jayonabike
Powered by caffeine & whisky
- Location
- Hertfordshire
After booking the wrong week off work (Don't ask! I was supposed to book off the half term week in 2 weeks time...) I have no major plans for the week so that means lots of free time to get out for a ride. So this morning porridge was on the menu, then after the Mrs went to work and my son had gone to school, I got myself ready, made a flask of coffee and a sandwich and chucked them in my rucksack. I had about 5 hours spare so I had worked out a route of about 60 miles.
5 miles into the ride was the first major climb into Bovingdon, a couple of cyclists heading down nodded, I panted back at them and made it to the top fairly quickly (for my standards!) A few more miles passed and I was heading down hill into Chesham, I was pleased I was cycling down White Hill as it is pretty steep. My turn to wave at a panting cyclist going the other way and I got a half hearted grunt back.
A longish climb was next, not too steep into Gt. Missenden, then I hooked a right on to the A-road towards Aylesbury. Fairly flat with a little head wind and I was chipping along nicely around 20-22 mph. This went on for a few more miles, the wind getting a little stronger at times. By now I was 20 miles into the ride and warming up nicely spinning along with a fairly high cadence of about 80 - 90.
Time to turn left and head towards Thame, I had the wind behind me and the next ten miles on flat roads flew by, the sun was out and it was a beautiful day to be out on the bike.
30 miles in and I was getting hungry, and by chance there was a picnic table in a lay-by and the perfect place to stop and have a cuppa and a bite to eat. Refueled, I headed off towards Aylesbury. The surrounding countryside was dead flat, great for cycling, also great for head winds and it was really strong today! Thankfully I turned off the main road and went through a couple of villages and before I knew it I was heading into Aylesbury town centre.
Less than 20 miles to home, the wind had died down and wasn't a problem anymore, which was welcomed as it was starting to get a bit hilly heading towards Tring. By now I was 45 miles in and I must admit my legs we're feeling it as I climbed up Tring Hill. Through the village of Tring and then a gentle sweep down into Berkhamstead and through the high street, flying past the non moving traffic jam that always seems to be Berkhamstead high street.
I had the last 5 miles in front of me, traffic was building up as I rode into Hemel Hempstead, past the train station and then into Apsley,dodging cars as I went. It's a great feeling when your cycling faster than the traffic!
One last climb and I was a mile from home. By the time I was at my front door the Garmin said I had done 59.85 miles so I did a quick once-round-the-block to put it to over 60.
I had a great ride, I have a few things to do tomorrow but I am hoping to get out for an hour or so, not too far as I did 42 miles sunday, so I don't want to over-do it
Booking the wrong week off? I don't think so....
Stats for the ride
Time:03:40:58Distance:60.07 miElevation Gain:2,057 ft
Avg Speed. 16.3mph Max Speed 32.7
Jay
5 miles into the ride was the first major climb into Bovingdon, a couple of cyclists heading down nodded, I panted back at them and made it to the top fairly quickly (for my standards!) A few more miles passed and I was heading down hill into Chesham, I was pleased I was cycling down White Hill as it is pretty steep. My turn to wave at a panting cyclist going the other way and I got a half hearted grunt back.
A longish climb was next, not too steep into Gt. Missenden, then I hooked a right on to the A-road towards Aylesbury. Fairly flat with a little head wind and I was chipping along nicely around 20-22 mph. This went on for a few more miles, the wind getting a little stronger at times. By now I was 20 miles into the ride and warming up nicely spinning along with a fairly high cadence of about 80 - 90.
Time to turn left and head towards Thame, I had the wind behind me and the next ten miles on flat roads flew by, the sun was out and it was a beautiful day to be out on the bike.
30 miles in and I was getting hungry, and by chance there was a picnic table in a lay-by and the perfect place to stop and have a cuppa and a bite to eat. Refueled, I headed off towards Aylesbury. The surrounding countryside was dead flat, great for cycling, also great for head winds and it was really strong today! Thankfully I turned off the main road and went through a couple of villages and before I knew it I was heading into Aylesbury town centre.
Less than 20 miles to home, the wind had died down and wasn't a problem anymore, which was welcomed as it was starting to get a bit hilly heading towards Tring. By now I was 45 miles in and I must admit my legs we're feeling it as I climbed up Tring Hill. Through the village of Tring and then a gentle sweep down into Berkhamstead and through the high street, flying past the non moving traffic jam that always seems to be Berkhamstead high street.
I had the last 5 miles in front of me, traffic was building up as I rode into Hemel Hempstead, past the train station and then into Apsley,dodging cars as I went. It's a great feeling when your cycling faster than the traffic!
One last climb and I was a mile from home. By the time I was at my front door the Garmin said I had done 59.85 miles so I did a quick once-round-the-block to put it to over 60.
I had a great ride, I have a few things to do tomorrow but I am hoping to get out for an hour or so, not too far as I did 42 miles sunday, so I don't want to over-do it
Booking the wrong week off? I don't think so....
Stats for the ride
Time:03:40:58Distance:60.07 miElevation Gain:2,057 ft
Avg Speed. 16.3mph Max Speed 32.7
Jay
