Hello blog lovers.
Going out on my bike when it's cold and windy and raining, is not my idea of keeping cycling fun! There was a couple of days that we could have got out on our bikes, but other issues needed our attention, illness and goodness knows what else was keeping us from getting out. But this evening, well it was just too good an opportunity to miss.
A bit of bike maintenance, pumping tyres mostly, before we left to make sure there wasn't going to be any punctures or flats, and we were ready. We were only going to stay very local we did not bother to take extra inner tubes. We were soon Bromley bound, with our lights blazing, reflective trim looking sparkly and a smile on our faces.
My cycling has really taken a nose dive recently, what with the problems with my bike hating me and the fact that I now seem to have less strength in my left hand, my confidence seems to have nose dived as well. This evening I am riding on my Giant, with the flat bars, to build my saddle bum again and also to boost my confidence on two wheels!
During the time when we first bought bikes up until now, we have had various different kind of lights. Lights that look as bright as a tea light in tin can to lights that have aeroplanes trying to land on cycle path! I do like having bright lights, I like to know that people can see me! The lights that we both were using today were predecessors of the ones that we now use on our 'posh bikes', in fact the Old Boy uses an even brighter light than the one that I have now! But it is always re-assuring when you get told that the lights are bright, as this young man said to us while we had stopped at a local car dealership, (the Old Boy can't pass a car dealership without having a nose around)
Anyway, after this little break (for me it is most welcomed), we had the small hill to climb up. Plaistow Lane! If the timing of the traffic lights is with you then you can get a bit of speed on as you come down to the lights, turn right and then use the momentum to get up there. Well, this evening we had the lights with us, but then a car, just two or three cars ahead of us, wanted to do the next right and held up the traffic! I had to stop to let this clear. Bang goes my momentum to get up the hill!
Now, this is the bit of our ride that infuriated me! Maybe I am wrong here, but quite frankly, I don't think I am! There is some temporary traffic lights just after the round about at the end of Plaistow lane, on the second exit. As I approached the lights they were green, we went passed them on green! It's not just a little bit of road works here, there is at least 50 or 60 meters of road works to pass by before you got to the other side. Now I was riding along, after passing the green lights, which must have changed while I was passing the road works. But before I had go to the end of the temporary road block the traffic ahead of me started coming towards me, on the road. They had to drive on to my side of the road! Now they would never have done that if I happened to be in a car! I had to go onto the pavement to get out of the way of the them!
Now, was I wrong! Maybe I should have waited to see how long the green light had been on before I went through it, waited until it had changed to red and then to green again, just to make sure I would have had enough time to pass by the road works! Grrrr, makes me mad when people intimidate me!
Rant over! Still bloomin annoying though! From there, it was just a few moments before we stopped off for a light refreshment at the Red Lion. We sat outside, which is quite spooky really, it's winter time and we were sat outside enjoying our drinks. Apparently the colder weather will soon be here. I expect my cycling to be taking yet another nose dive if it does!
We went through the high street, our destination is Hayes. We are going to go through the ally way by the school and then ride through Hayes and up Barnet Wood Lane. Just to make sure that I could be truly seen and to make sure that drivers were fully aware that I was on the road, I put my head torch on! There, let them try and intimidate me now! I shall stare at them right in there own headlights!
We got home safe and sound, and both feeling fairly happy that we had finally managed just this small ride today.
Monday, 27 January 2014
Thursday, 9 January 2014
.....Erm.......Happy New Year People.
Hello Blog lovers.
Happy New Year to you all!
I must confess, it has been quite a while since I last had my backside on a saddle. And boy does it notice! Where has my saddle bum gone, where is my cycle legs, where has my stamina gone? Just a few shorts weeks of bloomin rain, cold weather, and zero enthusiasm for cycle riding and everything has gone!
Oh my goodness, sore backside is just half the story! But, as the Old Boy has said, "Well it was good to get out" The Old Boy has kept up his cycling, while I have been doing my running, (less time out in the freezing cold). But today, it seemed the weather was with us, and I had no running commitments and the time was right.
