The weather isn't much better, but my mood is.

My post earlier about not cycling has a part two.

My wife knows how much I benefit from cycling, mentally as well as physically. And I guess she doesn't like me moping around the house. So when the rain eased a bit she suggested I should think about venturing out.

And I am so glad I did. The rain had abated as I left the house but the roads were very wet with big puddles. The wind was still making its presence felt, especially when it caused mini showers, blowing water out of the overhanging trees. There were also some real showers, but I wasn't bothered by them. I was warm and headed for home by then.

Riding later in the day meant more traffic, which lead to more encounters with poor driving. But my mood was lifted so much, the morons couldn't bring me down.

I'm at home now, showered and contented. I'll avoid the television with its repetitive news bulletins and listen to music. Eat dinner with my wonderful wife, and maybe have a glass of wine.

Happy days.

Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts. 
Follow me on twitter. 

Leave a comment about this post. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this or any blog post.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website

Before I am ready for it, another working week will begin.

Last weekend I was tired, and it rained heavily; that meant no cycling. This weekend I was looking forward to riding, but...

This morning, the picture above was all I had. I thought I might go out a little later, but as the sun rose it became less likely. Rain isn't always a reason not to go cycling, I rode my first RideLondon through a storm; flooded roads, heavy rain and even hailstones. The first day of my ride to Paris was wet and windy. A lot of the South Downs Way was ridden through showers.

The difference was that I had committed to raising money for charity or I wasn't alone.

To be honest, this morning I received the abort text from Matt as I was typing my own. So I had decided not to go out before I knew Matt wasn't.

That's the trouble with this time of year. The days are short and the weather is disappointing; all week you leave for work in the dark, get home in the dark and then it's wet at the weekend.

The good news is that I have Christmas eve and New Years eve off this year. It means very long weekends and the chance of more cycling, fingers crossed.

Cycling is much more important to me than just a way to keep fit. For a while I can switch off from day-to-day stresses and thoughts. I catch up with friends. There is the adrenaline and endorphins that I don't realise I miss until after the ride has been cancelled. Even when, like last weekend, I am too tired and down to go out. I feel momentarily worse at being defeated. I wander around the house, restlessly trying to find something to do. And contemplating going for a ride. But as is nearly always the case the weather isn't improving and life is now in the way. I have missed my chance. It affects my whole week, I don't feel as motivated and I actually feel more tired. I'd be in a better mood too.

I am looking forward to a photoshoot tomorrow. Will the weather get in the way of that too?

And before I am ready for it, another working week will begin.

Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts. 
Follow me on twitter. 

Leave a comment about this post. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this or any blog post.

For more of my work, go to my Facebook page.

and 

website