It was the 2nd of June and I went out for my first ride this year in summer gear. Prior to this I have ridden a few times with arm warmers and braved the weather but most of my rides in the last month have started with arm warmers and a wind proof gilet. But it has been worth the wait. I even have a tan line on legs and arms. Its been over 18 months since I could enjoy riding like this.
Yesterday I went on a short and easy spin as my legs were aching so much from the walking last week in a cold, damp and snowy Alps (so much for it being a warm sunny break). One remarkable fact is that despite the last 18months of rain and cold the roads are teeming with cyclists. I saw riders of all shapes, sizes, ages and types on just about every bit of road that I was on. We are a cycling nation! Yesterday the numbers were so great that virtually all of the cars were traveling “bike aware”. Thank you drivers. I couldn’t relax as if I was in France like last week but I did begin to feel that I wasn’t in a war zone.
There were times when I got really hot and, as my ride was social, I would cool down but body temperature stayed fine thanks to my kit. I harp on almost every blog about clothing as it is so important. I, for one, want to be comfortable, Yesterday, I wore a Northwave Evolution jersey £84.99 and worth every penny plus a Pearl Izumi Transfer lite base layer. Not many riders round here want to spend that much so I managed to get some for just £49.99. I also got some Pearl Izumi Elite jerseys that were £69.99 and we have them for £39.99. I’d never ride without a base layer winter of summer and this year have taken a light gilet on nearly every ride. These are the cheapest and yet the most useful bits of clothing that you can own.
I used my Garmin Edge 510. I didn’t have to worry about being late back as my wife could follow me all the way and knew exactly where I was. Check out the screen grab from her phone. She doesn’t need an app she just gets an e-mail when I press start on the Garmin. Awesome.
I might even share some of my rides on Facebook.
Simon an I went to Eastbourne from Lewes yesterday and i have to agree , we both commented on how many other riders were out . What a beautiful day it was !! And of course the ubiquitous ramblers ( oh how we love them ? )
I presume that that was an off road reccy. So much for the warm weather, I came in in a Tee shirt and was freezing by lunch time.
Yep. we went from the tap on the A27 to the top of Eastbourne and back. lots of climbing but a good 40 mile training loop ! weather warming up all week now as well !!