Broke the 40 mile barrier on Sunday ... with a headwind!

[MagicThighs]

I've been cycling every weekend since August and gradually built up the distance I can do. It seems incredible that my first real ride (as opposed to a short family cycle) was a 3 mile loop that I found really hard!

I had done a couple of 30 milers and but wanted to push on to 40, so I planned a ride on Sunday just gone, through the lanes from my home to the A4 East of Calne, along the A4 to Marlborough, down towards Pewsey and back along a minor road to Devizes and then to home.

I realised as I set off that I would have a headwind on the return leg, but didn't realise how hard this would be. The first part of the ride to Marlborough and a few miles beyond was fine, but when I started heading for home (i.e. West) I caught the full force of the wind. This made it bloody hard going, and I had to stop a few times for a quick breather, but I made it back.

40 miles in 4 hours. Not eaxctly fast but as a 17+ stone bloke on a 10 year old mountain bike, with a headwind for the return leg of the ride, not too bad methinks!

 

[jonathanw]

40 miles in 4 hours........ Not eaxctly fast but as a 17+ stone bloke on a 10 year old mountain bike, with a headwind for the return leg of the ride, not too bad methinks!

Good job. I think a 10 mile per hour average on a mountain bike in wind is fantastic.

I only managed 25 miles at the weekend in the wind, and my average was not much better, on thinner tyres and a drop bar CX bike

I suspect you'll see the pounds, if not stones falling off at this rate.

There may also be a new bike to consider as you get fitter

 

[MattHB]

Damn good job!! Tea and cake for you!

 

[172traindriver]

Keep up the good work, and enjoy what you are doing. Think back to when you first started and where you are now. Feel proud of yourself.

 

[Blue]

Well done. The conditions over the last few days would put me off trying for a new record distance so you can take a hearty virtual pat on the back for that. As they say in my part of the world "keep her lit".

 

[arallsopp]

Well done! Awesome performance.