The Olympics comes to Grey Fox country

Attending the Olympic Opening Ceremony, and watching the road races and time trials over the last few days, have been experiences I will never forget. The cycling has taken place in Grey Fox country on the edge of London - at the end of our road and through the local park. A great privilege and an unrepeatable experience.

The Opening Ceremony was stunning; an unforgettable mix of British humour, culture and history. The transformation from Britain's green and pleasant land to post-industrial revolutionary chaos, the forging of the Olympic rings and the Queen's excellently-acted piece with James Bond were highlights for me. It was also special for me as a national charity run by a close family member was particularly honoured.

The men's cycling road race was disappointing for Team GB who were marked men from the start. Nobody would help the favourites and, as a result, the gold medal was out of reach. Lizzy Armitstead's silver medal in the women's race and gold and bronze for Wiggins (see photo below) and Froome respectively in the time trial  was an excellent consolation for GB cycling .

What has this got to do with this blog? Well, this is a record of influences and what could be more inspirational than a local Olympic Games? [All photos by Grey Fox]

The Flame is lit.

The breakaways start as Team GB tries to control the race on Box Hill.

Bradley Wiggins flies past the end of the road on his way to Gold in the Men's Time Trial.