Emotions are running higher now as we settle into the work of riding without the novelty of "beginning".
Tears have already been shed and many within our group are beginning to feel the consequences of the continuous mileage. Others seem to be thriving on the experience and its fair to say that the rest, are all someplace in the middle.
And it was with this added dynamic that we set out today on the fourth 100 (odd) mile day in a row.
Our route today would lead us to Preston, via a series of counties, villages and most importantly, large busy towns. The prospect of a long day spent negotiating traffic, on a Saturday didn't sit easy with some and I decided to hang back a little and offer my urban riding experience to the group. This suited me as I was keen to save my energy for the ride across Cumbria tomorrow (and the inevitable climbs that this would require).
We immediately ran into challenges as, yet again, the Gpx data that we had been supplied, varied enormously from the course notes, sending the group off in totally opposite directions from the moment we left the car park. This was disconcerting and annoying as many of the people who we wanted to spend the day riding with, went off alone.
Whilst the route was busy and congested it was also extremely flat with very little in the way of hills and as we pressed on over busy arterial roads the banter faded and the work started. If I'm honest, this wasn't a great start .
However, the sun battled on and with the surprise arrival of Philip, who had been finding his way independently via the use of an old street map, the mood immediately lifted. Soon we were stripping off layers and at Phillips suggestion we were scouring maps to find a less busy route. I was so pleased to see Philip this morning, his positive approach to life cant fail to rub off on you, he is a great companion for a long days ride and today, he proved to be the perfect antidote.
The second we pulled off of the main A49, the mood changed. We rode two a breast, along deserted lanes chatting and chuckling as we had for so many miles before, the comedy horn even woke up and made an appearance. Phillip did laps of the roundabouts screaming "weeee" as he went and worked hard to cheer us all up...
Things were picking up.
Eventually we caught up with the A49 once more and as the sun lifted the fog, so did it our spirits. The pace quickened and other members of the group appeared at various points along the road, each with a different story to tell about where they had been directed.
As the route progressed, we began to enter the urban sections, crossing into busy Saturday traffic. Its amazing how much difference my own experience of city riding comes into play in these environments. I've learnt many things by commuting through London on a bicycle, over many years, some are practical, some provide added safety but of all the things I have learnt, the most important is to stay calm.
Despite sounding simple, staying calm in dense, heavy traffic is incredibly challenging and for one member of our group things just got a little too much at some point and as a direct result, they came into contact with vehicles on two occasions. The second of which caused them a little physical damage but probably a fair bit more emotional denting.
I was mindful that, in a group of 10, one person could have two incidents within 50 miles, I wondered how that would translate across a city full of riders.
I cant say I wasn't happy to see the end of today's ride. Whilst it is important to have days like this, if only to allow us to cover the miles, it struck me that despite crossing Shropshire, Cheshire and Lancashire in one day, the most interesting thing that I saw to take a photo of... was my afternoon tea stop treat
These little fellas are fast becoming addictive.
Cumbria tomorrow and the lake district.
<< BACK TO INDEX
Want More, see my London to Brussels Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment