Restaurant review: Shrimpy's, the Filling Station, King's Cross

Another week, another pop-up restaurant. They are all over London at the moment, which is really no bad thing. Who is going to complain about fantastic new restaurants appearing left, right and centre? 


Well, me, but only about the ones that have a no-booking policy, which never fails to annoy me. Thankfully at Shrimpy's (our lunch destination on Friday) you not only can book, but really have to -  it's a very small dining room and is very popular just now. 


The setting is key for your average pop-up: whilst Pitt Cue went for an Airstream Caravan on Southbank, Shrimpy's have installed themselves in a former petrol station (now the "Filling Station") just north of King's Cross station (on the corner of Goods Way and York Way). The transformation is impressive: it's a great dining space, cleverly hidden away from the traffic behind fancy screening, with a forecourt that will be a fantastic spot for canal-side drinks throughout the summer. 


The menu, as the name suggests, is dominated by fish (though there are meat options which did look tempting). The wine list is full of new world stuff, which gets a tick in my book. 


My starter was calamari (very tasty) followed by the soft shell crab burger (as pictured) for my main. The burger looked great, and tasted fine - though it was quite hard to notice any distinctive crab flavour. There was a subtle taste, but it seemed to be dominated by the bun and the dressing. As I say, it was fine, but it isn't a dish that I immediately rang home about. My colleagues who had the chicken dish enjoyed their meals. 


The service, and coffees were all good, and the bill came in at £180 for four (one bottle of wine, starters, mains and coffees) which puts it into the category of places to only go to when someone else is paying.


I'll happily return to Shrimpy's - the food is good, it's a very useful addition to the restaurants in/around King's Cross, and the setting is an excellent conversation starter - but given the size of the bill, I wasn't as blown away by the food as I was hoping to be.


DM out. 

King's Cross!!

We made it. Yesterday was a long 136km day, but we made it into KX for 6:30pm, both relieved and overjoyed at the same time.

It was quite a ride. More soon.

DM

Back on UK soil.

We're in Calais!

We've made it to Calais after a day of bright sunshine and fast roads. Tomorrow we cross the channel then face the long drag to KX. We're not home yet!

Tomorrow we should cross the channel, pick up a few extra cyclists (hopefully) and then face some less than brilliant forecasted weather / a few hills in order to make it to the finish line at King's Cross.

Wish us luck!

100 miler (contd)

So. A big day today - we deliberately went on past our destination (Cambrai) with the intention of knocking off a few of tomorrow's miles (which was otherwise looking quite daunting). We pushed on to the 100 mile mark just really to say we had. It made it a long day, but hopefully we'll feel the benefits tomorrow.

Today has been OK, but not a classic. The morning was characterised by busy roads, big trucks and 'rolling' hills (which tended to be bigger than expected). The afternoon was much better - the wind eased, and the roads became quieter. And I was feeling much faster, which always helps!

By the end of the day we were all tired, but there is a growing sense of excitement about heading to Calais tomorrow. Everyone is still hoping beyond hope that we all stay fit for these last two days, but of course there are no guarantees.

There are lots of sore knees, aching muscles, and most of us have numb little fingers from so much riding. Painkillers are being consumed as regularly as energy bars (which, incidentally, we're all sick of) and chamois cream is being applied in thicker and thicker layers.

It would be easy to think that we're nearly there now - and indeed we've never been closer - but keeping the legs going for the next two days after the punishment they've already taken will be no mean feat. Keep all the texts / comments / etc coming; they're hugely appreciated. Keep everything crossed for us: we're going to need all the luck we can get over the next few days.

DM out.

The 100 miler

Just a v quick note to say that we're safely in Cambrai, after a monster 100 mile day. More later.

Day 6: Back in the game!

What a difference a day makes. After two pretty tough days (to put it politely!) today was a peach. It was still long (138km) bit we covered it quickly, getting to our hotel by half four.

The hills have been rolling - with some cracking descents (I managed a new top speed of 57.5km/h on one descent) - the wind has been at our backs (at last!) and the sun has been shining all day. I struggled a bit after first tea break - my left knee felt quite sore and I was off the pace a bit (in my defence though, the average pace at that point was 28km/h, which is high) but with some help from the Team (my thanks to Duncan and Graham) I soon recovered and was whizzing along quite happily after lunch.

