I was going to do 80 or 90 today, but I woke up earlier than I expected and I was pedalling away from the garage by 0725. I did want to avoid leaving that early because I assumed it would be uncomfortably cold, but with tights and a fleece on I was fine.
Sunny from the moment I left the house. Really nice out there.
The wind was coming from the north-east. I did consider going up to Newark today, because I haven’t done that so far this year. But in the end I settled on the easy option, the eastbound route. The road surface would be better and I wouldn’t have to faff around with my eTrex or a navigation app on a phone.
Stopped after 23 miles and stuffed my tights, fleece and rear light into my camo bag, which I then stashed in a hedge. It was very unlikely that I’d need a rear light on this ride, but even less so before the last 23 miles. Having said that, I’ve noticed that some riders do like a flashing rear light even in bright sunlight. But I don’t bother with that myself.
There are two options after Buckminster; one involves dipping down into Rutland and going east through South Witham and Little Bytham. But I did the other one today; through Stainby, Corby Glen and Grimsthorpe. Got as far as Edenham, then turned back having done 53 miles.
Took the pic at the entrance to Grimsthorpe Castle.
UV levels were high today so I took a Zinc Stick with me and applied a coating of Zinc Oxide to my nose. Not the full Shane Warne; just a thin coat. This particular product is yellow rather than white. I did feel a bit self-conscious going into the village shop at Buckminster with a yellow hooter.
Sunday’s not the best day for a long ride really because the shops tend to be closed in the afternoon and the only petrol station on this route is at Burton on the Wolds, 17 miles from home. So I had to stock up at Buckminster on the eastbound leg, early on.
Lovely out there and I wasn’t too hot in the afternoon; the breeze kept me cool. But I must devise some new routes.
Started the next Reacher novel (Bad Luck and Trouble) but the wind noise made it hard to listen. I must get some wind noise absorbers. They are actually a thing. You attach them to cycle helmet straps. In my case I’d have to improvise something for those times I don’t wear a helmet (most of the time to be honest).
Did manage to listen to West Ham vs Leeds on the DAB in the afternoon.
Back on 106.06 miles.