Today's Ride

Horrible weather here this last week, with a 'rain bomb' sitting over NSW for four days, causing record floods and killing four people. We were less affected, being a bit south of the main system, but still copped three days of virtually continuous rain and one of strong, gusty wind. Managed to keep the legs working by setting up the Jake on a turbo trainer in the shed, but man, it's hard to get any joy out of spinning away while watching TV.

Today, though, has been bright and cold, so set forth on the Airborne to do some real-world km. One of my long routes was inaccessible due to a flooded causeway, further compromised by a large dead tree washed over the roadway. Instead I chose a more hilly route with a mix of gravel and tarmac.

Wasn't up for pushing super hard, though, so took it easily and enjoyed the views. Coming home was a bit of a slog, as the (admittedly low-velocity) wind was steady and in my face for a good 15km, bringing a rather unwelcome additional wind chill. Despite warm socks and neoprene toe warmers, the old tootsies were not happy by the time we got home.

40km, 1,400 feet vertical. No other cyclists to be seen. More rain forecast for the week ahead.

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The weather has changed here. The glorious spring has temporarily gone and left wet and windy in its wake. PXL_20250524_105526822.webp
A group of us are aiming to do the South Downs Way in both directions over three days from Friday to Sunday next week. I really hope the weather improves.
 
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Sad. I don't do proper rides these days and haven't for sometime. Just building or re-building test rides when time allows.View attachment 964811

This outing I enjoyed. Perhaps even approaching building it. But it will be tweaked :wink:


My favourite riding partner recently shared his carefully distilled wisdom with me. I quote:

"Whenever I don’t ride the bike I feel shit then when I do I don’t feel shit"

An elegant summary.
 
My favourite riding partner recently shared his carefully distilled wisdom with me. I quote:

"Whenever I don’t ride the bike I feel shit then when I do I don’t feel shit"

An elegant summary.
Firstly, that is an epic ride. It would take me that to go one way🥵
Your friend is spot on. I've lost count of the amount of times Jo has said with variable volume "For f**k sakes will you go and ride your bike!"
 
so, in order of the abovementioned words of 'go and ride your f___in' bike' :D, after my morning coffee at 10am, I went for a gentle 30km. after three days of rain, the trails and forest roads were in quite a good nick, only a few puddles here and there.

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Our usual Sunday jaunt today, a bit breezy with a threatening sky but only the slightest drizzle for about 5 minutes. Sun appeared as we reached home!

Mrs Winjohn trying for a PB today! IMG_2705.webp

Her friend takes the lead!
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Mrs Winjohn is having none of that as we pass Jane Austen's house.
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Happy to break 20kph for the ride for the first time this year.
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