Helen
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helengoldthorpe.bsky.social
Helen
@helengoldthorpe.bsky.social
Things that make me smile, mainly a mix of sunrises, hedgehogs, squirrels, bikes and parkruns...
Reposted by Helen
Happy squirrel appreciation day 🐿️

As well as checking in on their squirrel cam this evening, the #Winterwatch team will share updates from otters, pine martens, wading birds and much more, so you can catch up with all your favourite creatures.

📷: Tristan Bane
January 21, 2026 at 5:30 PM
I've just made a couple of coach journeys through France and looking down into cars from a higher position made me wonder if France actually had mobile phone laws...
We need this here. Every other driver is staring at their phone.
France launches immediate 6-month license suspension for phone use while driving in Landes. Radical experiment replaces standard fines. Could set European precedent for road safety. #RoadSafety #France #Driving #Europe
January 21, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Given the choice of not enough sleep, or even less sleep and a bit of fresh air to wake myself up, I am the sort of person who chooses the latter... Last day of the conference survived and on the bus back to the airport.
January 21, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Pre-conference run trying not to get too lost in the darkness!
January 20, 2026 at 7:29 AM
No fog and a nice looking venue for the next few days
January 19, 2026 at 6:48 PM
#parkrun event 700 at Roundhay had a random giraffe. My fastest time at the event since 2011, and my best ever age grade there. I'm so glad that my shoulder is broken in a way that doesn't stop me running!
January 17, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Squeezing some gigs in before getting my shoulder pinned back together. First up, Dry Cleaning.
January 15, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Reposted by Helen
Just ban it. Stop this being socially acceptable FFS 🤬
January 10, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Stunning morning at #parkrun on the Roundhay winter course
January 10, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Very cold but not icy at Roundhay #parkrun this morning. 5 parkruns in 15 days, first time I've ever managed that, and good to be back under 25 despite my shoulder still being broken...
January 3, 2026 at 12:18 PM
#parkrun day comes round so quickly at this time of year! The hills and music of Potternewton are definitely one way to wake yourself up...
January 1, 2026 at 10:39 AM
I think my scapula might be said disruption...
Overall a decent year. A bit of disruption in the second half i won't go in to, but some good long rides, our most complete tour and more time on the cx bike than usual.

Also most consistent running (albeit one parkrun a week) for about a decade.

@veloviewer.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:06 PM
We've been out for a meal to see off 2025. It had its good moments, but I'll mainly remember the bad bits... Mind you. 2026 will start with sorting out shoulder surgery so I'm not sure that's something to look forward to!

Happy New Year everyone.
December 31, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Reposted by Helen
Have you ever seen an albino otter before? Neither that or Steve has a REALLY bad hangover...
December 31, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Not there this year (I don't think my shoulder would have coped anyway!), but I have a feest tent playlist going in the other room, and a good supply of alcohol...
I love that Sporza keep trying to interview Sanne Cant, but mostly what they're getting is her cheering on and shouting info at passing riders! 😁 #spdiegem
December 30, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Cancellations due to ice meant a late change of plans but we managed a very pleasant #parkrun at Pennington Flash on the way home from the Christmas festivities
December 27, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Parkrun done. Let the eating commence!
December 25, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Ready for the Hogfather to come...
December 24, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Last Roundhay #parkrun of the year done (we'll be touristing over Christmas) and another broken shoulder PB. Looking forward to the day I can run pain free though...
December 20, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Reposted by Helen
Turning up in my Facebook memories, and it’s a crime not to repost.
December 20, 2025 at 9:40 AM
A bit of Santa dashing at Roundhay #parkrun this morning - good to be back after a few weeks off!
December 13, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Turns out I'm not in as good a place as I thought, and it's surprising what you can manage with a broken shoulder that has failed to unite. Now to decide whether to leave it as is on the basis that it mainly works or get surgery and go through all the rehab again...
Celebrating a successful post accident return to cycling in the sun. I'm not where I was, but I'm in a much better place than I could have been. I probably need to send this photo to my physio 😉
December 11, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Hometime. That was just what I needed!
December 7, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Celebrating a successful post accident return to cycling in the sun. I'm not where I was, but I'm in a much better place than I could have been. I probably need to send this photo to my physio 😉
December 6, 2025 at 3:01 PM
My arm has been struggling with the wind the last few days but today's ride up to Mirador del Rio was much better!
December 5, 2025 at 5:47 PM