Oops. I’m two entries behind, and GB is showing me up something chronic by having blogged both our rides before I’ve done one. Simply not acceptable.
So. Yesterday the ACG were out and about again. A mixed group gathered in the Square and, after a wait to make sure the ever tardy KG wasn’t going to arrive, headed off towards Glastonbury. (As it turns out he’s been ill, so we’ll let him off). The group rapidly split in two, but luckily there were enough of us at the right levels to allow that to happen without anyone getting left on their own. I wish it worked out that way more often… Anyway, we arrived at the café at the bottom of the high street and I had my caffeine fix – a notably nice americano. The others joined us a little while later, and we sat chatting in the sun for a while. I think that’s one of the best things about the ACG – we laugh a lot. Which is good for the soul 🙂
Eventually we had to leave, and once again, two groups made their various ways back. The “fast” group pushed across the Levels, into the wind. I know, I’m always going on about headwinds, but it wasn’t as troublesome as sometimes as my caffeine fueled legs were happy to take the lead. I get to feel all powerful and capable that way – very good for the ego. Dad was hoping we wouldn’t do our usual daft race down the Wedmore road but I couldn’t promise him that…which is just as well as we were as juvenile as ever. I played leadout team for GB, allowing him to sprint for home and get over the line first. To be fair, the rest of us did stop and wait for Dad who’d gotten stuck behind a tractor, so GB was deprived of an audience to cheer him over the line 😉 Next time he tries to come past me I may have to head butt him…
Cycling time: 1:57:28
Distance: 34.2 miles
Avs: 17.5mph
ODO: 5196
So, that was Saturday. Weren’t we fast? That’s what happens when you avoid hills. GB and I jested in very non-serious fashion about cycling again on Sunday…and then somewhat surprisingly we were both given leave passes to do just that. So, as such opportunities should not be missed, he and I did it all over again this morning!
However it was a different route – since repeating yourself is wrong. Firstly it involved wiggling down towards East Brent. We ended up going that way having taken an unintended detour at Rooksbridge but, as is often the way, this proved to be a good thing. As we headed back towards Uphill alongside the railway line we noticed that there were more spectators than one might usually expect for that line. Ah hah we thought…and, as one anorak confirmed, they were waiting for a steam train. We headed at speed to the next bridge along, where we joined an over-equipped motorcyclist to await the arrival of what turns out to have been the Duke of Gloucester (I know a man who knows these things). It powered under the bridge, engulfing us in nostaglic steam, and we ran across to the other side, like a very fast game of pooh sticks, to watch it disappear off to the south. A very good way to put a grin on my face – and it quite made my day 🙂 I even took a photo which I’ll try and post at some point… And if we hadn’t detoured we wouldn’t have been in the right place at the right time and I would have even less to write about *grin*.
After that it was off through grockle infested WsM to the Castle in Kewstoke for more good coffee, more good chat, and then the usual route home. GB suggested taking in some form of incline on the way home but by that point my legs weren’t feeling it. Or rather they were, in painful knee fashion. The right knee is coming out in sympathy with the left one now. Misery loves company? Also, it being the second day in a row, with no need for such intense training, it felt like time to go home.
Cycling time: 1:56:47
Distance: 33.12 miles
Avs: 17.0 mph
ODO: 5230
It turns out we were much faster than I was expecting which just goes to show. Not sure what it shows. Something of significance of no doubt. Probably that I should go cycling more often, right?