Saturday 30 October 2010

The grass is always greener...

Not really had time to blog much; life has been busy busy. But I thought I'd take a moment to reflect upon the last few rides.

I was really looking forward to doing a few flat miles during our recent visit to Cheshire and the first ride didn't let me down. We met an old friend and spent an hour meandering along the Middlewood way bridle path. Last time I did this ride (possibly in 2005) I didn't really enjoy it - I found the flat miles and need for constant pedalling mundane and painful. But this time I enjoyed it. Actually, I wasn't that surprised as it made a nice change to all the uppy-downy-ness of the Cornish roads.  Anyway, I was really pleased when we got to the end of the ride and I discovered we had done 16.5miles very easily and quickly and my legs were still feeling strong.

I went to bed feeling positive and looking forward to another flat ride. Unfortunately the Northern weather had other plans. Torrential rain! Eek! My cycling wardrobe consists solely of one waterproof item (a coat). At least my top half would be dry. Sadly, within minutes my feet and legs were quickly saturated and very very cold. My toes felt like icicles. Ah, whats the worst that could happen? We continued. Ouch! Every few seconds I seemed to hit a pothole (disguised by deep puddles) I was no longer enjoying this, every bit of me was icy cold.  The only enjoyable bit was that there were lots of sheep to talk to (We don't get many sheep in Cornwall).  With a grimace on my face we continued. The flat miles that I have long dreamed of, were nothing but monotonous and uncomfortable. On each pedal stroke I yearned for a slight climb so that I could free-wheel back down. No such luck! Ah well, we'd soon be back to lumpy-bumpy Cornwall.

On our return to the West Country, after sitting in the car for far too long we went for a quick pootle around the local lanes. Unsurprisingly, in that 10 mile spin we did more climbing and descending than we had done in the 30+ Cheshire miles. ROFL.... despite the recent experience, it didn't take me long to start wishing that we lived somewhere flatter.... Hmmm... the grass is always greener.

4 comments:

Mullerton said...

But Cheshire is the best county in the world to ride a bike in. (well maybe the uk) The man from eurosport said so, so it must be true.

Pedalling Polarcherry said...

come and ride in the dark peak, its not flat here :) (probably less head winds than your used to though!)

KatieCake said...

ooOOoo less wind.... that immediately sounds super!

In my youth I remember doing some riding near Ladybower and Castleton. Am I right in thinking that is in the dark Peak area?

Pedalling Polarcherry said...

yes thats my local patch Katie :)