Since the summer is now in full swing and the days are very hot, long rides have somewhat dropped off the agenda.
My last attempt at breaking my metric ton duck came at the end of June on a cool, breezy Sunday. I was very motivated to do my first long ride in my new shoes and casquette.
Unfortunately the ride did not go well. For whatever reason I lacked energy before I set off and the first 10km were into a strong headwind that sapped me of even more energy. I was not looking forward to 90kms more of hard work.
Komoot then took me up a very rough, bumpy path somewhere near Bristol airport finally putting me off the whole idea. Not 13kms into my attempt I abandoned this ride and turned back home. It was a Sunday after all…
A shame but not a disaster. Can’t expect to reach every goal at every attempt otherwise it would just be too easy. Happiness lies at the end of struggle, right?
July happened. I was quite lazy and enjoyed many sun and beers. Long rides fell even further from my agenda.
On the last Sunday of July I resolved to set out on a shortish loop from Bristol to Portishead and Clevedon. This was to be my first attempt without a rucksack too. I wanted to free myself from the burden on my back.
I need to think carefully about everything I had with me in my rucksack and instead put the necessary items about my person. The most important being a spare inner tube and pump, in case I picked up a puncture. I should really carry a repair kit too, but I have yet to pick one up.
I also wanted to carry my credit card which fit easily in my water-proof phone mount on my handlebars. The innertube slipped neatly into one of the rear pockets on my jersey, leaving a pocket free for food and another free for keys. All set and excited off I went.
My route towards Portishead would take me through Ashton Court, a huge and hilly estate at the South Western edge of the city. The pathway was quiet yet steep and I pedalled hard up the tarmac’d section. Then came the incredibly hard and gruelling gravel section. Hot, dusty and rough going up a steep climb was thoroughly rewarding. I was met with stunning views a-top Bristol.
I rode along the rough gravelly path to the edge of the estate and back onto country lanes. I descended deep and far into the dell that became Leigh Woods. Another properly gravelly path that became mud and tree roots. Not kind to my poor bicycle! I persevered knowing I only had half a kilometre of such rough going.
Eventually I hit a nice country lane that took more all the way to Portishead but alas I had a terrible realisation: I had left my pump at home!
There I was about to enjoy a nice ride out of the woods and towards serenity but my forgetfulness made me anxious. I couldn’t allow myself to become stranded miles from home with a puncture and no pump.
Sensibly, I turned back for home. Along smooth lanes. To make up for it I cycled across the Clifton Suspension Bridge and headed through town to grab a nice cool drink.
Two straight failures in a row have left me slightly demotivated. I need to get out and about on a long ride as soon as possible. Alas the weather has worked against me with constant wind and rain in August. Friday 16th is my day off, so I should try again then.
B'Cycle Rob Blog 