I decided to use my White Giant bike, my Specialized is all nice and clean, and looking at the state of the roads, I just didn't want to get it all mucky again. Also, I am still having a few issues with it, and I may do some other changes with it, but that is by the by. But our route is the nice way towards Downe Village, if there is such a beast, and it deffo is so much better than just pedalling along the A21. Riding through Palace Estate, and turning left towards Orpington. This is just a short hill, but my legs are feeling it as trying to get up Ditchling Beacon!.....ok maybe a slight exaggeration, but you can guess how my legs are feeling.
I was seriously thinking that I really am going to struggle getting to Downe village. I was even thinking that when we do, I might just go the shortest way home again! We did get to Downe, and I even had to have a short break somewhere on the way up too. There was one particular place I was struggling so badly and going so slowly that I lost my balance slightly and wobbled towards the kerb, which had a very big ditch and the fence had barbed wire! My Nightmare scenario! I was pleased I had my Giant, because If I had my Spesh, I know I wouldn't have been able to unclip and I would be ....well, who knows, I don't like to think about it. But the Old Boy said, "You're going so slow, you can't even balance" I don't think he could say anymore, because I could tell he was making up his own scenario. The times that I have laughed as him as he fell off his bike, he is ready and poised to do the same!
So from Downe I could have said, "That's it, I've had enough," but instead, I headed for Jail lane, and decided to take the longer way home! Crazy I know, but really, to be truthful, I am quite disappointed in myself for not being able to do ride like I used to! And the only way that I am going to be able to get back to that same fitness is to ride, ride, ride and keep on riding! I just hope the weather will be kind to us when on the days that I want to do my cycling.
It was still a bit of an up hill struggle for me, and of course the best bit was the long down hills towards Biggin Hill, and I think I got quite a bit of speed up as well! It did feel great to be back on the bike, and I really am looking forward to the summer months, for the nice long leisurely Saturday rides, with the Old Boy, with family and with friends.
Here's the geeky stats, the Old Boy kept behind me for most of the time, with just a couple of 'stretching the legs' as e put it, as he blasted down Church lane and then down towards Keston.
Happy New Year to you all!
I must confess, it has been quite a while since I last had my backside on a saddle. And boy does it notice! Where has my saddle bum gone, where is my cycle legs, where has my stamina gone? Just a few shorts weeks of bloomin rain, cold weather, and zero enthusiasm for cycle riding and everything has gone!
Oh my goodness, sore backside is just half the story! But, as the Old Boy has said, "Well it was good to get out" The Old Boy has kept up his cycling, while I have been doing my running, (less time out in the freezing cold). But today, it seemed the weather was with us, and I had no running commitments and the time was right.
I decided to use my White Giant bike, my Specialized is all nice and clean, and looking at the state of the roads, I just didn't want to get it all mucky again. Also, I am still having a few issues with it, and I may do some other changes with it, but that is by the by. But our route is the nice way towards Downe Village, if there is such a beast, and it deffo is so much better than just pedalling along the A21. Riding through Palace Estate, and turning left towards Orpington. This is just a short hill, but my legs are feeling it as trying to get up Ditchling Beacon!.....ok maybe a slight exaggeration, but you can guess how my legs are feeling.
I was seriously thinking that I really am going to struggle getting to Downe village. I was even thinking that when we do, I might just go the shortest way home again! We did get to Downe, and I even had to have a short break somewhere on the way up too. There was one particular place I was struggling so badly and going so slowly that I lost my balance slightly and wobbled towards the kerb, which had a very big ditch and the fence had barbed wire! My Nightmare scenario! I was pleased I had my Giant, because If I had my Spesh, I know I wouldn't have been able to unclip and I would be ....well, who knows, I don't like to think about it. But the Old Boy said, "You're going so slow, you can't even balance" I don't think he could say anymore, because I could tell he was making up his own scenario. The times that I have laughed as him as he fell off his bike, he is ready and poised to do the same!
So from Downe I could have said, "That's it, I've had enough," but instead, I headed for Jail lane, and decided to take the longer way home! Crazy I know, but really, to be truthful, I am quite disappointed in myself for not being able to do ride like I used to! And the only way that I am going to be able to get back to that same fitness is to ride, ride, ride and keep on riding! I just hope the weather will be kind to us when on the days that I want to do my cycling.
