Divorce is on the cards

About 25 years ago, I ran 20 miles for the first time. I remember getting to the end and my legs wanted to keep going. Not so today. Today after 51.5 miles of cycling, my legs have served legal notice on me that they intend to apply for a divorce. I explained that as the fuit of the loins of two people who failed to make a combined age of 80 years, I needed to do something to get fit and extend my (and my legs) life. They announced that they believed in the afterlife and had been promised prime spot on the front half of three toed sloth. We are now undergoing a trial separation.
Talking memories, I don't recall  there being so much wind in the past. It seems like every day the wind is upwards of 12 mph, because of where I live it's very hard to ride out into the wind and back again with the wind. That made todays 50 even more of a challenge, add to that intermittent rain showers and it was a proper challenge. For me at least. I feel good though, in the soul, if not the body. Not sure I'll be doing that far every weekend though. It's certainly boosted my months total mileage, at one point 200 this month looked unlikely, I'm now up to 183, and feel confident with three rides left that I'll be fine. Then a whole week of no cycling, cooked breakfasts in the morning (camping tradition) and beer. Next month I'll have to do 300!

Just a riding in the rain....

After a few days of watching 2600 reminders of how rotten people can be at times, I needed a good ride out to clear my soul. Took CC's advice yesterday and had a ride at 5.30 in the morning, 8 miles, no energy, cold and not happening again. Tonight back to a better routine, yes I know it's often more windy in the evening, and yes it was this evening. It was also very wet. But 20 miles later, in just over an hour and 10 minutes, soaked through to the bone, I feel good.
I also added another retro cycling T-shirt to my collection, it's odd that I only ever win the ones no-one else bids on, must be I have better taste than the rest of the country. You fashionista cyclists out there may mock me, but on the Great Kent Bike Ride on Sunday, the announcer was still talking about my vintage Gerolsteiner team shirt long after I'd passed the start line. I didn't hear him talk about anyone elses jersey.
Now starting to understand the need for a proper plan for my riding, so I am going to make use of rest days, and do more consistent distances. Leading to a big one of 40 miles plus at weekends (I know it's not big by everyones standards but I'm a bloke - size is relative).
Latest thing to add to my list of things learnt - I like riding in the rain.

Back in the saddle again...

Like a love affair gone wrong, trust was lost and the drama of the BB weighed heavily on my mind. Doom and gloom surrounded, added to by a poorly bottom, sore throat and crappy weather. I struggled to achieve 6 miles on Saturday, knowing that my bike may soon be no more.
I'd contacted the seller the day before, to be greeted by the can't do attitude I love so much, "it's unlikely to be covered by the warranty as its a wearable part" - I know I've done an enormous 400 miles, but surely it should last longer than that? Still I took it off on the 120 mile round trip to the shop on Monday, truth to be told, not expecting ever to see it again, until it became exhibit A in the people versus national bike chain.
Phoned the next day - determined to be chirpy and polite on the phone, surprisingly glad to hear it's all fixed. BB now fitted properly, everything else serviced, will our love survive?
A bit of pampering with new handlebar tape (extra gel for my soft office workers hands) and a funky new non dribble bottle for me, quick blast around an 8 mile course, average speed of 15.8 mph and the love affair is rekindled. Turns out it was all a big misunderstanding. No creaking, clicking or squeaking except for the normal ones coming from me.
So it's back in the saddle again. Going to have to go some to get 200 miles in this month, especially with holiday coming up, but I'll give it a go. All I need is some reasonable weather, a bit less wind will be nice, and off I go.

Out with the old one and in with the new

So May is over, and we are into June, the 1st of June, as a regimental tradition, I hoped to make it a Glorious one, with an increased best average speed. Perfect day, little wind in comparison with the normal howling gails, feeling good, what can go wrong? Not wanting to cheat myself, I settled on an up and down route to Upchurch and back, arrived back, 1 hour 4 minutes later, thinking I'd be satisfied with 17 mph as an improvement, and feeling that I was consistently fast in most places, only to be kicked in the proverbials when my sneering schyster of a computer reported back an average of 15.7 mph. Really? For all that effort. You git.

Anyhow, Mays targets achieved, 13 rides gave me 247 miles, average speed of 14.6, so there's my bench mark. Now to find some rocket propulsion.