Today's Ride

[db95]

What is it about bikes and trains, as a young man I put my bike in the guards van and sat on the floor with it, this used to amuse the guards. Now unless it folds we are taking a chance.
I look at where and how you and your friends are cycling and realise I don't have the fitness requirements to do it. However this thread inspires, I now have a better idea where I'd like to be.
Enjoy dinner with Fiona.

For what it's worth roughly this time last year I had absolutely terrible insomnia and anxiety due to it, awful diet, smoked/vaped, energy drinks throughout the day just to stay awake from the insomnia (would be dozing off maybe 10/11pm and waking up anywhere from 2/3 and this was for months on end) etc. One random sleepless night on the 30th July last year seemed like a nice morning so I got my old Orbea mtb out and did about 7 miles on the coast. Enjoyed it, kept at it, went through a couple different mountain bikes etc. Insomnia slowly started going away, quit smoking/vaping because it seemed pretty counter productive to be going out hammering myself on a bike up a hill then smoking, started eating much better etc. Built the Kona Blast I had and started getting up there to 50-60 mile days, really prioritizing nutrition and self care, got into running to supplement the days off the bike. Built the inbred, realized I needed something better for my riding so got the Bianchi, quick crash course into being a roadie, zone 2 training, intervals, 100 mile days etc. I'd imagine being on the younger side for an RB member definitely helped with all of that but the point is unless you're one foot in the grave (or underlying issues etc) chances are there's always time for you to get out there and smash it. This would've been one of the first rides last year:

And this was the last one before getting smoked by two cars anyway Improvements always there if you chase it.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

For what it's worth roughly this time last year I had absolutely terrible insomnia and anxiety due to it, awful diet, smoked/vaped, energy drinks throughout the day just to stay awake from the insomnia (would be dozing off maybe 10/11pm and waking up anywhere from 2/3 and this was for months on end) etc. One random sleepless night on the 30th July last year seemed like a nice morning so I got my old Orbea mtb out and did about 7 miles on the coast. Enjoyed it, kept at it, went through a couple different mountain bikes etc. Insomnia slowly started going away, quit smoking/vaping because it seemed pretty counter productive to be going out hammering myself on a bike up a hill then smoking, started eating much better etc. Built the Kona Blast I had and started getting up there to 50-60 mile days, really prioritizing nutrition and self care, got into running to supplement the days off the bike. Built the inbred, realized I needed something better for my riding so got the Bianchi, quick crash course into being a roadie, zone 2 training, intervals, 100 mile days etc. I'd imagine being on the younger side for an RB member definitely helped with all of that but the point is unless you're one foot in the grave (or underlying issues etc) chances are there's always time for you to get out there and smash it. This would've been one of the first rides last year:

And this was the last one before getting smoked by two cars anyway Improvements always there if you chase it.

Fantastic effort mate. I can manage about 70 miles with a 25kg load on my Randonneur. We average 10mph with that load. Some of the really steep hills I have to push up. Not all the way but some. I'm asthmatic, haven't smoked in a long time. I'm possibly twice your age.
What you have achieved in such a short space of time is amazing

 

[thom04]

Damn it! nearly a full month out of the saddle
Rectified today with a sunny loop of the airport

 

[Gtpulse]

A ride on local routes from home today. Nothing too exciting but a very enjoyable ride.

 

[Totoro]

Out at Sunrise, stunning morning, moving quicker today than yesterday until I wasn't.
Bloomin puncture, not had one for years so can't grumble (much) and it was still a great ride with just one mile to walk home.



Bloomin thing

 

[al-onestare]

but the point is unless you're one foot in the grave (or underlying issues etc) chances are there's always time for you to get out there and smash it.

As the kids say, hang this in the Lourve. Couldn't agree more.

On that theme, especially this last week post staycation, the legs and mindset have taken the weeks of turbo trainer sessions into riding. I've noticed I'm in the saddle far more than out on climbs, and without any Garmin proof to back up, I swear my cadence is higher and more steady for longer. The only factual proof I have are the times it's taking to complete my usual routes has dropped, and that I'm not stopping for a quick breather half way around anymore. As a result, the legs and soul feel even better than before, and to be fair, they were pretty good then (for me at least). I should caveat I'm not aiming for Le Tour grade just yet

Right enough with the self-reflection gush, and on with the snap, with a very quick stop at Sancreed Beacon.

Mild 13, felt like that in the misty spots around Sennen (said hello to someone starting Lejog), before the warm sun starting burning through, quickly rising to 15/16. Barely a breath of wind, hazy blue skies and very light yellow sunshine.