It was still a bit of an up hill struggle for me, and of course the best bit was the long down hills towards Biggin Hill, and I think I got quite a bit of speed up as well! It did feel great to be back on the bike, and I really am looking forward to the summer months, for the nice long leisurely Saturday rides, with the Old Boy, with family and with friends.
Here's the geeky stats, the Old Boy kept behind me for most of the time, with just a couple of 'stretching the legs' as e put it, as he blasted down Church lane and then down towards Keston.
Monday, 9 December 2013
Shall I, Shan't I?
Hello blog lovers.
The title, 'Shall I shan't I?" That was referring to whether I write a blog this evening. Well, yes, is obviously the answer. It's all exercise to me. 1 mile running, or less than ten miles cycling, it's all getting out there and doing it.
I needed to get out for a bit of fresh air, the little lad I look after wasn't too well, and my house was not smelling too good after he had been sick! The Old Boy wasn't feeling 100% either, so he suggested just a very short spin into Bromley and out again, via the Red Lion of course.
Although it was quite a chilly night, as we were not out for that long, I found it quite comfortable. I don't think I would have liked to be out for 2 or more hours cycling around. We kept to the roads, not going through the parks this evening. It would be just our luck to get a puncture on such a short journey and not be able to do even a two mile ride! Straight up to Southborough from Faringdon Avenue, and then turn left towards Bromley. With the usual route to get to the pub.
We stopped there for one pint and then headed directly, (kind of) home. The Old Boy fancied some garlic bread to accompany our dinner for when we got home, so we rode on up the A21, past the bus garage to a little convenience store there. He also bought a little treat for later on! It was nice getting home to my nice warm, thankfully aired sitting room! Plus a nice chilli con carne to enjoy.
There, this must be the shortest blog I have ever wrote, but with only 8 miles on the Garmin, on an uneventful ride out, I think I have covered everything.
The title, 'Shall I shan't I?" That was referring to whether I write a blog this evening. Well, yes, is obviously the answer. It's all exercise to me. 1 mile running, or less than ten miles cycling, it's all getting out there and doing it.
I needed to get out for a bit of fresh air, the little lad I look after wasn't too well, and my house was not smelling too good after he had been sick! The Old Boy wasn't feeling 100% either, so he suggested just a very short spin into Bromley and out again, via the Red Lion of course.
Although it was quite a chilly night, as we were not out for that long, I found it quite comfortable. I don't think I would have liked to be out for 2 or more hours cycling around. We kept to the roads, not going through the parks this evening. It would be just our luck to get a puncture on such a short journey and not be able to do even a two mile ride! Straight up to Southborough from Faringdon Avenue, and then turn left towards Bromley. With the usual route to get to the pub.
We stopped there for one pint and then headed directly, (kind of) home. The Old Boy fancied some garlic bread to accompany our dinner for when we got home, so we rode on up the A21, past the bus garage to a little convenience store there. He also bought a little treat for later on! It was nice getting home to my nice warm, thankfully aired sitting room! Plus a nice chilli con carne to enjoy.
There, this must be the shortest blog I have ever wrote, but with only 8 miles on the Garmin, on an uneventful ride out, I think I have covered everything.
Monday, 2 December 2013
Get Riding Before the Weather Turns!
Hello Blog lovers,
They say the weather is going to turn next week. It's going to be cold, there will be snow and ice and quite frankly not the sort of weather I enjoy riding in. The day today was quite mild, after yesterdays lovely Sunshine day for the Santa run in Bromley! I am just hoping it will hold out until after the weekend at least, I have another race booked for Sunday!
So today, just to keep my legs spinning and enjoying being out riding on my bike and enjoying the last of the mild weather I chose the same route that we did last week. I find this route so much better than going through the ally and then on the A21 from Princess Plain. Much nicer to join the A21 from Tubbenden Lane.
I was getting quite warm as we headed for Halstead, and the ride up to the round about had me stopping briefly for a breather! But I was soon on my way again. I was looking forward to riding down Cudham Lane, even though I have Knoll Rise to contend with at the end of the ride! But at least I know that we will be virtually home by then.
