Today’s ride was somewhat of a trial run for me.  On Sunday I’m doing the Pro VO2 Maxifuel Longest Day which is one hell of a mouthful.  It’s also quite a challenge coming in at 111 miles.  My son informs me that makes it like Bilbo’s Birthday – eleventy one miles.  I’ll endeavour to remember that, and the way it made me smile, when I’m down in the dumps two thirds of the way round 😉

The forecast for Sunday was, yesterday, not unlike the forecast for today so I figured it was a good opportunity to see what I’m going to wear.  Not that forecasts ever really mean anything or stay the same for very long.  Last I checked the BBC were predicting 15C +  light rain, but if you ask Metcheck it says 22C + sun + v light wind so I’m now totally confused!  Personally I think I’ll go with the nicer forecast.  Besides which, it’s not like I can do anything about it is it?

I guess we’ll have to wait and see.  Well, I’ll have to wait and see since this is an event I shall be doing in the singular.  Today however I had company.  GW and I did the seaside loop, taking in a stop in WSM for a glue purchasing errand.  It’s coming up for the “avoid WSM like the plague” season but I think we made it by the skin of our teeth – though you do get funny looks walking down the pedestrian shopping centre with bikes.  I’m not sure they’re familiar with people who exercise…  Maybe it’s just the lyrca.  If I’d been pushing a pushchair or smoking a fag or both I’d have blended right in.

The ride itself went well.  I wore shorts for the first time this season, and the world is still turning…  The rest was layers, isn’t it always?  It was distinctly nippy thanks to the NW wind, which was definitely motivation to keep moving, but as the sun got higher so did the temperature.  I do like sunshine 🙂  GW has been cycling the last couple of days, presumably to work and back, and was a bit tired, which is probably why with the aid of the odd downhill I actually left her behind for a change a couple of times.  Hey – I have to take my pleasures where I can *grin*.  My legs felt good.  Really good.  Even coming back over Bleadon Hill the proper way.  It’s hard to explain but the hard bits, such as they were, just felt a notch less hard which is good for the Positive Mental Attitude that I need to be having for Sunday.  The knee was unstrapped but did twinge a little so I think I’ll strap it up for the longer distance.  That should make for an interesting suntan mark *grin*.

Cycling time: 2:00:00
Distance: 28.61 miles
Avs: 14.2 mph
ODO: 7723 miles

*fingers crossed* that the sun shines on Sunday too.  It’s going to be a very long day, and it’ll be a far more pleasant one if it’s in the sun 🙂  Mind you, I shouldn’t have said that and am tempted to delete the entire paragraph in case the Fates are listening.  Hopefully they’ve got better things to do with their time…? *touch wood*.