I have met Matt every Sunday since it was allowed. I rode with
Matthew and Richard last month. James last weekend; more are
planned.
I also want to ride further, more often. Riding alone is okay, but where are the shared memories? Getting everyone together isn't easy. When I am free for a new adventure, they may not be and vice-versa. Cycling clubs run regular events, if there is space I can join one.
The club I was looking for couldn't be just about head down, riding as fast as possible. I had to find the right club with a strong social element. It needed to be close to me as well, my choice; Oxted Cycling Club. The only fly in the ointment is a 20% hill. Fortunately I descend into Oxted, and leave the ride early to avoid it. I've ridden up it a couple of times on the mountain bike, helped by it's very low gears. Maybe I'll try it on the road bike.
What about my week I hear you shout.
Monday; I think the warmest part of the day was as I left for my ride. I had to pump up the front tyre. No puncture, just a lack of air. It had been alright on Saturday. The Waller Hill loop was my choice. Uneventful would be the word to describe it. The rain stayed away until after I got home, which was nice.
Tuesday; the day started wet, but promised better weather to come. It got drier but much windier. I wasn't sure if it was okay to go out. The walk to the garage convinced me it sounded worse than it was. The offroad loop had small patches of mud.
Wednesday; a mixed bag of weather during the day, at five it was dry but very windy. Out on the mountain bike, after pumping up a tyre. For the second time I had entered the garage and discovered a flat tyre. Not a puncture, just no air. Who or what was doing this?
Thursday; no rain until late afternoon. It stopped long enough for the Waller Lane loop, starting again just after I arrived home. The tyre mystery was also solved; the mountain bike has slow punctures front and rear.
No pictures, I wanted to get home quickly, just a short video.
Friday; it started grey, improving into the afternoon. And then it rained from 14:30, right through to when I left for my ride. It stopped until I got home. Same roads as Thursday, so not much to report. Added an extra light to my helmet. Much of the route is under a canopy of trees so it can get a little dim in places.
I felt really good the whole way round, and was buzzing when I got home. It may have been the coffee I drank, although it was only two cups; one with breakfast and one with lunch. I have finally found a variety I like.
Saturday; I awoke in the early hours, it was raining heavily. I knew I would very likely go out no matter the weather, I wasn't looking forward to it though. By the time I was ready to leave the house there was a break in the downpour. I made it home with only a covering of dirt thrown up from the wet roads. As with the previous evening, I felt great the whole time. It can't just be the coffee, maybe riding less has allowed me to recover and become stronger.
A quiet Charlwood was the turn around point.
Sunday; a bit chilly, but still not cold enough to abandon the shorts. Long trousers are a sign that winter is near. I have resolved the problem of carrying my camera, and the tea mug. A couple of cable ties turn the strap into a shoulder holster, and a carabiner attaches the mug. Tea and a chat at the churchyard with Matt. A familiar and welcome start to the day of rest.
Bank holiday Monday, destination Westerham, a good start to the new week.
I get so much from cycling, even in bad weather I feel better. In the beginning it was tough, arriving at the bottom of hills, dreading the climbs.
My mood is more consistent, and as I have said recently my depression is being kept at bay.
