Half term is over – ‘rah!  However winter is not and the forecast for the rest of this week is distinctly dodgy so I decided I would ride today.  Not only in Carpe Diem fashion, but also as kind of a treat to myself for surviving the holidays!

I headed off around 10.00am ish, kitted up as per Saturday’s ride which, again, proved to be just right.  I’ve come to the conclusion that if you’re feeling just a tad chilly as you get going, then you’ve probably got it right, as after 20 minutes or so you’ll have warmed up to the right level.

First off was the usual route to Wedmore, and then a little wiggle to get to the top of Mudgely Hill.  Down’t’other side and turn right across the Levels.  All this done in a world of grey.  The low grey blanket of cloud reducing visibility to not a lot, both for real, and also by covering my glasses in a fine coat of mist.  Cold, still, grey water everywhere, both in the rhynes and over the fields reflecting the sky back.  Grey road.  Grey herons.  The best that can be said for it was the complete lack of wind…

And then I met the cows.  Which I had to follow for a good 10 minutes before I could find a suitable detour as, inevitably, they were going my way…  Did you know that cows potter along at about 3.5mph?  No, neither did I.  I do now.  Bet that never comes up in a pub quiz though! *grin*

I mentally rearranged my route, and headed directly into Mark, and out to Highbridge.  I followed the coastal path to Burnham which was nice and quiet, and the scenery was properly grey and bleak.  Like the Levels but with more water, boats, and mud.  And a complete absence of Wales etc.  Oddly attractive.

Then it was out of Burnham, north for a bit, with a wiggle around Lympsham, past Rookery Manor, and back up past the Webbington to home.   Somewhere along the way it lightened up.  I was going to say “brightened up” but that would be over-stating it somewhat.  Let’s just say the clouds lifted a bit…

Cycling time: 2:19:44
Distance: 35.34 miles
Avs: 15.1 mph
ODO: 2634 miles

If it hadn’t have been for the cows, I’d have been much faster, honest!  *grin*  It wasn’t the world’s most exciting ride, but I did enjoy it.  Cycling on your own tends to be a much more constant effort.  I don’t know if you actually work any harder, since you’re not trying to keep up with folk, but then again you’re not trying to talk and breathe at the same time either so probably go a bit faster.  I bet GB’s Garmin would be able to tell me *grin*.  Mind you, there’s no stopping for coffee half way ’round so it’s probably swings and roundabouts 🙂

PS.  As you know, I like my facts and figures.  Well, since this blog started, I have now done 5034 miles – thus breaking the 5000 mile barrier.  I do love a good milestone 🙂