Thursday 26 December 2019

Christmas cycling

Christmas arrived much quicker than expected. Every year it creeps up on me. 

Not exactly the Norwegian tree in Trafalgar Square
Last Saturday was a total lose, strong wind and heavy rain. I have been defiant of the weather this year, rain hasn't forced me to abandon many rides. This time I just couldn't face it. As I typed the abort text to Matt, I was interrupted by the arrival of his.

I went for a walk to my local bike shop, Ross Cycles. He'd also passed on a morning ride; it was an off road route. I can't imagine how muddy it would have been. Or maybe I can; two mates and myself rode the South Downs Way many years ago.


The first day was torture, thick mud all the way, several times we were forced to push our bikes. At one point so much had built up on the wheels they beary turned, I'm sure the bikes had doubled in weight. I don't know how the gears still worked.

Last Sunday I did get out; I waited until the rain had stopped so it was a solo ride. I didn't have much time so it was all close to home.

Back to work Monday and Tuesday, and a ride first thing Christmas day before dinner with the  family.

black and white leaning against a fence

I went to Smallfields, a village on my route to Brighton. I was surprised to see so many other people out running and riding. Two runners, and five cyclists.

Today was another solo ride, Matt have family stuff to do.

bright shop window interior design studio
Not cycling related, but a bright beacon on a very grey day.
The weather forecast was for rain all day, but it was just overcast and grey when I woke up. So off to Westerham I went, it's not so hilly as the road to Smallfield, my route yesterday. I had a strong headwind most of the way, which help when it was time to go home. And the rain stayed away, until I left Westerham.

I cycled passed the shopfront above, but turned and stopped for a photograph. This time of year can be very dull, the very expensive chandeliers really stand out.

Foolhardy count; two runners, no cyclists.

I'll have to wait until next weekend for the promised and much anticipated cake.

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

Sunday 22 December 2019

initial abort

Yesterday morning, in fact most of the day, the weather was horrendous. Matt beat me to sending the abort text. I didn't mind not going out. I did miss cycling, but it wasn't worth the soaking, freezing conditions.

Today I awoke to similar weather and wasn't surprised to receive another abort text. But I was restless, the weather app said it would stop around eight, so I got up and dressed ready for a ride. I knew if I went out late it would have to a local one. And with the threat of rain, I could get home quickly.

As it turned out, it was a great but lonely ride. On my own there was no reason to stop, just out to Bletchingley after a loop of Happy valley. Eighteen miles wasn't bad considering I was never far from home.

The rain we have been getting wasn't as bad as some have had to endure, but the road flooding is worse than I remember in previous years.

Even going through them at the center of the road results in wet trainers. I wrapped my thermal socked feet in cling film. It seemed to work, I felt the cold water but quickly recovered.

It's worse when a car is coming the other way, if they don't stop I have to use the side of the road. The water is deeper and the bow wave they produce ensures I get even wetter.

Too big to coast through, pedaling gave me wet feet. 

There are some considerate drivers. Stopping to allow me take the crown of the road. Avoiding a worse soaking.


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

Sunday 15 December 2019

Only six more sleeps

van driving through a huge puddle

There was a short window where it didn't rain on Saturday morning, we got out in it. There was a lot of mud and debri on the road and many of the usual puddles. I normally build up momentum and coast through with my feet held high off the pedals. It keeps them fairly dry, but not this morning. I kept to the centre of the road where the water would be at its shallowest. But as I reached the mid way point the depth of the water was such that the bike really slowed down. I thought I'd have to lower my feet and pedal. Luckily I made it through but still had wet trainers. We didn't go much further, just to a church yard at the top of the next hill for our tea stop.

The return journey meant passing through the new Church Lane lake. This time oncoming traffic necessitated more caution and riding closer to the edge of the road. The van did slow down but the bow wave was pretty big and the water much deeper. I also had to pedal, which resulted in soaked feet. It wasn't a cold day so it didn't cause much discomfort. Wet feet are just part of cycling at this time of year. I have said it before; riding through the winter makes me appreciate the warmer months of the year.

I got home, showered and life started; breakfast and shopping. I have printed a few calendars featuring pictures taken over the past few years. Matt will get one tomorrow, I delivered to Ross Cycles on my way to the supermarket.

2020 calendar

It is the third year for what is likely to become a very collectable item. The previous two have been desktop A5 size. This time it's wall mount and roughly 8x10, a much better choice.


Saturday night had strong winds and heavy rain. Thankfully as the sun rose on Sunday there were clear blue skies.

A similar route to Saturday had us fording the Church Lane lake again. It was much deeper this time. Pedaling through had us dipping more than our toes in the cold water.


It wasn't too bad really, and was quickly forgotten once the tea came out at the bus stop.

Considering how much rain we saw last week, a mostly dry thirty mile weekend was better than I had expected.

Only six more sleeps until we can do it again.


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