But before that time there was a quick stop at the Blacksmiths Arms. I do like stopping here, and that's because of the lovely woodburner they have there. I get right up close to it and it really does warm up my feet, which were the only part of me that's was feeling cold, oh and my ears too!
A very nice pleasant ride out, with some sort of cardio workout, with those hills that is the only thing that you can do. But the Old Boy made me give it a little bit extra going down Farringdon, he said something about me getting up to 16 miles an hour on this straight bit of road before he flew past me!
The geeky stats are from the Old Boys Garmin, and he did speed up and raced ahead of me on some parts of todays ride.
They say the weather is going to turn next week. It's going to be cold, there will be snow and ice and quite frankly not the sort of weather I enjoy riding in. The day today was quite mild, after yesterdays lovely Sunshine day for the Santa run in Bromley! I am just hoping it will hold out until after the weekend at least, I have another race booked for Sunday!
So today, just to keep my legs spinning and enjoying being out riding on my bike and enjoying the last of the mild weather I chose the same route that we did last week. I find this route so much better than going through the ally and then on the A21 from Princess Plain. Much nicer to join the A21 from Tubbenden Lane.
I was getting quite warm as we headed for Halstead, and the ride up to the round about had me stopping briefly for a breather! But I was soon on my way again. I was looking forward to riding down Cudham Lane, even though I have Knoll Rise to contend with at the end of the ride! But at least I know that we will be virtually home by then.
But before that time there was a quick stop at the Blacksmiths Arms. I do like stopping here, and that's because of the lovely woodburner they have there. I get right up close to it and it really does warm up my feet, which were the only part of me that's was feeling cold, oh and my ears too!
A very nice pleasant ride out, with some sort of cardio workout, with those hills that is the only thing that you can do. But the Old Boy made me give it a little bit extra going down Farringdon, he said something about me getting up to 16 miles an hour on this straight bit of road before he flew past me!
The geeky stats are from the Old Boys Garmin, and he did speed up and raced ahead of me on some parts of todays ride.
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Pedal Dash For A Santa Dash!
Hello blog lovers.
Just a short bike ride today, a short bike ride with just a little purpose to go out for as well as just the sheer pleasure of getting out! And that was to get mine and my grandsons running attire for our race! A Santa suit each! I entered me and the little dude into Bromleys Santa Dash for this Sunday!
I put on my cycling attire for this very short ride, one reason, because cycling in jeans, especially as my jeans that I had on today were a fairly snug fitting, is not very easy! And also second, my cycling tights had the very effective reflective panels on them. As I had those on I might as well have gone the whole hog put my cycling jacket on! Even on short journeys it best to be seen!
Our plan was to stop off for a glass of ale, well, the Old Boy would be having the warm beer, I shall stick to a glass of the cold stuff, and then make our way to the Pavilion to pick up the Santa Suits. Then just ride on home ready to take our dinner out of the oven.
We left quite late, at least an hour later than we usually do, so it deffo will be a nice slow short 'dash' to Bromley and back. I noticed some of the drivers coming down towards us, along Tylney Road, they waited their turn for the car drivers to go past them before making their way down the road Me and the Old Boy we were not slow off the mark to make our way along the road and kept up with the flow of traffic, but why those car drivers didn't wait a couple of seconds more until we passed by them I don't know! After that we made our way to the Red Lion un hindered by anymore crazy drivers!
Anyway, the little dash was successful, I am now in possession of two Santa suits, on adult size and one child size, so bring on the Santa dash, and lets all start the festive month in a most fun way possible! And what a great fun way to introduce grandson to the joys of running for fun!
Just a short bike ride today, a short bike ride with just a little purpose to go out for as well as just the sheer pleasure of getting out! And that was to get mine and my grandsons running attire for our race! A Santa suit each! I entered me and the little dude into Bromleys Santa Dash for this Sunday!
I put on my cycling attire for this very short ride, one reason, because cycling in jeans, especially as my jeans that I had on today were a fairly snug fitting, is not very easy! And also second, my cycling tights had the very effective reflective panels on them. As I had those on I might as well have gone the whole hog put my cycling jacket on! Even on short journeys it best to be seen!
