Being on half term, I actually managed to achieve my longest ride ever today. 51.75 miles. I put myself and my bike onto the train down to Axminster after checking on google maps roughly where 50 miles would be. However, what I didn't check very carefully was the terrain in that area. It's all hills!!!!
It took me almost 3 hours to cover the first 20 miles on small lanes that were absolutely plastered in mud from the farmers muck spreading, or hedge cuttings or fallen trees/branches from Sunday's storm. I don't have a gps at present and I didn't even have the os map for that area, I just relied on the directions from google maps. Needless to say, several errors were made which were very costly in those hills. One small lane ended up being a very rough bridle way that I could not continue on and had to return the mile and a half (uphill of course) and try and find a new route.
At least the weather was fairly kind and although a bit grey and cloudy, it did at least stay dry and not too windy. 2nd part of the ride was much better than the 1st and managed to make good progress. Ended up completing the trip with an average of 10.7mph. The legs became very, very wobbly in the last 10 miles and even tiny hills felt like mountains, but I am chuffed that I have at last achieved the half century. I know that the century is a very long way away yet though.
I am going to have to spend tomorrow morning cleaning the bike as she is absolutely caked in mud. I only got her spotless on Monday too! Think I am going to have to start using the old commuter for the training rides in the winter.