Bike Ride: Village Medium Route

8.5 miles, 13.6 km, time 45 mins.

The medium route, with the steep hill before cycling down to the village, and returning through Peak Lane. The hill did not feel too bad, and I got round in a good time.

Holiday photo: Eden project

A very interesting conversion of a former clay mine, into domes that house Tropical and Mediterranean plants and climate. Has an eye on explaining where are food supply comes from, and conservation - very impressive.

Holiday photo: Lanhydrock House

A Victorian House visited on holiday. After a fire in 1881 the house was restored in high Victorian style, an impressive long room and preserved quarters. I found the history of the family interesting, left for South Africa in the 1950s and the house passed to the National Trust - probably the family wealth had decreased and could no longer afford the upkeep.

Holiday photo: Coast overlooking Seaton

A holiday photo, along the south coast path in Cornwall. Overlooking Seaton on a (almost) clear day.

Trade Mission in India

A very well intentioned trade mission to India by Cameron, trying to open up restricted markets - I'm sure we have some businesses other than defence that could benefit from that.

The news reports gave the predictable export of BaE Hawk jets, being manufactured under licence. But the irony now is India is probably thinking "why do we need you" and it is more likely that there conglomerates will buy remaining industries over here.

Still a good realisation of where the exports have to go if we are to recover, but a country that thrives on excessive regulation and no shortage of wheel greasing (read: corruption)

Trident funded from existing Defence budget

So at last! Here is the contradiction that may see a much reduced Navy or the cancellation of Trident.

The MOD has been assuming the nuclear deterrent would be funded out of the treasury as it is separate from ordinary defence - more strategic and political.

But now the Treasury is saying the 20 billion must come out of defence funding. Of course over many years that it will take to replace the ships, so likely a few billion a year.

The Navy has left itself in a weak position, not enough Type 45's to protect two carriers. So I predict the carriers will be built, but one will be an immediate loss making export to India. Maybe also seeing the sale of some of the 45's as the defence review may reveal we need more less capable ships in the current climate.

Interesting times, and a great example of government decision making being shaped by lack of money.

Bike Ride: Village Short Route

First bike ride since May, but that is because the walk/run has been taking priority.

6.4 miles, 10.3 km, time 32 mins.

This is my short village route, that skirts around the outside but still uses the Peak Lane route home.