Gone cycling

I watched the last episode of Gone Fishing with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse last week, and I thought of Matt and I sat at various bus stops, churchyards and cafes. Drinking tea is our angling.

We don't really care what people think of us, or if they understand the simple pleasure of meeting every week. 

Sometimes we talk serious subjects, almost nothing, stupid topics, or laugh with and at each other.

We have differing views on somethings, agree on others, change our minds or just agree to disagree.

I hope we never take the meetings for granted. 

I must admit it took a little time to readjust after they started again, I was use to solo bike rides. Stopping and talking was unusual.

At first I couldn't settle down, I don't know why but I was eager to get on the bike again. I think maybe because I always had in my mind needing to get back for Marcia. The carers are visiting again, so I can slow down.

I'm not sure if we'll go back to meeting at the green and cycling together to our tea drinking location, or if it will be solo rides to the designated place. Either seems to work, and doesn't feel odd.

Doing our own thing feels okay, Saturday we ride alone most of the time, coming together on Sunday. 

Lining up group rides give me extra to look forward to, life is still fairly solitary. 

Two bad days this week.

Phone got wet and died during this ride.

 

Fell off bike after this pic was taken, causing a stiff hip

 

A cafe and a bike shop.

Avoided the worst of the rain on Saturday, for a coffee and slice of cake at the Velo Barn near Westerham.

The storm stepped up a level on Sunday, Matt and I decided to ride routes local to our houses rather than meet as arranged. I did just over ten miles of the circuit I do after work. My hands were freezing, hopefully the gloves I have on order will be the last piece of the puzzle needed to make winter riding comfortable

Blue sky and fly tipping

We got out on the bikes both days this weekend. Yesterday was nearly aborted. Light rain that stopped quickly enough so as to not dissuade us. I even contemplated shorts, it was that warm. I'm glad we stayed with it. A pleasant ride to the bus stop, tea and biscuits.

On the way back after parting company with Matt I took a detour to Oxted. It meant a descent and climb of a twenty percent hill. It's time to start challenging myself in preparation for the Waller Lane hill climb. I'm hoping to beat my time from last year.

This morning was bright and clear, but no chance of wearing shorts. Way too cold.

We followed the same route and headed for the same destination as yesterday. This time however the road was almost completely blocked by a big pile of garden rubbish. It's becoming more common, especially on this road. Are we really getting to the point that CCTV needs to be everywhere? The penalties have to be increased, and the people whose rubbish it is should be punished. It's their responsibility to ensure their waste is disposed of properly.

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Cycling at Christmas

Christmas is nearly here, which means a couple of extra days for cycling.

Saturday 22nd at the bus stop

Saturday was a good day, the slow way to the bus stop and back. It's a nicer route, avoiding lots of  traffic, with a few good climbs. It was much warmer than last week, so no falls this time.

Sunday's ride was a washout, heavy rain and cold winds. Out intended destination was St Leonard's Church. We don't go there very often, but just recently it's become a popular place. It was where Matt and I discussed our obsession with drinking tea.

Monday was much better. It had warmed up a lot, we decided to go to Flower Farm near Godstone. This is another half way stop we don't go to very often. I don't know why, it's not very far; about 17 miles there and back. If does mean a steep hill on the way back, but it always seems worse than it is. Once crested we always say, "that wasn't so bad". 

A very good part of the ride is the food at the farm shop. Tasty cake is always on the menu for us. They served it this time with a couple of slices of apple so it was good for us too.

We met at the green a little later than normal so the farm was busier than usual, but our favourite spot by the fire was free.

Monday at Flower Farm for tea and cake.

Christmas Day is a family day so no cycling, we hope to be out again Boxing day.

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