Ebb and Flow

Unbelievably for the last day before December, we have sunshine, blue skies and balmy weather, what a difference to last week's ride!

 

Today's cycle ride includes a downhill freewheel challenge,  From a standing start and a push at the top of the hill, the aim is to freewheel for as long as possible to see who rolls the furthest.

 

 

 

 

I'm very brave and don't put my brakes on the downhill, and also very chuffed to find that I end up just ahead of Stuart!

 

 

 

 

Although it is quite clear from the line up at the end that those who have most to gain from gravitational issues are the ones who roll the furthest.  I am now less pleased that I beat Stuart and glad that I didn't win overall!

 

 

We then start the ride proper and head through some gorgeous rolling countryside on the way to Vanstone Garden Centre.   As we cycle along, the group (about 15 of us this week) settle into a natural rhythm, riding 2 by 2, moving into single file as the cars go by, joining up again for a chat, moving up, moving back, it all seems so effortless, A real ebb and flow of riders.  However, there is one riding along at the back, on their own, trying to concentrate on how everything works.  That would be me!  I'm sure that things will get better soon, but I need more fitness and more confidence to really feel at ease in a group.

 

Vanstone Garden Centre doesn't disappoint, it is completely decked out in Christmas baubles!

 

 

 

We arrive at the same time as the Hemel Hempstead cycling group.  (A rival chapter?!)  I ask if there is ever any tension between the groups.  Only if the cakes run out apparently!

 

 

The return journey to St Albans now feels like it is uphill all the way.  (I'm sure the Belgian bun had nothing to do with it).  I'm struggling now and starting to drop behind the group.  Stuart realises what is happening and drops back, he cycles alongside and puts his hand on my back gentle pushing me up the hills, so even though we aren't quite on the tail of the pack we never lose sight of them.  Some very impressive strong cycling from Stuart, that he manages to cycle for the two of us and make it look so easy.

 

The countryside is just as gorgeous on the way back with autumnal colours and lovely sunlight.  Last week I was wishing for an extra pair of dry socks, this week I am wishing I brought sun glasses.  No time to stop for photos though, got to keep the group in view.

 

 

Here I am, made it back to the car, absolutely delighted to have kept up with the group (with more than a little help from Stuart).  However, I think that this week I was a little bit more ebb than flow!