It's been a difficult month - a dose of the lurgy, busy at work, lots of family stuff, a funeral, and awful weather. Until today, had just managed one ride - a short 6k after-work ride through the town and up a hill to a farm. Snow flurry on the way back, hit a pothole, puncture, changing wheel in snow and dark. Sigh. Enthusiasm gone.
Had a half-day off today. Needed to go to Toolstation in the next town (about 14k away), so planned a 50k loop which passed by.
Some roads that I'd not been on for years - there was one section which for the last 2 years had had a "road temporarily closed; unsafe bridge" sign - I've always gone the other way, but today decided to investigate. Bridge was closed to cars with a fairly permanent-looking bollard, but can pass on foot/bike. Unfortunately, I'd forgotten just how steep the hill is to get down/up to that bridge :-)
Kept going along familiar roads and then a bit of NCN 73, pleasant cycling - dry, not too breezy. Stopped at Toolstation (30km) to pick up a few things - the nearby cafe was closed - headed onwards towards home. 47k on the clock when I reached the end of my street, so a loop around the town to finish.
Slow - but very enjoyable. A far better way to spend an afternoon than work...