UK. It might even hold into the weekend. I actually think the Summer so far this year hasn't been that bad at all, you may disagree? In fact, we haven't had enough rain. Still, it's only the start of the summer and many, many weeks of it to come...

One one thing I'll be closely looking at this year is the Atlantic Hurricane Season. It's predicted to be a very nasty one this year. As for most meteorologists and weather forecasters this is an interesting subject for me (hurricanes). I've been to Florida many a time when it's been brushed by these tropical buggers. As I type, there may well be one brewing some 1000miles west of the Windward Islands. Beware!

http://tinyurl.com/3x38on7

That's all for now. Come again.

Our First 'Mini-Sizzler'

About a week ago it was looking like warmer weather was headed our way... the change from cold to warm is finally happening and, it 's about flamin' time too! (At least that's what I think...I realise some may have enjoyed the cool 'northerlies'). The weekend mercury is expected peak in the mid 20s in London and the Midlands. Couple of snags...sunny skies aren't a promise and it'll feel quite humid too. On a positive note, it's the humidity and moisture which will help keep the evenings warm and summery...that 'holiday feeling'! Will it last beyond the weekend? ...too early to say but northern Britain is likely to cool off.

Azores soon on an High

Looks like after the weekend we might be finally getting some warmer weather in the UK. Yay! I'm banking on the Azores High extending into the country...the weather lot will know what I mean. Personally, I think there is no more room for cold weather in my garden and as far as I'm concerned Mother Nature's quota for cold weather has simply run out. Enuff is enuff, it's time for shorts and t-shirts.

BTW: The picture shows some lagoon in the Azores...no, I wasn't there.

(small print: don't bank on any warmer weather to last for too long!)

A *grunt* and *sigh* at the weather maps

Last night I had a good look at the weather charts for the coming days and to be honest it's not looking that exciting. No sign of any warmer weather which I would personally prefer...as I'm sure most of us would. In fact, after chatting to my colleagues, we came to a conclusion that the first half of May...(and beyond!)...may not bring much of change. Sure, there will be some sunshine but for as many sunny days we may end up getting grey cloud and some rain. I think the cool winds and chilly evening's will be most unwelcome. Summer ain't here yet...then again, it's still only May!

London to Paris 2010...donations

I am pleased to announce that I have managed to raise over £1500 (!) in charity money for the bike ride to Paris with Action Medical Research in July.

http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/schafernaker

The response has been fantastic and thank you to everyone for all the donations! I've also enjoyed reading every comment posted on the sponsorship page. I'll be doing a warm up ride to Brighton in June (with the British Heart Foundation) as well as other rides before the big one...

Thanks!!

Delayed April Showers

I've had some fantastic weather in April down here in the Southeast. I, of course, know it hasn't always been like it everywhere in the country. Anyway, it has been great weather for a little gardening. I'm no 'Mr green fingers' but, after the harsh winter, there was a tiny bit to be done. Temperatures of 20 degrees (and higher) are already a distant memory and the chill is being felt as the delayed 'April Showers' arrive. It certainly has been a considerably dry spell. Definitely no sign of any warm weather next week...ah well, we do need some rain.