Sheeeesh, Get Out Old Girl!

Hello blog lovers.

It was a struggle to get out of the house in my Lycra this evening.  Feeling a little jaded, and the 'Kiddie Germs' getting to me, I really had to force myself to get out of the door.  I even tried tempting the Old Boy to going to the pictures. That didn't work, so next I tried going for the jugular, and offering to buy  barbequed ribs from the rib house for him. But the Boy wasn't for swaying.

I knew once I got going it would be ok, it's like my running, once I'm there it's all good.  Usually though, the running is all over and done with, within the hour or less.  But having said that, we were only just going on a short ride, the O.B. could see that I wasn't 100% fit. Sneezing and drippy nose and the such gave him a clue.  So we were going to go through Bromley and head for Beckenham, West Wickham and Keston.  Not far at all!

We had a couple of hills to negotiate, hills that I really don't like!  Usually we were going in the opposite direction and going down them!  How I hate hills!  Trying to tell Tracy yesterday, when we were running up the inclines, that "hills are our friends! Embrace them!" I can just imagine her thoughts  at the time, now that I had struggled up those inclines!  But I didn't stop, I slowed down, obviously, but I didn't stop, for 12 miles solid I didn't stop, apart from traffic lights and junctions.  I was quite pleased with that considering how I was feeling! 

My legs are really complaining now though, still, its all good, rest day soon, on Friday maybe, if I don't fancy going out on a solo bike ride in the morning!

Geeky stats.

Double Bubble!

Hello log lovers.

I guess the title today could suggest that I had a double bubble and squeak breakfast, or maybe even a double bike ride yesterday, (as this blog is all about yesterdays bike ride.) But it is neither of those.  It's because I had double exercise yesterday.  First was the Thursday Improver's group (my first as leader of a group) and obviously the second was a bike ride in the evening with the Old Boy.

I have been feeling a bit down, and tired lately.  The thought of going out on my bike into a possible wet dark evening wasn't getting my mojo going either.  So when the Old Boy suggested just going to Downe Village, I thought to myself, "I can manage that"  Going up the A21 and on to Halstead seemed a pretty hard trek today.  Even though getting up to Downe is pretty hard anyway, at least its that bit closer.

We headed off while the light was still with us, we both had good lights anyway for when we get further into the lanes, and for now the rain has not started.  Unlike the morning when I went running, mind you at least it stayed away until I got into my car! Hopefully the rain will stay away till I get home.  I had my Specialized bike again, as it's a short journey, and she does feel very comfortable, and I just love it.  I am really hoping that the problems I had with my hands before are a one off.  I am remembering to shift my hand positions, and when going down hill I have more confidence to go down on the drops so that I can get more leverage on the brakes.  For some reason, still, I cannot pull the brakes up hard when I'm riding on the hoods!  Is it just me, have I just got weak hands and grip?  Maybe some hand strengthening exercises need to be done. (I am sure I have said that before!)

The long climb up to Downe village was tough.  We had our lights on by now, in blink mode, just to alert drivers that we are on the road.  I kept thinking to myself "Why does it feel particularly tough tonight?"  I surmised that I was just not quite 100%, maybe even baby germs getting to me again.  The schools are back and the kids coming home sneezing and coughing and sharing their germs again, it's quite possible.  It could also be possible that it's because of lack of exercise this week in general, due to my first born coming home from Oz, has something to do with it as well!

Our route was going through the village and on to Jail lane.  Still with some more 'ups' but they don't seem as hard as what I had just done!  I began to feel a little more lifted as well.  Confirming the truth in the fact that exercises can help to lift moods! 

We got to the other end of Jail lane and the Old Boy gave me a choice.  Right, to go to Keston and then down the A21 through to Southborough and then through the park to home. Or left, UP to Grays road (about a mile of up hill riding) and then get to Cudham North Lane and turn left to go to the Blacksmiths, then down down down, over the round about, through to Orpington and then Up Knoll Rise!  I really did think about it, and I seriously considered going left, but my psyche wasn't with me and I decided to do the easier route and go right.

The ride down was brilliant, just sitting back after going through all the gears and letting the hill just take me was awesome!  Of course it's not all plain sailing down, there are a couple of bumps that you have to put some effort in, but all in all it's not that bad getting from Biggin Hill to Keston!  Mind you, when we got to the Greyhound it was closed! They are having it all decorated, so we had to continue our journey to Hayes and enjoy a pint at the George!