Our plan was to stop off for a glass of ale, well, the Old Boy would be having the warm beer, I shall stick to a glass of the cold stuff, and then make our way to the Pavilion to pick up the Santa Suits. Then just ride on home ready to take our dinner out of the oven.
We left quite late, at least an hour later than we usually do, so it deffo will be a nice slow short 'dash' to Bromley and back. I noticed some of the drivers coming down towards us, along Tylney Road, they waited their turn for the car drivers to go past them before making their way down the road Me and the Old Boy we were not slow off the mark to make our way along the road and kept up with the flow of traffic, but why those car drivers didn't wait a couple of seconds more until we passed by them I don't know! After that we made our way to the Red Lion un hindered by anymore crazy drivers!
Anyway, the little dash was successful, I am now in possession of two Santa suits, on adult size and one child size, so bring on the Santa dash, and lets all start the festive month in a most fun way possible! And what a great fun way to introduce grandson to the joys of running for fun!
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
I'm The Leader!
Hello blog lovers
It's been a while since I posted a cycling blog, but I did go out last week, I just didn't get around to writing about it, and today I am still writing about my ride yesterday! I am just a slow rider! Getting back late and then eating dinner! Well that's my excuse anyway!
So yesterdays route was slightly different to where we usually go, up to Halstead then through to Knockholt Village and then down Cudham Lane, across the round about and then down to Opington up the awful Knolls Rise and head on home! Simples.
The weather was kind to us, there was a few very short moments of drips of rain coming down at us, but that stopped before I had even realised it. We didn't go the usual way to Halstead either. I don't really like going up the ally way, so we decided to go on through Pettswood, and I took a detour through the Palace estates. It's where I sometimes go running with my running club, nice quite roads and streets. Then we turned left to go up towards Orpington but turned right on to Newstead Avenue. This is the way I go when I drop off a little squashy character to nursery school. Again these are nice quite roads. I chose these roads as we were cycling along, and I really did feel like I was the leader of a ride, even though there was only me and the Old Boy!
All the latest accidents resulting in the deaths of cyclists have been really hitting the news lately, now I am not saying that I am a little more worried that usual, but it does make you think. I know people in the morning are all trying to get to work on time, and they're in a hurry, which you would hope, make the homeward journey a bit more relaxed. But then drivers could be tired or stressed about a particular horrid day, and even thinking about their next days work, but yesterday I noticed there were quite a lot of drivers giving us plenty of room as they passed, and also when they were approaching us, instead of trying to squeeze by on the narrower lanes, they waited until we had passed them. I was very pleased with that, and I said "Thank you" to the driver, not that he could hear me, but I just wanted to say it. The Old Boy said "He must be a cyclists!"
We reached Cudham North Lane and the Old Boy gave me a choice, we could stick the the route that was suggested or turn left and go through to Biggin Hill. Now I know that just down Cudham Lane here there is a very nice public house, with the outside smoking area being one of the most cosiest I know! Wood burner, lights, books, not that I have a smoke here, or even a read, but it is a nice place to sit and you can keep an eye on your bikes without having to chain them up! So we turned right and headed for the Blacksmiths arms!
We slightly over stayed out usual 1 pint and off, as it was just so cosy there, cooking dinner went on the back burner (pun intended, I think) as we headed off towards Opington and that hill, but of course we had a new stopping destination added, and that was our local kebab shop for a tasty burger to go with our already prepared salad!
Just slightly under 20 miles, I shall grab the Old Boys geeky stats later this evening and upload them here. A very nice pleasant ride indeed, albeit blooming freezing, especially after coming out of the cosy room!
It's been a while since I posted a cycling blog, but I did go out last week, I just didn't get around to writing about it, and today I am still writing about my ride yesterday! I am just a slow rider! Getting back late and then eating dinner! Well that's my excuse anyway!
So yesterdays route was slightly different to where we usually go, up to Halstead then through to Knockholt Village and then down Cudham Lane, across the round about and then down to Opington up the awful Knolls Rise and head on home! Simples.
