April 2013 Summary

So April 2013 is over and I've really enjoyed it once again.

Here are some stats for April 2013 :

Days ridden >> 30
Miles ridden >> 1015
Wet rides >> 1
Punctures >> 0

Day 30 18.3 miles - Compton

14C Sunny

Throughout today I had been reading my Twitter feed which had lots of my followers completing their #30daysofbiking. It was great to see. I left my final #30daysofbiking ride until after work in the afternoon.

I set off in the sunshine to do a quick recce of some of the previously flooded spots in the area. The good news is that the last month of sunshine has helped the water levels to recede and both lanes that were previously impassable are now finally dry.

This month has been great for getting out and putting the miles in. I managed to reach my own target of clearing 1000 miles for the month. And oddly, the first time I felt tired was last night (Monday). The legs were fresh again today though. I just don't think I got enough sleep Sunday night. Well that's my excuse anyway.

It's been great reading about other cyclists online again, doing the same thing, some regular cyclists and some not. I've just checked the bike over for the commute tomorrow. It's business as normal tomorrow.

But now, it's beer time.

Cheers

Day 29 : 30.8 miles - Commutes

8C sunny

It was a beautiful Spring commute in this morning.

Coming home was 13C sunny intervals but I had a strong headwind to contend with. I was really tired tonight. Legs were hollow. I think having 4.5 hours sleep just ain't enough. Go figure.

And I've just realised I am 3 miles short of the 1000 mile target. I should be able to squeeze that in tomorrow at some point.

Day 28 : 68.5 miles - Combe & Son#1 (2 rides)

I was fortunate enough to have two rides today.

9C Sunny to start, cloudy

Ride 1 : 60.4 miles

I was up early for the group ride with the guys. Once again I knew it was due to be sunny early on so I prefer to get out there earlier and make the most of it. It was cool in shorts (4C) when setting off to meet the guys, but later I was glad. I reckon I got my layers spot on again. The view as I woke up >

There was going to be four of us on the ride today, but J had been at a party the night before so I knew it would be comical to see how he coped today. It wasn't a good sign when we called at his house to meet up and his teenage son was the one to greet us and make us a coffee. He eventually showed his face, but didn't let on just how hungover he was until we were out on the bikes and we hit out first climb.

A theme emerged where we'd easily drop J on the first sign of any incline, he was really struggling, and eventually suggested he take a diversion to avoid the last climb. He must have been suffering to opt out on the last climb, knowing the stick he'd get when we eventually met up again a few miles later.

Four on the ride, but only three bikes. This was on the edge of Hungerford Common waiting for J to join us after his 'flatter' route diversion.

We did two climbs over Combe today (well some of us did), and overall it was a great ride. It's lovely to get out with the guys again. Cheers fellas.

8C cloudy

Ride 2 : 8.1 miles

Later in the day, Son#1 asked if I'd join him, for a quick blast along the local lanes. He's been really keen recently to get out on the bike which is superb. He was noticeably stronger than on our last ride together.

Day 27 : 18.5 miles - Pang Valley

9°C Sunny

Busy today, so went for a short early evening bimble kind of ride. Luckily I managed to choose a time when the earlier hailstorms had long since passed.

I headed out over to the Pang Valley and up to Frilsham as I knew the views would look nice in that low sun. Beautiful early evening ride. Long shadows and open skies.