Well another lovely evening was upon us and a nice gentle breeze (I thought). Got home and decided that I would go out up to Strathconon again. Becoming quite a usual ride for me now. I like it ok. It has several nice testy elevation changes and a good workout.
Aim was to leave home up over Aultgowrie, through Marybank and up to Meig dam. However, after failing to find me cycling top and then a nice long conversation with a neighbour about our impending voyage up the country, I managed to get underway at around 5.40. Plan was as promised Pet I swould be back in time for her getting home from her outting at 6.30. So hammer down and off. All was going good and I enjoyed the flit up towards the Meig. Keeping good steady pace and enjoying the view. Luckily, no heavy traffic. However, I did almost end up potentially being laid down on the next bit of tarmac as almost collided with a road resurfacer. Thank god the brakes work.
Due to time constraints, decided I wuold only head out to 11 miles from home and then head back. Tood a drink, spun the bike and headed back. It was at this point I realised, the light breeze was only a cover for the true extent. The reason I was keeping good pace outbound was the fact it was behind me. Turned and hey presto, bloody headwind. Convinced it would be behind me again by Marybank I hastily continued. Never did.
Reached Marybank and then all the way back on the A832 it was howling in my head. Not too bad, only about 5 miles home.
Got home, surprisingly in 1 hr 5 mins for the full 20 miles. Averasge of 17.7 mph. Was well impressed as I thought the wind was going to kill my time.
Arrived home, off the Bianchi and into the garage to find Pet had already left. So inot the house, SPDs off, trainers on and off out on the mountain bike for leg 2. She had been gone about 10 - 15 minutes, so I knew I would catch her. Trust me, the change instantly from road to mountain bike is a very testing thing. From being on something as light and agile as the Bianchi, to the feels like concrete filled cast iron steel alloy lead framed MTB is a killer. Hammered along the old railway line and caught her just at the start of the hill climb to the top of Spittal Wood. Lou Lou the Dalmatian was with her and at 13 years, doesn't do too bad for an old bitch. Bless her.
Off up along the top of the wood and down the centre to the railway line. Almost came a cropper at one point but saved it. Also decided the bike is crap at wheelies (or is that me???).
Stuck with Pet and stopped a while to give the dog a drink and ten headed off. Again decided I would do my blitz along the forest road and up over the bridge and down to meet Pet on the railway line again. Hit the road at a blistering speed (well feels like it to me) and must to my dismay, a huge deer leapt out about 20 yards in front of me and off into the forest. Must admit that it was a close thing, but on my way. Climb the hill at a good rate tonight as the old legs were warm and down to meet Pet. She weren't there. Ummh. Doubled back and could see her ahead talking to some folks with Dalmatians. Unusual. Stopped also for a chat and then realised quickly that with being hot, the mosquitos (or whatever the hell they are) decided to feast on my legs. Now some few hours down the line and still feeling it.
Anyway, finally completed the whole 26 miles and went out for dinner. Chippy and I had a pizza. Lovely.
Don't know plan for tomorrow, but may well include another quick ride out in the afternoon, distance to be determinwed based on weather.
All for now, over and out till next time.
Hindo
No comments:
Post a Comment