Back to Blighty

Last time I was on my bike (just under a week ago) it was +35 deg.  Today it is -1 deg.  I am in pain from the cold.  A quick 17 mile coffee trip to Sanuk funky coffee shop.  Good company,cakes and coffee, but today I did not enjoy the bike ride!

Second bike ride of the week does not start well.  I am not even off the drive before we discover a puncture, fortunately this means we (well, not so much we, really) can fix the puncture indoors.

We arrive at Emily's just in time to say hi to the ladies from the Graceful Greens Breeze ride!  As they depart, Aisling and another cycling buddy arrive.  Coffee stops are a very important part of cycling!

We won't mention the early onset dementia moment and my cycling glasses, but I blame the recent birthday and entering a new decade.

On the return home, we take a sneaky shortcut along a private road to enjoy some of the views.

Only 20 mile ride today, but absolutely loving all the spring flowers! Daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops everywhere!

Finally, third ride of the week, and it's a VCC club ride.  It's good to be riding with the Sociables again, but I am struggling on the outward ride.  I lose sight of the group a mile or so short of the coffee stop.  I am depressed again.  Am I ever going to speed up?

However, after a very leisurely coffee stop, I am feeling good.  I keep up on all the flats, and on the two climbs on the return journey I am only a minute or so behind.  I even get a personal best on the Dagnall Climb!  So maybe the Central America challenging hills have had some benefits.  Luis, all is forgiven!