Shorter (17 miles) training ride today. Conquered one of my most feared hills but didn't beat the rain . Starting to feel a bit more confident about my 24hr solo in July.
Our warm, dry autumn continues. Sunny, 25C, light breeze today. We had friends staying, but they left early to drive back to Sydney before the afternoon rush, so I had the chance to head off on the Jake.
Took it easy, feeling quite good, enjoying the weather and the unexpected freedom.
Cruising along one of the quiet dirt roads, I was amazed to see a llama standing on a rock. It immediately brought to mind the bikes and llamas thread so had to stop and take a pic.
(Apologies for the NDS shot but I was in a hurry in case the beast galloped away).
Was planning to take a nice winding tarmac route home, but to my surprise, the local council had closed it and were busily resurfacing it -- on a Sunday! This meant taking a much longer gravel route which was excellent, but which led to a very busy two-lane highway which took me home, buffeted frequently by trucks and pickups towing boats, caravans and other weekend warrior accessories.
All in all, pleased with that ride -- longer than planned, but not exhausting, with a decent amount of climbing on quiet dirt roads (mostly). And a llama.
Last couple rides all been pretty much the same 27 mile route, first one took 1h 55, second was 1h 43 and yesterdays was 1h 32. Quite pleased with that considering the last time I'd done it (albeit on the Inbred) it took an hour alone just to get to the u turn point for the return trip. Headed out again this morning on a more relaxed low effort ride, some might call it intervals or zone training, I just call it being a bit knackered 22.53 miles/36.25km with 1034ft/315m of elevation. 9c, 6mph winds with 13mph gusts, overall a lovely morning.
Technically, yesterday's ride.
Bright but overcast. Lovely dry trails though and a joy to be out on the Chickens.
Past the Chattri - a memorial to Indian soldiers killed during WW1 and then on some beautiful singletrack (which is only about 20 metres from the awful A27, but separated by a huge hedge - makes me feel smug that I'm enjoying this beauty while most motorists belt past oblivious to it).
Technically, yesterday's ride.
Bright but overcast. Lovely dry trails though and a joy to be out on the Chickens.
Past the Chattri - a memorial to Indian soldiers killed during WW1 and then on some beautiful singletrack (which is only about 20 metres from the awful A27, but separated by a huge hedge - makes me feel smug that I'm enjoying this beauty while most motorists belt past oblivious to it). View attachment 950328View attachment 950329View attachment 950330View attachment 950331View attachment 950332
. Starting to feel a bit more confident about my 24hr solo in July.
Drank half a liter right away and had my second sandwich at home