Lovely evening, the rain held off, and I wasn't feeling that cold, evening though the evenings are starting to chill down.

Geeky stats.

Rain And Breeze!

Hello blog Lovers.

How would you respond to this question?  Stay in bed, in the nice warm dry house, or go cycling? Do some much needed housework, in the nice warm dry house, or go cycling? Sit in doors all morning and some of the afternoon, in the nice warm dry house, or go cycling!  If you answered 'Cycling' to all of these, (and are of course female) then you truly are........crazy enough to come on a Breeze cycle ride to do the Lovely Ladywell route!

When I told Yvonne that I would be going with her on this ride yesterday, I had been sweltering in the heat, sweating in my house, with three sweaty boys all wanting to play football in the garden! I was longing to jump on the bike and pedal off in search of refreshing refreshment of the refreshing type. (usual Mr. Forster's or Dhr.Amstel)

But I couldn't let her down, .....could I! All dressed up, and raincoat tucked into my drinks rack on my Spesh (yes I am taking the pink one out, see if she can be a proper road bike, out in all weathers, or whether she is just all pink and glitz) my Garmin on my wrist, (which I forgot to switch on! Grrrr) and I headed off to Cator Park to meet Yvonne, and any other crazy ladies want to cycle for fun in the rain!

I got as far as Whitebeam, about 200 yards from my home, and I had to stop and put my rain coat on! Oh well, maybe the rain is only passing!  But the further I got the heavier the rain came down! Why didn't I get Yvonne's telephone number! I'm sure I had it from the last ride!  Maybe I will just cycle up to Cator Park, and then say I'm not going, and the go home! Of course then my brain kicked in, (for just a split second that is), "If you go all the way to Cator Park, you might as well continue to ride the rest of the way, after all its not 24 bike ride, is it Old Girl" So that's what I did.

Cycling in the rain, singing, yes singing on my own all the way to Cator Park.  I knew roughly where I was going this time, so no need to stop and get out my directions to find out which road next, which meant that I was there a little earlier than I was last time, 9:45.  Me, alone, standing under a tree, looking wet, with a bright orange coat on! I was still wondering if there would be any others turning up today, or if it will be just me and Yvonne. I then saw a lady approaching "Is this the Breeze ride" she said and I told her it was,  and that was Mary.

Then another lady turned up, "Breeze ride?" she said, and we both said "Yes" That was Brenda.  Next to arrive was Yvonne, she was a couple of minutes late due to technical difficulties with the printer, or register, or something, and then last but not least Anne arrived.  Quite a nice little group, a nice wet smiley group, to be going on a bike ride with!

Anne, Mary, Yvonne and Brenda
This was taken after the ride!

With the usual checks done, air in tyres (mine felt a little soft actually, but probably a good thing in this weather!) and then brakes and finally the chain. This time of year the trees are shedding bits of twigs all other the place, best to be on the safe side and give it a good look over! And then we were off. I was back marker, probably just as well as I am the only one who's bike has no mudguards! I shall be wearing my stripe with pride! (with a wet arse to boot......and no, that doesn't mean you can boot me!)  With the five of us making our colourful way through the park and onto coffee at Oscars, (and a cake or something for me!)

Yvonne managed to get an action shot, she look at this

Brenda, in blue, Mary in yellow,
me at the back.

There wasn't that many cyclists about, nor indeed pedestrians, on the WaterWay link to Lewisham, and we made quick time to the coffee shop.  The road works still in progress creating an awful noise and smell! Apparently its been like that for well over a year now! It must be all the preparations that take forever!  We arrived at Oscars coffee shop, a bit soggy, but all still very chatty.  I seemed to be the only looking a bit like I have wallowed in a mud bath, my legs were covered in dirt, a huge stripe up my jacket, and my hair!!! Well I don't want to even start with the hair! But my bike! My beautiful pink and black bike, she was covered in grit, mud grass and looking like she has been dragged through the same wallowing mud bath! All because 'she didn't want to 'wear mud guards' she is so vain my bike!

