Warm sunshine was forecast for today with a light wind coming from the south, so I decided a run down to Northampton and back was in order. I’d planned to set off at about 0830 but as usual I woke up early and decided to get up and get on with it. I was away just after sunrise at 0720.
Cool at that time of day, but I’d applied several layers. I stashed my fleece, long-sleeved tunic and leg warmers into my camo bag and hid it in a hedge after the first 37 miles. The temperature had climbed very quickly over the preceding half hour. I should have stashed it earlier really, it was annoying having a stuffed camo bag in my backpack on the last 37 miles home.
I arrived at Northampton before noon having done 46 miles. I first visited the town 40 years ago this year. My girlfriend at the time was studying for a degree at Nene College, which is the reason I went there in the first place. So I thought I’d see I could find the old campus where she studied, and lived in Halls for her first year. But I couldn’t find it. Maybe it’s been closed down now.
On the way back, wanting to add a few miles I took a left for a place called Ravensthorpe to go exploring but I turned back to the usual route after about a mile when I found myself about to go down a steep-ish hill. Later on I took a right to go past the gliding club near Husbands Bosworth. Didn’t see any gliders taking off this time, but there were three parked on the grass. My excursion added about three miles, enough to see me home on triple figures.
Stopped at the Co-op at Stoney Stanton after 18 miles for two warm croissants, then later at the petrol station at Welford on the way back for a bit of a feast including a Magnum ice cream, which I consumed on the bench opposite.
Just lovely out there, like a warm summer’s day. I don’t think there’ve been many October days when I’ve been out cycling in shorts and a short-sleeved top.
I listened mostly to Talk Radio, a bit of footy on 5 Live and the Kiss album Dressed to Kill. Then I started the next Reacher novel, Gone Tomorrow.
Back on 100.44.