I have an unfortunate habit of, within about 24 hours, forgetting that I’ve just done a sportive.  I’m then surprised when, two days later, I’m a bit tired.  So when I discovered that I was totally knackered this morning, with barely enough energy to string a sentence together, it took me a while to remember why that might be.  I know going out and riding long distances has become practically the norm, but I’m thinking I should possibly be a little bit less dismissive of that…

So the sensible thing to do today what have been to take refuge on the sofa and rest up, right?  Well yes, but…   I’d arranged to go for a ride with Mim, who I’ve not seen in ages.  The weather was passable and improving.  The summer holidays are rapidly approaching, when I won’t be able to ride much at all.  So no sofa for me.  Can’t waste a decent ride opportunity when they’re few and far between, now can you?

As I cycled out of town, I did feel a bit tired, and I did wonder whether or not it was actually a good idea, but it was warmer than I’d expected, the sun was coming out, and I was on my bike.  Always good.  I arrived at Mim’s to discover that we would be three, as her t’other half was joining us.  Now, if you’re after a recovery ride, I recommend not going out with these two.  Even if they both claim to be spinning their legs, I’m not sure either of them can spin their legs slowly enough for little old me.  I don’t have “cat” in my title, let alone “first” or “second”.  She’s a first cat, he’s a second cat, I’m a Gumbie Cat 😉

Having said that we had a very lovely fairly sociable ride around the Levels.  I did my best, and sucked wheel as necessary.  We chatted.  The sun shone, and the wind blew and blew some more, like I didn’t get enough of that on Sunday!  Deja vu, apart from the lack of water to go with it.  I hope I didn’t show myself up too much, though why it matters is beyond me.  I guess I don’t want people looking at me and going, “she did the Etape, but she’s still rubbish”! *grin*.

Cycling time:2:09:57 hrs
Distance: 37.66 miles
Avs: 17.3 mph
ODO: 9572 miles

Now that’s just silly.  I know I was doing ok, and I hitched a lift when I could, but have you seen our average?  And I certainly didn’t feel like I was pushing that hard.  Bizarrely my legs felt really good, and the rest of me wasn’t doing badly either.  I’m sure I’m just storing up payback for a later date, but after how I felt this morning this afternoon’s performance is just plain miraculous.  So I may not have felt like going for a ride, and I may regret it later, but right now I’m glad I did.  🙂