Things kept happening today to gradually squeeze my available time…but just for once, there was enough time left in the space in-between to also squeeze in a ride.  Which is good because however many valid reasons there have been for not riding, they still feel just a little bit like excuses, and my riding PMA is suffering enough without that lurking suspicion that I’m also sabotaging myself.  However many workouts I do, and I do, and last night’s was awesome, it’s not the same as being out there.  Both my head and body need that reality check.

See that sky?  Those fields of gold?  That was actually today.  Appearances can be deceptive though, as it was about 20°C cooler than it looks!  However I was fairly toasty and warm in my ensemble of many layers, and I wanted to see if it was as gorgeous on top of the Mendips as it was below.  Not until I’d properly warmed up though, so I took a circuitous route around to Burrington Combe rather than heading up Shipham Hill.  As I made my way through the narrow country lanes, thanks to the low sunshine, I was frequently blinded by the light, and was more than a little concerned that any traffic coming up behind me might be likewise.  The shaded Combe was somewhat of a relief on that front, if not others.  As I braved the cattle grid, and passed by the Rock of Ages, all around me the grass was still deep and crisp and even, the first frost of the winter still lingering in the shadows.  I made my way up, somewhat slower than I thought as it turns out, but then I wasn’t pushing it (as if!), and I did get a bit mentally distracted along the way trying to figure out the rest of my route among other things, which was not conducive to focus and speed.  And besides, it felt pretty good, and what’s the rush?

The point was to be riding, and to be enjoying it, and I was, and I did.  Once I’d made it, up on top of the world it was as beautiful as I’d hoped it would be.  The skies were clear and so was my head.  I actually remembered to look around me, to enjoy the views, the flock of starlings being harassed by seagulls.  It was really lovely 🙂  I still hadn’t quite figured out where to go next, but there was a rather chilly wind, and as my toes were considering severing communication with the rest of my body, I decided to zoom around the top for a bit and then head down Cheddar Gorge…so that’s just what I did.  Fast.  Not quite as fast as when I have others to chase, but very nearly.  And it was just as much fun :D.  My current goal is to beat my best time down there.  It’s good to have goals, right?  And better still to have achievable goals.  Well I think I can do it anyway.  Hopefully soon 🙂

Cycling time: 2:06
Distance: 30.5 miles
Avg: 14.4 mph
ODO: 7236.4 miles

Oh, and since one of today’s unexpected tasks was taking the newest addition to the vets, here’s one for Rob.  He just loves kittens 😉