So. End of day six and we're in a interesting "hotel" in Charleville-Mezeries. Two thirds of the way now. Fingers crossed that the legs keep going for the next three days. DM

Wo-ah we're (over) half way there...

End of day 5, and we're somewhere near Metz, apparently sharing a hotel with the pro-cycling team Cofidis. It's been another tough day, but after the trials and tribulations of yesterday, it was good to get back to some proper cycling.

The biking was quite dull: busy main ish roads (equating to single file riding), into (yet another) headwind, and plenty of hills. We did a lot of climbing today - something around 1100 (long) metres - notably first thing this morning and last thing before stopping. My legs are feeling it this evening.

I think the distance is starting to show on everyone. We're all very tired and a few people have picked up (hopefully) minor injuries. I guess it's not surprising, given how far we have come.

Tomorrow: more cycling. Must keep the faith.

Longest day

Today was probably the worst day so far. It was long (154km) and due to various navigational 'issues' we finished at 8:30pm/ 9pm in the French town of Saverne, absolutely shattered.

Yesterday, by contrast, was superb. We cycled beside Lake Constance to start with, then had some hills, then along brilliant Danube Way cycle track (I think), all in fantastic weather. The upbeat mood of the day came to a shuddering halt with some very sad news from home.

Last night we ate Chinese, and were promised that today would start with a short climb followed by a 100k descent. It sounded too good to be true. It was.

The big descent was down the German equivalent of the M6, which we decided against on advice from a local motorist. After much messing about the actual riding did not recommence until late morning. The ride was a difficult one - a tricky route and mixed weather. The stretches across the French border and from Strasbourg to Saverne were probably the worst, battling a howling headwind as we were riding. During the last 25k it started to rain as well - pretty much the last thing we needed at gone 8pm after such a long way.

Still. We got here. We're now in France and after tomorrow should be over half way. Must sleep now. Very very tired. DM

Day 3

It's been a lovely days' cycling along the shores of the beautiful Lake Constance, and then up a few hills. We're now I'm Germany, I think. We've covered 135km today; in glorious weather. The Argent contingent are well, the Metropolitan / GE people are a cracking bunch. Sachin went for a swim in the Lake in Jim's bikini to raise a bit more for charity. DM out.

The climb!

I'll keep this very short: suffice to say Day 2 is over and we're in Bregenz. More importantly, the big climb over the Alberg Pass is over. It was tough, and it went on for ages... but it's done. We all made it up and over. We met the vans at the top for a very welcome cup of tea. More later. DM

End of Day 1

We're in Landeck, at the end of day 1. It's been a good day. We've covered 117.5km, and were joined for the ride by two chaps from GE, Christian and Rhinehart (I think) who largely guided us to Landeck.

This morning was spectacular - traffic free cycling in valleys between towering snow-capped peaks. The weather was overcast, but dry - the temperature almost perfect for biking! We stopped in Innsbruck for a coffee in buoyant mood. After coffee we pushed on, and I think we covered a total of 55k or so before lunch at a local cafe (which took ages).

After lunch, the riding was less fun. The weather worsened (light rain) and we were cycling into a fierce headwind. This bit was the hardest bit of the day for me - crosswind/headwind, busier roads, and a tough pace. Thankfully it didn't last too long; the wind dropped and the roads widened.

We spent much of the afternoon following the mighty River Inns, which is huge. The rain continued, but only lightly; nothing compared to recent downpours in the UK. We arrived here at 5:30pm, having somehow missed our final rendezvous with the van / bus.

All the Argent people are doing well - Jim is a bit of a speed demon (despite wearing a pink bra and knickers over his cycling kit (a condition of some sponsorship) and despite having a minor crash) and Jo and Clare seem to be cycling happily. Will is driving the van admirably (let's not mention the fine).

I'm quite tired, but otherwise don't feel too bad. It'll be interesting to see how I feel in the morning! The big question for dinner tonight is whether we attempt the pass tomorrow. It will largely depend on whether the road is open, of course, as there is apparently a chance of snow tonight at altitude.we shall see.

