Spring

 

 

Spring sprung last weekend, and the clocks went forward an hour. I set out on a road ride, the first since the 19th. Most of the outward route was into a headwind, I would be returnig on the same roads, and looked forward to a tailwind. Why then did I have to force my way home into a headwind? It's one of cycling's mysteries.

My chosen destination was Fulking, yes you read that correctly. I can't deny it was the name that brought me to the village, it was also just over 60 miles there and back. The distance I find just about right; long enough to be a challenge, without taking all day. 

The collection of houses, one pub and a church are in a valley, a spring was the original reason for the village being established.

Upon arrival I looked for a shop or cafe to buy food and a coffee. The pub was closed and that was it.

The journey to the village was mostly on main roads, they weren't very busy but it was a relief to turn into a quiet lane for the last few miles.

Sunday: Matt and I usually meet to sit at opposite ends of a bench for a chat over a cup of tea.

As you can see, Matt and the tea were missing. A clocks changing miscalculation meant Matt was somewhat out of sync with the rest of the country. I arrived to a text saying he would be very late. It was chilly and I had a busy day ahead so I replied that unfortunately I couldn't wait. I sat alone with my coffee and waffle, bought from the little shop near the green. Then took off for home.

Easter weekend

The long Easter weekend could not have started better for cycling. Matt and I decided to meet a little later on Friday. But the weather was so good I left around the usual time and took a longer route to the green. I wanted to take the picture shown above.

The last time I cycled this way the pond was covered in snow and ice. 

Much nicer now.

Matt arrived at the green and it was off to the church yard the long way. It is harder going the long way, more hills. But it avoids the Clarks Lane and the Limpsfield Road. Both fast roads they are  where nearly all the close passses happen. They are recorded and reported, but I have yet to know of any action being taken. Or see the situation improving.

When it is sunny and dry the church yard is our default destination, you can hear the nearby road but it is muted. It is a peaceful place to have a morning cup of tea.

Saturday I had a long drive to do, which meant Sunday was off. I'm getting too old to drive 500 miles in a day and not feel it afterwards.

Monday was close to an abort. A very late night meant I intended to abort. But the weather was so good I wasn't tired. I met Matt at the green, and we headed off to the churchyard again. Peaceful and restful; we discussed staying for the day. Back home there is grass to cut, shopping to do and diner to cook. So after finishing the tea we headed off.

Only four days and we can do it again.

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Signs of spring

Just back from a cycle and it was great. Warm, sunny and very pleasant. I could say the normal signs of spring were everywhere, daffodils etc. But for me there are other harbingers.

The legs come out, after a long search for the shorts.

Don't worry this post won't get geeky; my camera doesn't need such a high ISO.

ISO for film was used to show how much light a particular film needed. The higher the number the less light it needed. The trade-off was the picture became grainy at higher ISO's. Digital camera sensors don't work in the same way though. The ISO rating was retained to give an indication and allow some comparison of how a camera deals with light. The higher the ISO the more amplification the camera applies to the picture. This can result in noise and a lose in quality.

And finally it's time to cut the grass. If I do it regularly it doesn't take too long. The rest of the gardening is less of a priority; the garden tends to have to look after itself. Survival of the fittest.

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It's nearly that time again

Just back from my morning ride. As I left the house I thought about putting on my shorts. I'm glad I didn't. It's just a little too cold. Hats off to anyone who cycles all year round in shorts. Maybe another week of long trousers, then hopefully it's t-shirts and shorts. For a few months.

I can start planning longer rides. Ones that include a pub stop. And time to chill out and relax. I know it sounds strange that exerting yourself can be relaxing, but it can. I can forget that to-do list. All I need to think about is the next hill to climb or slope to roll down. And then a beer and something to eat, sat in a garden outside a pub. happy days.

The start of the year was chilly but not too cold.

Misty mornings.

Then snow at the end of January.

February was still chilly and misty

But at last spring had arrived in March

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Here's to cycling.

As spring passes into Summer my weekend rides get more pleasant. There's slightly less chance of getting caught in the rain. And the landscape changes. The fields are green and trees are once again fully clothed.

I see more cyclists as well. They have moved away for the turbo trainers. I know it's not so inviting, leaving the house when there is frost on the ground, or the wind is howling. But I really think riding all year round makes you appreciate the good weather when it does make an appearance.

Here are pictures of some of the colder rides. Around Christmas time there is always home made cake. A great reward for year round cycling.

And the spring arrives. Still plenty of rain. But at least it isn't quite so cold.

Then Summer arrives. 

And the best bit - chilling out with mates. At a pub. A cold beer and good laughs. It doesn't get better than that.

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