50 miles further than I expected to be riding

There have been times over the last couple of months that I have felt like hanging my cleats up.  Cycling distances does not seem to be an issue, but speed definitely is.  Despite cycling 1,500 miles so far this year (not bad for someone who works full time, and some) and doing spin classes twice a week in the winter, my speed does not increase.

There are now a couple of new things going on which may help.  Physio, for a fairly dodgy hip and the Roaring Reds (more of this in the next post).

So, Sunday morning it is with some trepidation that I decide to go back to a VCC club ride.  The glorious, full sun 25 degree weather forecast may have been a factor.

Not, only is it sunny, but we have a tailwind most of the way out.  The countryside is beautiful with the hay baling in full swing, and I keep up on the flats without any problems.

Speaking of flats, Catherine, whose first ride it is this weekend has a puncture.

I must remember to thank her for the bonus rest stop, which certainly helped!

We are about the third group to arrive at High Cross, so plenty of cake still available!

This is probably the best VCC coffee stop, as they can cater for for all the groups at once, probably 100 of us this week.

It is lovely and sunny and we all enjoy a nice lazy chat.

The return ride is a little tougher.  I'm a bit slower and the rest of the group isn't.

I struggle to keep up on the flats, but I do keep up.  On the hills, I am definitely dropped.

Fortunately, Bill, our group leader, is enjoying the sunshine and has two bonus rest stops on the way back, just because it is a lovely day!

Returning home, it is clear by about Wheathampstead that the group is beyond reach.  I am completely dropped, the enjoyment of the day is now just a little bit less.

However, as we approach Nomansland I am absolutely delighted to see two of the Breeze Roaring Reds ladies have waited for us to catch up.    This honestly makes my day!