The weather was kind to us, there was a few very short moments of drips of rain coming down at us, but that stopped before I had even realised it. We didn't go the usual way to Halstead either. I don't really like going up the ally way, so we decided to go on through Pettswood, and I took a detour through the Palace estates. It's where I sometimes go running with my running club, nice quite roads and streets. Then we turned left to go up towards Orpington but turned right on to Newstead Avenue. This is the way I go when I drop off a little squashy character to nursery school. Again these are nice quite roads. I chose these roads as we were cycling along, and I really did feel like I was the leader of a ride, even though there was only me and the Old Boy!
All the latest accidents resulting in the deaths of cyclists have been really hitting the news lately, now I am not saying that I am a little more worried that usual, but it does make you think. I know people in the morning are all trying to get to work on time, and they're in a hurry, which you would hope, make the homeward journey a bit more relaxed. But then drivers could be tired or stressed about a particular horrid day, and even thinking about their next days work, but yesterday I noticed there were quite a lot of drivers giving us plenty of room as they passed, and also when they were approaching us, instead of trying to squeeze by on the narrower lanes, they waited until we had passed them. I was very pleased with that, and I said "Thank you" to the driver, not that he could hear me, but I just wanted to say it. The Old Boy said "He must be a cyclists!"
We reached Cudham North Lane and the Old Boy gave me a choice, we could stick the the route that was suggested or turn left and go through to Biggin Hill. Now I know that just down Cudham Lane here there is a very nice public house, with the outside smoking area being one of the most cosiest I know! Wood burner, lights, books, not that I have a smoke here, or even a read, but it is a nice place to sit and you can keep an eye on your bikes without having to chain them up! So we turned right and headed for the Blacksmiths arms!
We slightly over stayed out usual 1 pint and off, as it was just so cosy there, cooking dinner went on the back burner (pun intended, I think) as we headed off towards Opington and that hill, but of course we had a new stopping destination added, and that was our local kebab shop for a tasty burger to go with our already prepared salad!
Just slightly under 20 miles, I shall grab the Old Boys geeky stats later this evening and upload them here. A very nice pleasant ride indeed, albeit blooming freezing, especially after coming out of the cosy room!
Thursday, 14 November 2013
Wednesday Meander!
Hello blog lovers.
This blog is only about 24 hours late! But better late than never I hear you all say......right? The Old Boy really had to cajole me into going out into the cold night air. Well, for November it was quite mild, but I was just feeling nice and snug in my house, and maybe just a little bit jaded as well!
It was to be our usual route up to Halstead. From there.....well, from there we were going to discuss which way to make our way home. I knew which way I wanted to go! But you never can tell, if I fancied a bit more of a challenge once I got there.
We along the path to Princes Plain and the rode up to the bus garage. There was a runner going in the direction of Locksbottom. I slowed down to let him go past. I knew I would be riding past him pretty soon. He was running really well and I had to make a bit more of an effort to go past him, and then I took it a bit easier until the hill came. I really did slow down, I pedalled as hard as I could and just then the runner caught up with me! I was mortified! Then he started to over take me! How can this be, my legs were getting that 'burn' feeling as I chased after him! I managed to catch up to him as we were both going up hill and stayed neck and neck for a short while! But to me it seemed like an age! Then the hill started to flatten out and I eventually went past him! I had to make myself pedal just a little bit harder up the next hill just to make sure that he didn't catch up to me again!
It was a little bit of fun (well, apart from the fact that I really did feel mortified!) But at least now I know what the 'burn' feels like! Something that I almost get to and then I stop before it kicks in. I know that it was just a small example of what 'the burn' is and I have decided that I don't like it! I am seriously going to look into this and see if it is actually good for you! (I think it will be though, as we touched on it during my recent L.i.F.C. that I took!)
I took it nice and easy all the way to Halstead and then the Old Boy told me that it took 47 minutes to get there! Now that is slow! I still had to get up to Knockholt and then to the Shampam, it really was going to be a slow ride.