We ordered our coffee and sat down, I again was the only one who had something to eat! (hmmm? weight not moving...beer in take same....cake check, one needs sugars.... croissants obviously breakfast is important......chocolate......purleeeeessse I am female......Nah, no connection)
They were a nice bunch of ladies, here is a picture of us all

Brenda Mary, Anne and me, (with that hair!)

But all too soon it was ready for the ride back.  Putting my jacket on felt really horrible! It was cold and wet! It may stop the water from getting in but it also stops the sweat getting out! It was just as wet on the inside as it was out!  Is there a coat, a raincoat that can cope with a cyclists needs, and a runners needs!  We don't want a lot, just to be comfortable, dry, warm, looking bloody gorgeous! Not a lot really!

The ride back was a little better, the rain was coming down as hard! If it had been sunny we could have taken so many great shots, where the trees were hanging down framing the bridge, it would have been great to take some action shots of the ladies through the trees! Oh well, next time!

We stopped off at the park, Yvonne said we wasn't allowed to play on the slide or the swings cos it was too wet, and we might get wet bums and we might fall over and get all muddy and we don't want that do we! Hmm, that don't sound like Yvonne at all, what she said was "I bet you want to go down don't you!?" Of course I did.......I did want to go down, but I thought, maybe not this time round!

Yvonne, Mary, Brenda and Anne

The ride as soon over, we said our good byes and we all went off, but.....no......I need to save the but, for the time being!

No Geeky stats, cos I forgot! But it was the same route as last time, so about 20 odd miles from door to door, a great ride, a great wet ride, and some lovely new cycling chums I have met too! How else do you get over a wet horrible day!

Oh yes, the Spesh handle ok in the wet, but I must remember to wear my gloves as the brake levers are pretty slippery when wet!

R'n'R - Racing and Rugby

Hello blog lovers.

What a glorious day it was today! Beautiful day spent with four very well behaved little boys at the Hop farm, put me in a brilliant mood for a nice cycle ride today.

So this evening I decided to do the old route, stick to that, stick to what I know and do as best as I can. Halstead is my first goal, get there as fast as I could, and work really hard to just keep going, obviously concentrating on my hands, and positioning and stuff! I got out and as we got up the ally I remembered to switch on my Garmin! I am going to use my own geeky stats this time, from my forerunner 110, ok so its a running watch mainly, but you can switch the icon on the website to a little bicycle, so you can tell which is which when you do a quick search.

As we were going along the A21, pass the lights at Starts Hill, I saw two other cyclists coming from there, cycling on the shared pavement.  They were all 'Lycra'd up' so I knew they would be over taking me at some point, if they were going my way that is.  So I made a consorted effort to get as far in front of them as I could, before they came onto the road and 'buzzed' me.  I could hear them getting closer, so I pushed a little harder, then two cyclists flew pass me! It wasn't them! It was two other cyclists! So a pushed a little harder, then the first of the two that I saw, passed me, I watched as he rode on pass the Old Boy, who was, now, in front of me.

I kept going concentrating on my 'race', there maybe one of them in front of me, but the other chap doesn't seem that keen on buzzing me!  I could hear him as he changed gears, was he 'using' me for a bit of a rest, slip streaming me (I had heard that on the cycling programmes I had been watching this year!) The Old Boy is always telling me to do that too, but I don't like cycling that close! or like anyone cycling that close to me either. 

He eventually over took me before the last roundabout before the turn off for Halstead. We all kept heading up the A21, with our missions in our minds.  I wonder if they will turn right and on to the Halstead road.  The first chap was waiting at the first turning to go right, I guess that has answered my questions.  But the other chap who by now had overtaken me was still riding straight up.  Then they all, that's the 2 chaps and the Old Boy, turned right.  Good, now is my chance to catch up, and maybe even overtake them!

I could see them ahead of me, I just put my head down and kept pedalling.  The Old boy was behind me now, I think he knew what I was up to, and just let me get on with it (of to see if I could do it).  I did say to him "If you want just fly up there, I will see you at the round about" but he wanted to stay where he was. 

Pedalling harder now, and up hill, I kept a steady pace going.  This is really going to be a testing ride.  But I need to get stronger! I need to build up more stamina! And I need to really test myself on my Specialized!  I started gaining on them! I was feeling very confident that I could catch them up, and who knows, maybe, just maybe......no, don't be ridiculous women!  Not just yet, no overtaking yet, not until you can sustain the lead for some distance! But gaining on them and riding within a bikes length distance is what I want.  They were getting closer and closer, I was doing it! 

