riding

Last week I recalled my experience of riding the Ronde Van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) a few years ago. I refreshed my memories last Saturday and rode the new route, which now finishes with a double whammy of the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg. But more on that ride in a future blog, this week has been too busy to allow me time to write it up.

Hooray, January is finally over. I say finally, because it’s been an especially testing time on the bike. The climate has thrown the full gamut of weather at us, from snow to howling winds, sub zero temperatures to prolonged rain and everything else in between. Sometimes all at once within one ride.

And just like that, the evenings are beginning to draw in earlier and earlier. Kind of sneaks up on you, doesn't it?

It's been a funny old summer, but now isn't the time to dwell on what should have been. Instead this is the time of year to make the most of what nice weather we do get treated to.

Last night for instance. The sun was shining high in the sky, the day's work was done, I headed out for a couple of hours. Threading through the suburbs of London I rolled into Surrey countryside. And it was wonderful.

It’s time to go for a ride, actually it was time to go for a ride about half an hour ago, but I’ve only now finished procrastinating. Just answered those e-mails, just done that little bit of washing up, had another coffee, just played with the cat, just taken the t-shirts off the washing line, folded socks, just checked e-mail, just, just, just…. Anything but ride.