A change of pace

I decided this week to back off the mileage and have a bit more rest. Last week I rode my biggest distance; 228 miles. So Monday instead of riding further with my extra time; I stopped more. The deer were closer to the fence this time, and I paused for longer at St Michael's Church in Betchworth.

I made use of the shade provided by the gate, unfortunately all the benches were in direct sunlight.

On Tuesday I took a day off from riding and started this post. I also did some gardening, No rest for the wicked.

The day flew past and before I knew it Wednesday arrived. I rode to Leigh as it's a slightly shorter distance. On the way I tackled Weller Lane. This year would have been my third Waller Pain hill climb. Year 1, and Year 2. The quickest time was last year; 2:49. This year I had to estimate the finish line. Comparing it with the previous runs I think I got it fairly close. My time was 2:22, over twenty seconds faster.

Thursday was a short ride in the morning, around 16 miles; I had errands to run. Then in the afternoon another 16 miles. I wasn't going to go out a second time, but was at a loose end. :-)

Friday was a very hot day; I could have gone out in the evening. But I didn't, I think I just need a bit of a rest this week.

A couple of pictures from last Sunday, that post automatically went live while I was out. The countryside near Betchworth and Brockham is beautiful.

And finally; I was having a coffee sitting on the step at the kitchen door Friday morning when a bird with a beak full of insects landed just a few feet away from me. I didn't have my camera, by the time I got it the bird had flown away. I waited but it didn't return, so I looked at the flowers close to me.

Exploring

I had a little more time on Monday, for a longer ride. I extended my usual route to include Newdigate. I wanted to find a cafe for coffee and cake. I was unsuccessful, so I initially stopped to eat an energy bar in the park at Brockham, with just this feathered companion.

Fortunately Leigh has The Plough Inn public house. The sign said not to enter, a bell was provided to summon assistance. They served very tasty chips and a coffee whilst I sat in the sun.

Almost without exception, if there is a bridge it's only one car width wide in this area.

Here is a picture from the one in Betchworth.

On Wednesday as I cycled under a tree I went through a wall of flies, luckily I had my mouth closed. You can just see them as they are illuminated by my the built in light on my camera.

Friday I chilled out on the green in Brockham, I usually stop, eat and head home. This time it was good to just watch the world go for a while.

One route in pictures

I have ridden this for a while, it's a good mix of flat and hilly lanes. The only busy bits are through Redhill and Reigate. I don't ride through the center of either town so it's not too bad. The rest is country lanes, normally fairly quiet.

I included a picture of the Royal Oak public house in last weeks post. Here is the church at Brockham.

Christ Church Brockham

Picture taken on Tuesday as I sheltered from the rain under the covered gate. The church was renovated some time ago, and the entrance moved to provide a view of the green.

Or, a view across the green to the two pubs. You can just see the Royal Oak on the left and the Inn on the Green on the right.

Through the village, and a narrow bridge leads to Kiln Road which in turn takes you to Betchworth. This was where most of the big houses were built, that some of the people of Brockham worked in.

Betchworth House and church

Close by is Wonham Manor, again shielded from the road. The herd of deer is visible through the fence.

Then to finish this post; another pic of the bike. Not exactly snow capped Alps in the background I know. But you have to work with what you have. 

Brockham park

Fresh water comes to Brockham.

On Saturday I finished off the last of my birthday cake before I went for a ride. I absolutely flew round.

What a scorcher

I have been very lucky with the mostly pleasant weather. It has rained but it's never been so bad I didn't go out.

This week the sun stepped up a few notches. By Wednesday I was starting the struggle, so on Thursday I didn't go out until mid afternoon. It was still very hot but at least there was the occasional patches of shade, not available at midday. 

I stopped under a tree for a drink and something to eat, it was just the boost I needed to get home.

For the first time in my life I might have a tan that people will notice. Normally when I get back from holiday I'm asked if it rained the whole time. I put plenty of suncream on so any colour change takes a while to develop.

I rode a new route, riding through Irons Bottom. It's south of Reigate on the way to Leigh, pronounced lie. Two roads I took to get there were Hogtrough Lane and Philanthropic Road; between Nutfield and Earlswood.

There is another strange name near Godstone; Bullbeggars Lane.

I might start scanning the map and head for a location just because of the name.

No more weird place or road names but I did stop to allow a grass snake to move off the road.

Friday wasn't such a good day, I got my first puncture on the road bike. I saw some debris too late  and couldn't avoid it. Ten miles from home and at first I thought I might have damaged the tyre or wheel; the hit was very hard. But fortunately it was only the inner tube, once swapped, causing a snapped tyre lever, I was good to go. I decided not to continue on my intended thirty mile loop, but head straight for home. I had left the house even later, just after five because of the heat so I was now running behind schedule.

All fixed, time to head home.

I bought the bike in May 2019, and in the last three month alone I have ridden it well over twelve hundred miles without a problem. That is a long way without a flat tyre.

What a difference Saturday was; I now left later than normal to avoid the heavy rain. I got a little lost but made it back in good time.

I stopped for a drink from my water bottle opposite The Royal Oak Brockham. It'll be opening soon, so I may return for a beer. The only question being; is there somewhere to lock up the bike?

Nearly home on Saturday and saw this group. How good is this?

206

This weekend marks nearly three months of lockdown. I never thought it would last this long, I'm sure most people didn't.

It has been a weird period; life has gone on, whilst also being paused.

I have cycled over 1900 miles, and none of my clothes fit. Yes; there is 7.4 kg less of me, that's 5 cms less around the waist. 

Hills that once presented a tough challenge - are still not easy - don't fill me with dread. I can now climb them confidently. 

Here are some recent pictures. The kona hasn't had many outings lately.

how much do your like your bike?

It's been mostly about the Giant, I find it much more responsive and rewarding to ride.

On Tuesday it rained all morning, I was still determined to get out. As I got on my bike the rain stopped and I had a nice warm ride. A little muddy, but still very pleasant. It started raining again as I got home. How great is that?

The bike got fairly muddy; it's amazing how much muck appears when it rains after a long dry period.

As I got to this junction, the rain water was evaporating from the hot tarmac.

Thursday tested my determination; it rained heavily for thirty minutes at the start. Yes, I left the house while it was raining.

Most of the ride was rain free, but the roads were slippery so I took it easy. I arrived home in sunshine, with a grey tan on my legs. It is amazing how much crud you pickup.

grey tan after a ride

I don't usually make a big deal about the distance I ride, everyone has different schedules into which cycling has to have time allocated. But; I did 206 miles this week, despite rain most days. I'm very happy with that. The toughest part is riding alone, I can't wait for group rides.

Cycling Nirvana

I've been cycling much more than normal over the past few months. It took me a while to adjust, and then it became routine. Unfortunately so did the usual routes and destinations. I had a dip in motivation; reversed by exploring new places. As traffic increased my criteria changed. I looked for quiet lanes, which meant two weeks of cycling through Bletchingley, Outwood; turning around at Smallfields. Three or four miles at the beginning is really poorly surfaced - potholes, gouges and sunken drain covers. This short section was putting me off going out. It's not just hills or distance that causes fatigue; constant jarring can be equally tiring. On Monday I tested an alternative. There is more time in the saddle, but it's worth it.

Most of the route is this well surfaced, and the drivers know how to overtake cyclists.

The steps drew my attention to a big house - easy mounting and dismounting from your horse at the gate.

Even the rain during the second half of the week didn't dampen my enthusiasm.
Wednesday and Thursday I missed the short showers, but Friday I got soaked. It was on my way home. I was getting hot by then, so it didn't really affect me. I hope the weather improves again, or am I spoilt?