I could hear them having a conversation!  I had done it, couldn't quite hear what they were saying, (I was too busy keeping up with them to concentrate on anything else) I was very pleased, I stayed with them for the rest of the way to almost the top, but then I became a bit tired.  But they didn't get to far in front, and then they stopped at the top, me and the Old Boy stopped as well, I took a slug of his water, shoved my lungs back down my neck, and just rested up for a few minutes.  Then we were off again, the two other cyclists were still resting. (Shall I allow a quick smug look??? nah, it will only bite me on the arse!)

The next bit is of course through the village, through Knockholt village and then up to the Shampan.  I was just going to do this bit as a nice plod out, still trying to get up the hills a bit faster, but not knocking my guts out to do it. I got through this bit ok, nothing spectacular, and those other guys were obviously not coming this way, or just didn't want to keep the pace up again with me chasing them!

When we got to the Shampan, there, 're-grouping' was the Beckenham Boys and girls, looking as if they had had a good cycling ride too!  It was nice to say high to them all.  Then me and the Old Boy carried on our merry way, all down hill now, until Keston, and the Greyhound!  Perfect ride, pefect evening, and I enjoyed it!

Oh, and my hand is not too bad on this ride, although it feels a little weak, but not as much as it has done!  Little and often I think is the answer!

Geeky stats for you

Only Fools and Bicycles?

Hello blog lovers.

I think someone forgot to switch on the rain today, it was a gloriously sunny and warm day!  No complaining from me, we eventually got out for a nice ride! It really was a very pleasant ride, even with those darn hills.  It can't be helped, to out to the countryside we have to climb hills.  But I was just going to go at my own pace, enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the changing sites and if I have to get off and walk, then so be it.

I made sure I had some drink in my rack, and we set off.  I was testing the running watch again, see how it handles for a bike ride.  I was sure it was set up, and it was going as the thing was buzzing away on my wrist telling me it was doing things.  But it is not there now!! It seems to have disappeared from the watch, it's not in the history. So unless I should have put in all the numbers first, for instance; Time, distance, etc, then I have obviously done something wrong! I really wanted to see how it coped on a bike run, especially as I could pause it and the satellites connection was never lost. Nor did it go to 'power save' mode like the Garmin does, and you have to get the satellites back again. Oh well, I shall just have to add the Old Boys at the end.

Sorry, jumped the gun a bit, but I wanted to get the TomTom thing out of the way, as it's still annoying me!  So today we are going to ride out and head towards Yalding way.  Whether we get there or not, it doesn't matter, there are plenty of pubs on the way if I can't cope with those darn hills! The Old Boy can do a fast blast tomorrow without me, if the pace of todays ride is to sedate for him.

The first part of our road trip today is our usual route, up to Halstead, so there is that climb to do first. It was just as we were passing Knockholt station that I looked at the watch to check on the numbers, and I could see it was still saying "go".  I'm sure when I tested it on a run I just ran and it did it's thing.  but I know I did 'plumb' in my distance, and the time I wanted to do it in.  But you would think that a watch, once switched on and it says 'go' would start recording.  And it did, when I switched it on to the next sceen, as it kept buzzing! OOOO makes me mad when things don't work for me!

Back to my ride.  I eventually got up to the roundabout and had a bit or a drink.  I was feeling quite warm now, it seems we were in the hottest part of the day so far.  We then were going through to Shoreham Village, but instead of turning left, heading for Eynsford we turned right, heading for Otford.  I have been up this road before.  I think I found it challenging then!  So today, I was just going to go at my pace, slowly and steadily up the hills! I was not going to put any pressure on myself to speed up them (....don't laugh, it may happen one day) or even to keep my backside in the saddle either. 

I was keeping an eye on the TomTom watch, and it was coming up for an hour. That's an hour since Knockholt station, and I was really  feeling the heat, and the hills were getting to me. For 17 miles I managed to stay in my saddle! Yes there were down hill bits, which I loved! But the hills seem to come think and fast.  Then the nastiest little blighter of all ready up in front of me! I did not manage to stay in my seat for this one! Jelly legs got the better of me and I had to walk up the hill.

We went through Plaxtol, my first photo stop! Even though we passed through some beautiful country side. But I was concentrating on damn hills! Here is just a couple of them at Plaxtol.