It's been a good first day. Tomorrow could be pretty tough. Wish us all luck! DM

First morning

A beautiful first morning. Lovely cycling through stunning scenery. Long may it continue! Not sure how long the rain will hold off, but it was at least nice to start in the dry.

Jenbach!

We've arrived! Jenbach is a beautiful mountain town, and it's currently fantastically warm. It was really quite odd arriving in 30' heat in Munich after the freezing temperatures of London. It's not set to last, but it made a nice change. The bikes are still en route, but should be here by 9ish. After that, it's a bite to eat then hopefully an early night ahead of a big first day tomorrow...

Departure day!

Well, by now the bikes will be well on their way to Jenbach. We fly out to meet them (via Munich) in a few hours.

Bikes ready to go! And a kayak, oddly.



It would be very  wrong it say I'm ready, but that said I don't think I ever would be. I'll be glad to get going, certainly.

I have a nasty cold, which is remarkably unfortunate in terms of timing, but such is the way of things.

It's odd to think that this time next we'll be on day 7 of 9. I really can't think about that sort of thing just now - only the first 20 miles of Saturday. Nothing else is relevant at this point.

It's going to be great. I'm going to miss everyone at home; particularly our 1 year old, but it's only for a week. The cycling will be superb (he says, again, desperately trying to convince himself), and we're raising a lot of cash for charity - if you'd like to donate, there is still time. Do so here: http://www.justgiving.com/teams/PinkPanther/ - huge thanks to all of you that have donated already.

Well, wish us luck. It's going to be quite a trip.

DM

Ps. Late message from van driver Will, asking me to take CDs ask continental radio is rubbish. I've packed Bon Jovi - Greatest Hits, and Queen - Greatest HIts. What more could you want?

Final Training Ride

Final training ride today, with my good friend Tom. Tom is a much more experienced cyclist than I am, and even occassionally goes riding with a cycling club. He mentions his cycling club occassionally race up hills. I have no desire to join this cycling club.

Anyway; it was a great ride. Hard work, yes, but I think that was the idea. Tom described it as a 'gradient ride'. Basically there were a lot of hills. Still, for the first time in ages, it didn't pour with rain as we were cycling (it was overcast) and the new and improved bike (armoured tyres, shorter stem) felt good (albeit in need of a service).

I'm not too sure where we went, but wherever it was, there was a disappointing lack of a tea and cake shop. We went fairly close to Chartwell, Hever Castle and numerous golf courses. The way back took us over Ide Hill (long, steep), Sunbridge Hill (very steep. I found this one the most difficult of the three) and past the Crystal Palace radio mast (a long climb right at the end of the route). All in all, it was reassuring. The hills were tough, but I got up them. The bike felt good. I was tired by the time we got home (after 102km) but that isn't really a surprise.

Austria still scares me, but I'm really quite eager to crack on with it now. I think it will scare me less once I start.

Time to the Pink Panther ride: Less than a week!

Confidence: Improving.

Weight: No idea. Suffice to say that my suits are all now quite a bit looser than the were.

And it was all going so well..

Today was the first really low point of the 'training', such that it has been. Don't get me wrong - the first few longer rides have been tough, but this was a new low.

To date, there had been a couple of rides to Box Hill and back (stopping at the top for the obligatory date slice and cup of tea) and a ride to Bray and back (albeit the next day), via Windsor Great Park. The ones through Bray had been on my own, too, without fellow cycling rookie Clare - and whilst I didn't get too lost, I fear I did cycle along a number of private roads. Ah well.

The rides had been getting better - I was confidently nodding at other road cyclists as if to say "Look. Now I am one of you" (as they shot past me), I was falling out of my cleats less often (at this point I should apologise to the driver of the dark blue BMW near Kingston on to which I fell once) and I had even managed to get up Crocknorth Road (a nasty hill near East Horsley) without stopping. Today, though, was just miserable.

