Written by Andy King.
Time to reflect
Today’s route was a new one but it turned out that I’d used many of the roads on past rides just never combined in the way they were today.
Today’s ride differed in the fact that it was the first one I’d ridden by myself since we started Group midweek zone 2 rides. Whilst I have enjoyed riding in a group I did find that being by myself gave me plenty of time to think about all manner of things.
Aren’t we lucky!
My overriding feeling today while I was out on my bike was that the cycling fraternity in and around Kettering is very lucky.
On our doorsteps we’ve got some beautiful countryside that we can ride in. The midweek ride is purposely steady and today was a great example of that. I had time to take in some stunning views and pretty villages that the fabulous weather embellished. That said the same route could be used as a harder training session if you’re so inclined and you wouldn’t be able to take the time to sight-see, only grimace.
A second reason to feel lucky is that there’s a great cycling community who look out for each other on the road and help in all sorts of ways.
Feeling part of a wider community
I saw quite a few cyclist today, out enjoying the weather like me. Without fail they all waved and said “hello”. Without fail they all got a wave back, a smile and a “hi” from me. It’s great to see other people enjoying something that I enjoy so much myself.
On the subject of community I had time to think about the times I’d ridden the various parts of the route before and who I’d ridden them with. I was keeping those thoughts with me and they reminded me of my mates and the good rides we’d had before.
Thankful
Finally on community, and not just the local cycling community but cyclists in general I’ve found, I have to say thank you for all the help and advice our fellow cyclists offer up. Over the years there have been so many examples but on today’s ride I was so grateful to the person who reminded me that it was always best to have the wind behind you on the last part of the ride. I purposely consider the forecast wind direction when I plan the midweek route and today, as I’d not had the opportunity to sit on anybody’s wheels during the ride, I was thankful that the north easterly wind as it was pushing me back towards Kettering.
Next week
I’ll publish a route for next week’s ride once I’ve seen the forecast for Wednesday. As I’m racing on the 26th I think that I’ll limit the ride to around 100km; It’ll still be zone 2 but just not so long in the saddle.
Let me know if you are joining the ride or meeting me on route, keep a look out for the ride detail being put on the events calendar as usual, along with the SignUp Genius link.
No photos this week.
Billy no mates this week but still enjoyed it. 🚴♂️😊☀️👍