Vive la Rearsistance!

Our joint Avon Gorge clear ups with Mark from SAS (Surfers Against Sewage) have become a regular tradition at Bristol Goodgym. Its always a mucky job, but working in the shadow of the iconic Avon Suspension bridge has a certain romantic appeal - you just have to try and focus on looking up more than down (admittedly not altogether straight-forward when you're litter picking).

Its also a very worthwhile activity. This is the heart of Bristol and generally the first place visitors head for, so its a shame when their view is largely made up of styrofoam takeaway containers, bottles and cans.

And last but not least its an opportunity to run along one side of the Harbourside loop. This is a popular location for lunchtime runs in Bristol, taking in the views across the water of the SS Great Britain and the various other boats moored around - enjoyable even on a drizzly day like today.

On arrival, Mark greeted us with a quick health and safety recap - mostly concerned with not going too close to the water - and reassured us that he had his rope if things did get tricky. We then climbed down onto the banks, which was unusually straight forward today; apparently either the banks are rising or the road is sinking.

Everyone got stuck in collecting litter - taking care to avoid becoming isolated by sticking to pairs and larger teams. Todays finds included a boot, a spare rope (handy if two people fell in), a bath mat and an entire bicycle. Quite a haul!

There were plenty of us today so we managed to clear the bank fairly quickly and we were able to fit in a few lamppost intervals on the way back (maintaining good running form of course). We also had time for a quick game of Squatopia, a highly plausible vision of the future in which fanatical Squat Teams attempt to catch members of the Rearsistance and impose a 10 squat punishment.

Nice work today everyone - great work in very muddy and drizzly conditions and nice to see everyone working hard at the intervals, although I think I may have spotted a cereal-loving celebrity from Dreamforce 2016 who may not have been taking his form entirely seriously.

Thanks to Mel and Maria for additional photos!