There were a number of issues: first, it was Easter Monday. Second, it was absolutely chucking it down. Third, we had such an early start that the gates of Wimbledon Park (through which I cycle to get to Putney) had not yet been opened. Or at least some of them hadn't been opened. The ones I enter by were open, the ones I (usually) leave by were not. By the time I realised this, I already running late to meet Clare, and her husband Luke, for our Easter Monday training ride. I shot round to the other side of the park to see if a third gate was open (it wasn't) taking a corner way too fast in the meantime, sending my bike one way, and me the other. A classy way to damage both knuckles and previously-in-pristine-condition handlebars.

After dusting myself off, I finally made it to Richmond Park where Clare and Luke had been patientially waiting in the pouring rain. As you would expect, I vastly exaggerated the nature of the crash (including details about swerving to avoid a kitten) to justify my lateness. I'm not entirely sure they were convinced.

The ride started off OK - we got about half way to Windsor Great Park before part of Luke's disc brakes detached itself from his bike sending him on a long diversion to Walton-on-Thames to find a bike shop whilst Clare and I pushed on to Windsor. Even by this point it had been raining for a long time and we were all getting quite chilly. The circuit of WGP was suitably picturesque, and we managed to find Luke in Staines on our way back.

On leaving Staines I discovered I had a slow puncture. We pumped this up, and cycled on. A little further down the road, I realised it wasn't as slow as I had thought. In truth, it could be described as a moderately fast puncture. The tire was flat, it was raining, we were all freezing and my tyres are a real pain to change. At this point I bailed out, walking (further than expected) back to the train station in Staines and getting the train home (Clare and Luke cycled on). I was starting to shiver by the time I got to Staines, and I have never been so glad to have packed a drybag with a spare top in it. The dry clothes stopped the worst of the shivering, but I was nonetheless hugely relieved to get home for hot tea and a warm shower.

Not a good day, but some useful lessons learned:

1. Taking corners at speed in the wet is rarely a good idea;
2. I need some way of keeping my feet dry and/or warm;
3. As two, for my hands;
4. Dry clothes, this time round, were a real comfort. I realise that very few of my 'fellow' road cyclists carry a rucksack, but this time it really worked out for me. I will think on this point further.
5. Being able to change my tyres quickly would be really quite useful.

Time to the Pink Panther ride: About a month.
Confidence: Was improving. Has taken quite a kicking today.

Conversion to cycling god (everyone has to start somewhere)

The idea behind the name of the blog was quite simple: curiousity is a good thing - it leads us to try new experiences, see new things and meet new people. All of which enrich us. The thought that (with the significant exception of all debilitating medical conditions): if it doesn't kill you then even if it doesn't make you stronger, the chances are you'll have an amusing tale to tell afterwards. 


The theory is sound. The practice is ridiculous. It was this 'theory' that led me to agreeing to go on a long, long bike ride. 750 miles across Europe? For charity? Without having to use up any of my leave? Sounds great! 


The overly excitable part of my brain jumped at the chance, immediately over-ruling common sense which was left muttering things like "you don't even own a road bike" and "despite what you think, you're not actually that fit" in the background. 


Today, with the long, long ride a matter of weeks away and the training only just having begun, common sense is sitting with quite a smug grin that just screams, without any need for words, "I told you so". 


Having spent far too long deliberating over bikes and precious little time riding them the training proper started today. After the very strange training ride 1 around Richmond Park (the reason for it being so-calIed I shall explain at another time) before the ski trip, I today rode into work. And back. It's not all that far. Maybe 7 or 8 miles each way - about a tenth of what we'll do every day when we cycle from Innsbruck to London. 


Given how (pathetically) tough cycling to and from work was, it is sufficient to say that I have a lot of work ahead of me. The thought of the Austria ride is currently just a little bit sickening. That said, I'm signed up now. There is nothing else for it but to become a cycling god over the next few weeks. Everyone has to start somewhere. 


Time to the big ride: 1 month, 20 days, 12 hours.


Weight: 89.7kgs (the (somewhat unusual) success of the annual New Year's health kick being hit by the ski trip to Canada, and the traditional lie that it doesn't matter how many burgers you eat when skiing as you'll burn them off anyway). 


Confidence: Low