The Church at Plaxtol

From here it is all down hill. It looks like it on the map, doesn't it?  But there are a few tiny undulations of the roads that still get me puffing, and thinking, I really want something to eat now.  I was just pleased when he pulled into the Bush Blackbird and Thrush!  I was so very ready for some refreshment and something to eat!  We both opted for a ploughmans, with a pint to wash it down.

I don't think we were going to get as far as Yalding! With full bellys, we headed of after about an hour, for East Peckham! (I bet you were wondering where the Only fools and horses title was coming from.) And also, only crazy people will love riding up hills on Bicycles!  Of course its not East Peckham in London, we are going to a very lovely Village and then ride to the lovely weir there.

Here, this is what it looks like, and being such a lovely day, there were plenty of people and boats about.  Here, have a look at some of the pictures I took.

From here though, as it was getting late, we decided to ride to Tonbridge and get on the train!  I was feeling quite tired anyway, and I was very grateful for this suggestion!  On the way to Tonbridge, we stopped of at The Man of Kent pub for one last drink.  And a lovely little stream to look at, with the fish that just seem to hang around there!

Geeky stats from the Old Boys Garmin

Sunshine and Breeze! Ladies Style

Hello blog lovers.

Sunshine and Breeze made a for a perfect ride today.  The weather was just simply spot on for a gentle ride to Ladywell for an Americano and a coffee & walnut cake!  The sun was shining, it was lovely and warm and not even a breeze to cool us down. "Hang on a minute there Old Girl" I can hear you all saying "Where did there Breeze come from then?" Well let me just tell you.

Today I was meeting up with Yvonne Wright, one of the champions of the Breeze Network.  This organisation is solely aimed at women cyclist, to encourage them into cycling.  They have women only rides of differing abilities to various places, (usually cafes with cakes, yum!)  Not a testosterone filled cyclists among them!  You may think that its all a bit sexist, but .......tough! There are some ladies that do feel a tad bit intimated by all the lycra clad, speed junkies on super duper, 'lighter than a feather on the International Space Station', bikes.  So to encourage all ladies to get on their bikes Breeze was 'invented'  I think Yvonne said that only 3% of cyclists are women? I shall have to check that out, you know me and figures!

Anyway, I was going to cycle to the meeting place, after all this is a cycle ride.  When I have been on the Fridays rides, I have always rode into London, following Big E and the Old Boy. But today it's different! Today I am all by myself and I have to find my own way to Cator Park in Beckenham!  This is one thing I am not very good at, finding my way around.  But fortunately, I had two routes to choose from, both of them more or less just straight roads with hardly any twisting and turning.  Surely even I can do that!?

So I set off in plenty of time, after having brekkie and a cuppa, putting the lippy on, after all, it's going to be a nice genteel ride to Ladywell!  I am taking the Specialised out, I need to see if she is going to 'do my hand in' on a shorter ride.  Or if it is entirely my fault for holding on too tight, or not shifting my hands enough. But for now, I need to concentrate on getting to Cator park.  Armed with my route prompts and map I rode out, smiling, feeling very confident, and glad to be out on a beautiful day!

Needless to say I arrived at Cator Park with no problems.  I had to pull over by the Chinese garage to to check which road I was meant to go down, but all was well.  I couldn't see a sole at the park, well, not a sole with a bike that is.  I was wondering if in fact they had left without me, but I knew I was early, but about 10 minutes.  I cycled down the road for a bit, looking to see if I could see any ladies on cycles.  Two ladies were just getting their bikes out of the car. "Are you going on the cycle ride?" they asked me "Yes I am, but I can't see anyone else." I said to them  I told them I would cycle up the road a bit, and then come back if I had found any other ladies. 

Well, we were the first there, Yvonne arrived about 5 minutes after. Here is a picture of them, in fact Laura, Sue and me were the only ladies on todays 'exclusive' first time with Breeze ride!  Yvonne gave her apologies  and introduced herself to us.  Although me and Yvonne have spoken via FB messaging, we hadn't actually met, so it was good to meet her, and the two other ladies!

Yvonne, Sue and Laura

We were going to go on the 'Waterlinkway' route to Ladywell, have a coffee and cake, (although that was only me that was eating the cake!) and then make our way back to the start.  It was a brilliant route to ride, very few roads to negotiate only cycle paths, a great route for any riders that want to build up their confidence for riding their bikes. 

