After a week off from riding I got back to it with a bang this weekend. We have also resumed coaching at KCC Cyclones due to restrictions lifting.
On Saturday we had a group road ride. So many of us met up in Kettering we had to organise into 3 groups. On the way in i bumped into the early birds who were having their first coffee stop of the day after 40 miles! That elite group used their early start to turn 100km into 100miles with Neil topping the distance charts with 117 miles for the day. I did 76 miles, which was more than enough!
The banter was flowing from the off as we headed south with a strong tailwind. Nothing chsnges really, despite posting the route barely anyone had it before we left!
We were discussing the weird and wonderful running and cycling atire that's been apparent since lockdown. That chat turned to vintage trainers and particularly Hi-Tec Silver Shadow and Dunlop Green Flash which Neil (two mentions already,) dubbed the: "Rab C Nesbitt of trainers!"
We made it to Kimbolton with ease but then turned into the stiff breeze! At Sharnbrook a prize plum in a blue Suzuki Swift decided to use his in car PA to shout "single file," at us continually.
Not long after that we made it to Emberton Park in Olney for the coffee stop. All three groups met back up but we made sure we kept to the 2m rule! We then reorganised and headed back towards K Town.
My legs felt very tight and the warning signs of cramp were coming! I was shattered by Earls Barton Hill and dribbled up there like slow Jack McSlow. Lots of people felt the same and the groups disintegrated to some extent. However two(ish) groups formed at Mears Ashby. Having said we wouldn't have a total tear up into Harrowden...we had a total tear up in Harrowden. The wind was now behind us on that fast stretch of road and we hit 30mph for a significant time. I felt excellent until the cramp warning signs came back to ruin my efforts! When we stopped in Harrowden my legs were shaking.
We set off again towards Orlingbury and my right leg was definitely going to cramp. So I tried just peddling with my left leg which Rob described as a very odd pedalling technique!
I couldn't keep up at all and was on my own at the top of the hill, where, boom...cramp hit. I just unclipped in time. I then waddled down the road a bit in a most undignified manner, still astride my bike. As cramp eased I was able to get fully off my bike. At this stage group 3 caught up with me.
From there I opted for the shortest flattest route back to Rothwell. Cramp stayed away until I was close to home and then decided to have one final attack.
None of this spoiled the ride. It was great to be out and even better to be out in company!
Strava tells me I'd burned an extra 4000kcal and it certainly felt that way. I weighed myself after the ride and I was 2lbs lighter than before I went out! So after a week of really disciplined eating I enjoyed a few beers and a homemade pizza before another great fun cycling quiz with the Corby Capers CX group.
On Sunday morning it was time for a change as we set out on an off road ride. I met with Andy P, Nat, Bob, Marcus and Rob at Grafton crossroads.
We headed into a fiercer wind than yesterday and were grateful to get into the fields and behind the hedges. The ground is currently rock hard and we were bumped about as a consequence.
We headed to Twywell and then over the fields to Stanwick Lakes. At Elinor trout fishery I suffered quite the embarrassment! My rear tyre went soft and it wouldn't reinflate! The usually very reliable tubeless system had failed! I'd also forgotten to bring a tube for the first time in ages. When I got the tyre off the problem was clear...there was no sealant fluid in the tyre! I can't remember the last time I topped up! Now I bang on about the benefits of tubeless endlessly. I'm a real tubeless bore. The Queen of Cakes will not allow me to talk about tyres in her company! So like I say...quite embarrassed!!!
The other thing was I had no chance of removing the tubeless valve. Luckily Andy was far more prepared. He had a spare tube, a decent pump and chain pliers which got the valve out. Tube in and pumped back up we could get going.
It was a lovely ride through to Wadenhoe. More great trails followed and Rob proved he's a real off road rider by taking a tumble!
From there it was through to Lyveden New Bield for our usual group photo!
The bridleway through to the Brigstock/Benefield Road is not a favourite of mine but once over the road the trails through to Bocase farm are lovely.
It was more good riding through to Brigstock and then up the chase the wrong way. After yesterday my legs were ruined at this point and I just dawdled up the trail. That big old oak tree at the top was a welcome sight!!!
I enjoyed the ride but I was also relieved to get back to the car in Grafton.
When I got in I checked my sealant stocks...this bottle of Stans is almost full. I have enough to do all my bikes!!! So there's no excuse. Lesson learned...as usual the hard way! Tomorrow I'll make sure every tyre is topped up.
My post ride refuel today was an absolute delight. With restrictions lifting we were able to go to Sunday lunch at Mum's for the first time since March.
That's it for another blog.
Happy Pedalling
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