There was a plan.  47 miles worth of plan, with 1380 metres of climbing.  It was GB‘s plan, and it went like this.  And although the hills scared me, and I was out yesterday, I was up for giving it a go.  I reserved the right to bail if necessary, and maybe that was at least half the problem.  I think maybe I’d bailed mentally before I even left the building…

By the time we got to the top of Shipham Hill in what was, as it turns out, my 2nd best time ever (15:15), I was feeling it.  I was most proud of myself though since, (and he may have been waiting), I had managed to get back on to GB’s wheel by the time we reached the top which, like, never happens.  However it did make me aware that there wasn’t a great deal in the tank today…

We wiggled around Langford and then up Burrington Combe where, again, I did pretty well I thought, even managing to carry on a conversation on the way up, and definitely not in bottom gear all the time.  By then though I’d already decided that I was going to be bugging out and going home when I got to the top, so I didn’t feel the need to pace myself too much.  And that’s just what I did.  GB swung a left and headed off as planned.  I on the other hand carried straight on, took the same right as last week on the GWR, and found myself slogging across the top into pretty much the same headwind!  That kind of deja vu I can live without…

Still, the descent of Cheddar Gorge was more fun than sometimes, even when someone in Bath CC kit overtook me near the bottom.  In fact, by the time I reached the BP station to turn right onto the bypass and I looked over my shoulder, a whole peloton of them were there!  I decided I had to do my level best to beat them down the bypass to Axbridge which, (go me!), I did.  To be fair I doubt they realised we were racing *grin*.  But wow, did that ever empty the tank!

Cycling time:1:25:37 hrs
Distance: 21.31 miles.  Only 440 metres of climbing.
Avs: 15.1 mph
ODO: 9627 miles

Maybe if I hadn’t had so much fun yesterday I’d have done better today.  But I did have fun :).  If the route planned hadn’t included Ebbor Gorge maybe I would have been less tempted to wimp out.  I’ve never made it up there, and I’ve been so positive about my cycling lately that I don’t feel quite ready for the blow to that that walking up there would be.  Maybe I’m just tired…

I’m glad I went though.  It was still great to be on the bike.  And equally to catch up with GB.  I’m also glad I listened to my body and came home.  If I’m tired now, think how tired I might have been after another two hours…  There, does that count as rest? 😉

PS: I’ve just noticed that since this website started, I’ve ridden over 12,000 miles.  How cool is that?! 🙂