April 30th, 2005
And we’re spent
I can take it easy today.
The last ford is at White Coppice, SD615191, only just over an hour from home. The weather is looking grim so I wear a waterproof from the off. The trusty wool I’ve worn for three days without washing (and it was taken out of the wash-basket before that!) can be left, finally, to be cleaned.
When I get there, I feel a sense of anti-climax. I’ve spent hours in the saddle, and visited some really pretty places. This one is almost too easy. Doesn’t stop me, you’ve guessed it, getting a foot wet as I just fail to make the far side.
White Coppice
Within an hour I’m back home. My wife at least makes me feel like I’ve achieved something.
I make sure I do a good job of cleaning the wife’s bike - especially after the salt of yesterdays tidal routes. With the mud of my off-roading removed the Fatboy slicks look like O-rings rather than tyres. And at 100psi they’ve provided about the same cushioning.
I peel off wet clothes and climb into a warm shower and wash off the road dirt. The sunburn on my thighs stings as I scrub. It’s good after two months off to have done some proper riding. I’m still a stone heavier than I’d like to be for the time of year, but my legs don’t feel so flabby as they did on Monday. Proper hills and climbs and everything have kicked in. The road descents have been fun too. I always enjoyed skinny tyred riding for the descents. Having wide bars and disc brakes meant that it was easier to get a knee down.
SSMM is only two months away. I’m looking forward to it, and this week has reinforced my intention to have fun.
Thanks:
I owe gratitude to the following for making this week easier:
* wetroads.co.uk for the inspiration and grid refs.
* Sideways Cycles for the wool top that I’ve worn most of the week, without washing.
* The gearheads at LowePro for the personal response to my TLZ-1 registration.
* Chipps and the guys at Singletrack for hospitality on Wednesday.
* Lastly, and most of all, my wife: for understanding that ultimately it’s a pointless meaningless thing to do, but encouraging me anyway.
Miles Today: There and back again.
Height Gain: After yesterday, cock all.
Fords Today: 1
Total: 25
Remaining: 0
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