I couldn't believe it, it seemed like only half hour had passed and we were entering Ladywell Park.  There were no little squashy people playing on the slide.  It looked so inviting, and Yvonne thought it a great photo opportunity. Well I do like to pepper my blogs with pictures, so guess what,  the bikes were abandoned and...

Yvonne went up. Here, take a look.

"You're next" said Yvonne to me.  After hearing her say that it was a tight squeeze, I really didn't think I would get my backside up the ladder, let alone down the slide.  But after Yvonne polished (and dusted) the slide on her descent, I couldn't resist a little go. So up I went.  Now I have these little short legs, and the first step was challenging! and then trying to get through the hole at the top (think loft ladder type thing here) I had to hoick my self up and haul myself through.  Here is a picture of me just after getting to the top!

Me looking exhausted!

Then it was the descent, posing, I threw my hands in the air so that pictures would look fabulous in my blog today.  It was then that I realised, not only had Yvonne made a fine job of polishing and cleaning the slide, but my arse isn't that big anymore! 

On the down hill slide to rock bottom!

I didn't 'wedge' in to the sides like I used to the last time I tried to get on a childs slide! I flew down there like I was about to be launched into space!  Inevitably, coming to the bottom of the slide was way to quick for my little legs to cope with and I ended up sprawled face down in the dirt!

The ladies all very helpful.....taking pictures that is! And then killing them selves laughing!  I must admit, I was also laughing so much, I almost cried out for a Tena lady!  This is me picking myself up!

Me picking myself up!

We got to the coffee shop, and as there were only four of us we were allowed to bring out bikes through the shop to the garden, where we all enjoyed various types of coffee.  Do you remember the times that when you asked for coffee, the only question that was asked was "Do you want milk with that?" At least when I ordered my cake I just pointed and said "That one please"

It is a surprisingly small a world we all live it.  Have you all seen any those Kevin Bacon adverts on the telly, about connections, well, how about this for connections

Yvonne and I know each other on Facebook, due to the fact with both 'liked' Bromley cyclists page, Yvonne has someone that goes to secondary school which Laura and Sue both work at, in fact  Sue actually knows this person! Sue and Laura both come from Pettswood area, and by coincidence.....so do I!  And now I have met these ladies in Cator Park! Now, I wonder if I can get thousands of pounds for saying that! Hello?...... anyone?.....just a couple of quid then?.....

Oh well, back to bike riding.  After our coffee break it was time to get back to the beginning and finish our ride.  We were taken through the other side of Ladywell park, which is just lovely, with more stuff for the kids to play on, a little river to dip your nets, and also a café mums and dads can use to grab a well deserved cuppa after running after the kids! All of that in the middle of London! Its' amazing what little gems are around our concrete jungles!  This is all of us at the other side of the park.

It seemed even quicker getting back, it's always the same when you have had a great time.  It seems ages to get there and then in a blink of an eye its all gone.  But I did stop for one last photo opportunity, the river that runs through the park! 

A lovely ride, and lovely way to be introduced to the Breeze Network and lovely to meet three lovely ladies! 

I took my Garmin, so check out the route from Cator Park to Lady well Park, brilliant if you have kids that want to go for a cycle ride with you.  Um......you will notice a slight U turn, I kind of went the wrong way, but looking now at the map, I was still on track for where I wanted to be anyway!  This is why I need road by road instructions!



And......just one last picture, the bruise I have!  If you do go on the slide, HOLD ON TIGHT! If  ionly I could say it was cycling related, "The Old Girl girl was making the last turn on the last lap when Victoria Pendleton clipped her back wheel, sending her sprawling in the watching crowds" 

My war wound!

'B' is for........?

What is B for?...

Hello Blog Lovers.

Well I decided as I have a free day I would just pedal my Specialized in a loop around my area. No really huge hills, and the traffic is not that bad, I have been in worse! But when I woke up this morning there was the wet stuff falling from the sky!  Darn it.  How am I supposed to 'try out' the changes on my bike if the wet stuff comes down?

Only one thing to do and that's fall back to sleep and dream of winning a prestigious award for some sort of cycling event!  But as you can probably tell, I did eventually go out for a ride. Only after doing the house top to bottom.  And only because my son eventually came out of his hibernation and started to make a mess again! Agghh, I think I would rather cycle around in the rain than to watch the eating machine leave a trail of devastation in every room that he goes in!

The sky had cleared and it even felt rather warm, but that could be due to my manic house cleaning.  I had my 'running' Garmin with me, mainly because I'm not quite sure how to attached the Old Boys 'bike' Garmin to my bike so I shall just have to remember to turn it off once I reached my 'Lets have a nice cool cola" stop.

I was looking forward to this ride. It's just me, nobody else, I don't have an agenda, I don't need to be back at a certain time and I am not meeting up with anybody on route! It felt quite liberating really.  Sometimes solo cycling and running is even better than rest days!  The route is one of mine and the Old Boys short routes.  I didn't want to go far, even though I had all of the afternoon to do as much as I wanted. I didn't want to include any hills either, major hills that is.  I need to 'ease' into my Spesh, try out the changes etc slowly and gently. I think that could be the answer.

I was really enjoying my ride again, but what I didn't count on was the ache in my arm! If it's not one thing its the other!  My hand still felt a little week, especially when I pulled on the brakes, but the discomfort now is in my left arm at the top!  I kind of slept on it during my holidays recently, whilst stretched out on a sun lounger enjoying the peace and tranquillity of Kefalonia!  Since then I have had this slight pain and discomfort  at the top of my arm, and it's all just a tad blooming annoying.

The last bike ride I had was on my Giant, and all though I felt some slight discomfort, it wasn't as bad as what I was having on this occasion.  I was glad I was only going on a very short 10 miler, including a stop for a cola.   I kept on shifting positions, changing my hand positions etc.  I also really concentrated on my core. Trying not to lean on the handlebars, and only use my arms for steering.  I would really love to be able to do what most of, but not all, other cyclists can do and that's to cycle with no hands! Then I can walk in to that café/bar up in London with a smile on my face!

I used to think that they all did that to show off, to look clever, but I have now realised that its because they have perfect balance and their core is doing its job, where as mine has only just started to realise what it is there for! I guess I should start to learn to get the balance thing going on! I just wish I could be attached to a rope and pulley in case I fall over! How on earth do you learn to do that?!

Back to the ride. It really was a very easy paced ride for me. I didn't want to put any pressure on my self to go super speedy (as if that is ever going to happen!) and also just to tray and relax and begin to enjoy my bike again.  I must admit, when I was just poodling along she did feel great! Such a nice smooth ride!  I almost smiled, until I had to shift again because of the ache in my arm!


I arrived at The George in Hayes, and remembered I had forgotten to bring along a lock! Oh dam and blast.  So I parked my bike just by the entrance of the pub, and did this 'crab like' walk into the pub, one eye on my bike and the other on the look out for the bar staff.  Fortunately for me I didn't have to wait long.  My cola ordered and I even treated myself to a packet of crisps, I  went back outside to enjoy my drink. 

As I was sitting there just taking in the whole solitude of my ride today, the rain started to ever so gently fall.  At first it was hardly noticeable and I thought I must have been imagining it.  I was looking at the sky, putting my hand out, looking at the table to see any signs, and I thought I would probably be ok.  But then it came down just a little more.  Just ever so gentle, like the early morning dew touching your face, (Yes, I have actually been up that early to feel early morning dew!) That made me decide to go home, rather than go a little further up the road, to Keston.

I went through Normans park and just enjoyed the traffic free riding for a short while. The rain still falling as heavy mist, making me feel quite 'sticky', is the only way that I can describe it.  I kept looking at the sky and hoped that it wouldn't actually pour down until I got home.  As it happened, the heavy mist rain fall was as bad as it got! Maybe I should have pushed out just a little bit more!

Anyway, geeky stats for you



 

Oh and just one thing more,  this a friend of mine, a great champion of cycling, enthusiastic and most considerate.  Put it this way, I had to stop once, on one of my bike rides, I had cramp.  I pulled up and got of my bike, the next minute this chap came out of his house to see if he could help, he thought I had a puncture, and lo and behold, it was Spencer!  Now that is a very considerate and caring cyclists.  Vote for him ....... pleasee!

http://www.goskyride.com/GetIntoCycling/ShowArticle/Spencer-Harradine-coach-organiser--advocate