Getting those legs going
Today I finally got back on the bike for the first time in 2018. I have been ill in one form or another since December 21st, 2017 - so it was nice to get back on it!
Turns out, today wasn't the best day to go riding. It started snowing in the morning, and then rained for the rest of the day. Myself and Paul had agreed to go riding at 5.30ish.
During the day, I got my bike up in the flat, and checked over all the bolts, and gave the chain a bit of TLC. I'm so glad I did this, as every had stiffened up a bit being left outside in the bike shed.
Regardless of the weather, I had packed my bag(s), got changed, the bike was on the car rack, and I was on my way to Pauls. Half way there... *Ding* "New Whatsapp message"...
"I guess it's too late to bail", said Paul.
Struggling to see out the car window with all the rain and spray from the cars, I replied using my voice...
"I'm 14 minutes away, let's make a call when I get there".
As I walked up to Paul, we both had the same look on our faces - the "this is a stupid idea" look. I had, however, noticed the rain was getting lighter, and Paul had re-assured me saying that the rain was meant to stop, and so we waited 15 minutes.
As if by magic, the rain calmed down enough for us to say "what the hell" and off we went.
It was still raining when we set off, kind of refreshing actually. Visibility wasn't brilliant, however one of the things I was most looking forward to was trying out my new head torch! Up-to 1500 lumens of goodness, strapped to my helmet.
Even though our route was flat, and rather hazardous free, there was still the odd fallen down tree we had to navigate, as well as very deep puddles. We took a quick break at our turn-around point to get some photos - need to get proof, right?
The ride was a lot longer than I thought it would be, which I was pretty happy with. Though, on about the 20th mile, my arse was definitely feeling it again. Saddle pain was my biggest worry of not being on a bike for so long. Those of you who are new to cycling will know what I'm talking about!
After riding through a ridiculous amount of puddles, and even along a path that looked like the river, near the end - when we thought we were over the worst - we cycled through a puddle that came up to our shins... *Squelch*.
We got back safely, and washed down our bikes, surprisingly easy to wash a bike covered in only wet mud. After getting home, I needed to eat so scoffed some cheese on toast and banana cake. I should probably work on my diet if I'm to train seriously.
Sat in bed, writing this, I think my body is in a bit of a shock. From the changing temperatures, I'm feeling rather cold now - and I know my body is going to ache all over tomorrow!
Thanks for reading my first blog post, I know it's been a long one, and no videos yet, but I wasn't quite ready for filming today.
Remember to sponsor me for my British Heart Foundation, Great South Downs ride. It's 100 miles with lots of climbing, and it'll be the furthest I've ever cycled.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pp-martin-garnett
Turns out, today wasn't the best day to go riding. It started snowing in the morning, and then rained for the rest of the day. Myself and Paul had agreed to go riding at 5.30ish.
During the day, I got my bike up in the flat, and checked over all the bolts, and gave the chain a bit of TLC. I'm so glad I did this, as every had stiffened up a bit being left outside in the bike shed.
Regardless of the weather, I had packed my bag(s), got changed, the bike was on the car rack, and I was on my way to Pauls. Half way there... *Ding* "New Whatsapp message"...
"I guess it's too late to bail", said Paul.
Struggling to see out the car window with all the rain and spray from the cars, I replied using my voice...
"I'm 14 minutes away, let's make a call when I get there".
As I walked up to Paul, we both had the same look on our faces - the "this is a stupid idea" look. I had, however, noticed the rain was getting lighter, and Paul had re-assured me saying that the rain was meant to stop, and so we waited 15 minutes.
As if by magic, the rain calmed down enough for us to say "what the hell" and off we went.
It was still raining when we set off, kind of refreshing actually. Visibility wasn't brilliant, however one of the things I was most looking forward to was trying out my new head torch! Up-to 1500 lumens of goodness, strapped to my helmet.
 |
| Highly recommend this light to anyone looking. |
Even though our route was flat, and rather hazardous free, there was still the odd fallen down tree we had to navigate, as well as very deep puddles. We took a quick break at our turn-around point to get some photos - need to get proof, right?
 |
| Paul being lit up by my new light. |
 |
| Even though I'm in full black, my reflective strips make sure I'm seen! |
The ride was a lot longer than I thought it would be, which I was pretty happy with. Though, on about the 20th mile, my arse was definitely feeling it again. Saddle pain was my biggest worry of not being on a bike for so long. Those of you who are new to cycling will know what I'm talking about!
After riding through a ridiculous amount of puddles, and even along a path that looked like the river, near the end - when we thought we were over the worst - we cycled through a puddle that came up to our shins... *Squelch*.
 |
| Soaked. |
We got back safely, and washed down our bikes, surprisingly easy to wash a bike covered in only wet mud. After getting home, I needed to eat so scoffed some cheese on toast and banana cake. I should probably work on my diet if I'm to train seriously.
Sat in bed, writing this, I think my body is in a bit of a shock. From the changing temperatures, I'm feeling rather cold now - and I know my body is going to ache all over tomorrow!
Thanks for reading my first blog post, I know it's been a long one, and no videos yet, but I wasn't quite ready for filming today.
Remember to sponsor me for my British Heart Foundation, Great South Downs ride. It's 100 miles with lots of climbing, and it'll be the furthest I've ever cycled.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pp-martin-garnett
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