August 9 - Day 111 - Nothing is more unnerving to the truly conventional than the unashamed misfit! J. K. Rowling

This picture would have appeared in Friday’s Blog - but hopefully you will have already noticed - there wasn’t one. I got completely drenched on Thursday going home and with storms predicted for Friday, I decided to have one day in the car. At least from the other pictures, you know I’m not just a fair-weather cyclist.

I’ve been trying to get a picture of this long-horned cow for the last four weeks as I love the way there is one horn growing upwards and one down. I think I’ve always been drawn to things that are different. On Thursday the herd were standing next to the stream by the road so, despite getting even more wet, I pulled up quickly by the side of the road to get my camera. Unfortunately, the sound of my brakes screeching (unavoidable in the downpour) created a stampede with the whole herd running to the top of the field away from me. Luckily, the required cow was the only one that stopped at the top and looked back so by zooming in I was finally able to get a picture.

If I could read cow expressions, I’d tell you whether he/she (sorry the long grass prevented gender identification!) was fed up of having run up the field for nothing, or proud to stand there displaying its ‘wonky’ horns. I’d like to think the latter, standing their proud and happy with its unique features. I say ‘wonky’ with affection by the way - as when my legs are covered in bruises from the bike or other obstacles that seem to get in the way, Jeff says my legs look like wonky veg (which I have to believe is also said with affection!)

So - lets continue to celebrate difference and stand proudly next to one other. If my cycle ride can do something to question prejudice and my blog make at least one person think differently then it is worth more than the money raised. As Bruce Springsteen explained about his music, “Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.” Let us keep cycling and pushing forward together.

There's no point in trying to conform for the sake of it. People are meant to be different shapes, and their different shapes are so interesting and, ultimately, why people fall in love with them. Miranda Hart