Struggling through Knockholt village but eventually getting to Cudham North Lane, I allowed myself a bit of a sigh of relief! Nearly there. Just 20 minutes or so to the Shampan (that is an estimated guess, which I am not very good at, I didn't take my Garmin with me) and then it was the wonderful fast downhill although way to the put at Keston.
The lanes were pretty dark but me and the Old Boy were lit up like Christmas trees, you could deffo see us coming along! Lights is everything when you are out in the pitch dark lanes! Once we at the Shampan the Old Boy said that it was quite late! "Well, lets just go straight home" I said "No, we can stop for a swift one, if we can get there within 20 minutes" Well, I think I must had done it. Riding through Biggin Hill is just so fantastic. Mainly down hill, light traffic I can really begin to enjoy the ride, and it was good to see the Old Boy pull into the pub!
A very quick refreshment and then off to rescue our dinner at home! 22 minutes later than planned!
While I write this my thoughts are with the families of the cyclists that have been killed in London the past 10 days! It truly is horrific, and I feel for the families. But I am not ready to put away my bike, hang up my lycra or bag up my lights. I just hope and pray that government will finally get their fingers out and start doing something to protect cyclists in our cities.
Here is the Old Boys geeky stats of yesterdays ride.
This blog is only about 24 hours late! But better late than never I hear you all say......right? The Old Boy really had to cajole me into going out into the cold night air. Well, for November it was quite mild, but I was just feeling nice and snug in my house, and maybe just a little bit jaded as well!
It was to be our usual route up to Halstead. From there.....well, from there we were going to discuss which way to make our way home. I knew which way I wanted to go! But you never can tell, if I fancied a bit more of a challenge once I got there.
We along the path to Princes Plain and the rode up to the bus garage. There was a runner going in the direction of Locksbottom. I slowed down to let him go past. I knew I would be riding past him pretty soon. He was running really well and I had to make a bit more of an effort to go past him, and then I took it a bit easier until the hill came. I really did slow down, I pedalled as hard as I could and just then the runner caught up with me! I was mortified! Then he started to over take me! How can this be, my legs were getting that 'burn' feeling as I chased after him! I managed to catch up to him as we were both going up hill and stayed neck and neck for a short while! But to me it seemed like an age! Then the hill started to flatten out and I eventually went past him! I had to make myself pedal just a little bit harder up the next hill just to make sure that he didn't catch up to me again!
It was a little bit of fun (well, apart from the fact that I really did feel mortified!) But at least now I know what the 'burn' feels like! Something that I almost get to and then I stop before it kicks in. I know that it was just a small example of what 'the burn' is and I have decided that I don't like it! I am seriously going to look into this and see if it is actually good for you! (I think it will be though, as we touched on it during my recent L.i.F.C. that I took!)
I took it nice and easy all the way to Halstead and then the Old Boy told me that it took 47 minutes to get there! Now that is slow! I still had to get up to Knockholt and then to the Shampam, it really was going to be a slow ride.
Struggling through Knockholt village but eventually getting to Cudham North Lane, I allowed myself a bit of a sigh of relief! Nearly there. Just 20 minutes or so to the Shampan (that is an estimated guess, which I am not very good at, I didn't take my Garmin with me) and then it was the wonderful fast downhill although way to the put at Keston.
The lanes were pretty dark but me and the Old Boy were lit up like Christmas trees, you could deffo see us coming along! Lights is everything when you are out in the pitch dark lanes! Once we at the Shampan the Old Boy said that it was quite late! "Well, lets just go straight home" I said "No, we can stop for a swift one, if we can get there within 20 minutes" Well, I think I must had done it. Riding through Biggin Hill is just so fantastic. Mainly down hill, light traffic I can really begin to enjoy the ride, and it was good to see the Old Boy pull into the pub!
A very quick refreshment and then off to rescue our dinner at home! 22 minutes later than planned!
While I write this my thoughts are with the families of the cyclists that have been killed in London the past 10 days! It truly is horrific, and I feel for the families. But I am not ready to put away my bike, hang up my lycra or bag up my lights. I just hope and pray that government will finally get their fingers out and start doing something to protect cyclists in our cities.
Here is the Old Boys geeky stats of yesterdays ride.
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