I’m not sure when my next ride will be, but I knew I could get one in this morning.  Luckily for me it turned out that GB could make it too, turning my planned training ride into a far more sociable one.  We did the route I’d half planned out in my head – the usual kind of loop, with the odd lump in it, rounding off with Winscombe Hill for fun.

Apparently it’s July.  In fact I’ve heard a rumour that it’s going to be August soon.  Well, blessed as we were with grey skies and drizzle, you’d be hard pushed to believe that.  Which gets the moaning about the weather bit over and done with, right?  Actually I have to say I wasn’t too bothered since at least it wasn’t particularly cold.  Even the wind, which was more noticeable on our return leg, wasn’t too annoying.  So, on balance, it could have been worse.  Apart from the fact that my shiny new Etape jersey is distinctly road splattered now and I’m really hoping it all washes out…

We had our coffee stop at Sweets.  Initially just us, and another couple.  Who were soon to be distinctly bemused as the place literally filled up with lycra clad cyclists, outnumbering them in a big way.  I knew one of the other cyclists, who commented that Mim mentioned that I’d done the Etape.  I allowed as how I had, and his mate said that the jersey kind of gave it away.  Result!  Eminently satisfying *grin*.

Cycling time:2:01:56 hrs
Distance: 34.00 miles.
Avs: 16.6 mph
ODO: 9698 miles

I’ve been tired and a tad fragile lately, so I wasn’t sure how this ride would be.  After all yesterday I was extremely tired, and considering not riding the bike for a couple of weeks!  However today was a new day, preceded by a good night’s sleep.  I didn’t have my racing legs on – I don’t think they bother coming out to play when I’m out with GB – they know their limits!  However I did feel pretty strong.  Even up Winscombe Hill on the way home.  And that’s a good way to be feeling :).  It was also great to have time to chat, which seems to have been in short supply of late.  Good luck to him for tomorrow’s event – I’m not sure what he’s up to (his turn to be secretive, about which I can hardly quibble) though I think I know….but he’s so strong at the moment I’m sure he’ll kick butt.  Luckily not mine for a change! *grin*.