It’s been a while since my last post, six months, to be precise. But spring is here, and I'm out pedalling with intent.
We have planned another big ride. This time, it’s 171 miles across the country from Morecambe Bay in Lancashire to Bridlington on the Yorkshire coast. It doesn't take a map to tell me that hills are involved (The map says 2600m of climb - I wish I hadn't looked)
If that's not challenging enough, I am planning to take my Iona Brompton, which I've not yet used for camping. It should make the train travel easier, but it all feels a little crazy right now!
So, to prepare myself, I have been busy increasing my distance and practising hills on Iona. I've not done anything worthy of its own post, but there have been plenty of fun miles so far. So let me catch you up…
Our first stop was a rather chilly Overton. We rode from Winchester, and then I took the easy way back to Southampton courtesy of British Rail.
Another train ride gave me the chance to ride down memory lane as I revisited old haunts in Worthing on a beautiful winters day. I discovered that my first house there no longer exists, but the cycle opportunities have definitely improved.
Next stop, still chilly, but this time a familiar route to Wonston to catch the snowdrops.
Then a trip over the Itchen bridge to refresh some road signs for those using NCN route 2. We took the time to survey the area too - watch that sign for future improvements.
A pre birthday ride to Whitchurch had us checking out the tea cakes then staring for what felt like hours at a group of beautiful hares chasing one another in a nearby field.
To really test the legs, we took a ride to Weyhill and the Hawk conservancy, where we saw more birds of prey while we cycled home than we spied at the trust. Another beautiful day and a beautiful ride. Oh and who else gets to celebrate their birthday with a candle on chips - thanks to my lovely friends for joining me at one of my favourite places.
Something prompted me to take a quick wander round the shop, where I spied Lc, a small, but perfectly formed secretary bird - this was my Nans favourite birds when we came here together - she loved the way they would kick out at any snake. Not being a lover of these legless beings myself, I decided that this long legged Black and white bird would be the perfect accompaniment to Iona. Lc comfortably hitched a ride in the side pocket of the front bag.
Our trip back was diverted due to roadworks, but the Bromptons took it all in their stride. (Stride being the appropriate term in places)
Of course it's not just the legs that need sorting, Iona has received two upgrades so far this year too. The first was long overdue - a very welcome saddle exchange.
Then more annoyingly I needed to replace the Garmin after a bike drop lead to a broken mount and the corresponding lug on the computer that went into it.
I was gutted to hear from Garmin that they don't fix such things. Though to be fair, they did offer me a reduced price on an upgrade, which I am now very pleased that I accepted.
Staying on familiar roads while without my Garmins direction, reminded me how nice it was at Eling, especially when the tide is in. This would inspire another ride later.
I have ridden home from Winchester a number of times, but the uphill location of the city has put me off riding there. But hills are the name of the game and I now had a new Garmin’s foibles to learn. The sky was clearing as I set off and was a beautiful blue upon my return.
Another train and another challenge. This time in the other direction. Inspired by the water at Eling, I decided to try riding home from Lymington. I had done this once before, but on a fast bike with fast friends - one of which was a few days off finishing her ride around the coast of the UK.
Though the ride was very different, and the lunch menu uninspiring, the scenery was just as stunning and happily the tide was still in when I reached Eling.
So I've ridden the same distance as our longest day. I've practised lots of hills. Am I ready? Only time will tell.
Now all I have to do is work out how to load my bike. But that's another story…
As always, a huge thank you to Jo, Babs, Jenny and Jill for their company as I ride and their guidance while I'm not.
