Alone again ...

12 September

Yes, I’ve been out on the bike today. Not quite the same feeling as the weekend. It’s hard cycling along again, I must admit.

I’d planned a quick 20 miles but didn’t really have much luck. Had a fabulous start to my ride, then it all went horribly wrong when I couldn’t find the off-road bridleway to take me over the Downs. I know I was in the right place, but spent quite a while cycling back and forth over the same terrain checking to see where I could have missed it. In the end I rode on a little along the road and descended into a deep valley – only to discover that the road circled the Downs and was going to add an extra 20 miles to my journey, so I climbed BACK up that horrible hill, cursed a lot, found a new track and made my way back. I stopped for a cuppa on the way because I was so thoroughly disgruntled by then and it gave me time to pull myself together. I hadn’t quite done the mileage I’d wanted to, so decided I’d add it on by continuing up London Road and cycling around Preston Park – just to clock up those 20 miles. I made 18!!!! I got so pissed off with all the traffic lights I simply couldn’t be bothered.

So not the best training day, but I suppose 18 miles is better than none at all.

Devil’s Dyke planned again for Sunday morning. Shorter distance but lots of hill!! (note the singular!)