This afternoon I cycled 30 miles as a nice way of concluding my Christmas holiday rides. Yep I have managed to cycle every day during my Christmas holidays, almost two weeks. I really have enjoyed it; cycling everyday has been a pleasant way of finishing off 2013 and getting 2014 off to a good start, almost symbolically it is me making a statement concerning the year ahead.
Todays’ cycle ride
In numbers:
Miles: 30.4
Climbed: 1,650 feet
Moving time: 2:06
Calories: 1,061
Other cyclists: 0
Rude Volvo drivers: 1
Horrible dogs: 2
Amazingly I set out at 3.00pm, once the best of the day had gone and it was already looking dismal. That’s how it goes sometimes. From Dunstable I headed passed Kensworth, Studham and followed part of the Chilterns Cycle Route to Little Gaddesdeon and Hudnall. This leads into the Ashridege Estate which is one of my all-time favourite places to go at anytime of the year. I took the road to Ivinghoe Beacon towards the B489 which is a lovely ride.
Because the weather was so awful there were only a few cars around, plus a few hardy walkers and ramblers. Astonishingly I didn’t see a single cyclist at all – normally there are roadie types buzzing around plus mountain bikers appearing here and there covered in mud. Not a single cyclist! Weather? Oh I’m sorry I ought to have said a little more but it really wasn’t too bad. It was breezy, about 6C (so very mild) and continuous light rain / drizzle. The air seemed so fresh! So maybe not so awful at all.
The wind was behind me as I took the descent from Ivinghoe Beacon where I turned right and then left to continue gliding down hill, freewheeling at 30mph all the way through Ivinghoe Aston. That was great and pulled my average mph up quite a bit. Did you know I’m not a dog lover? Never had been and if you want to know why I can elaborate on cycling through Tilsworth, minding my own business etc. As I passed a farm entrance two dogs spotted me and started barking, which I ignored until the snarly, growling got louder and louder. They were giving chase and I completely underestimated how fast they can run. I was doing about 15 mph and quickly they were both alongside me (and probably deciding on what to do next). I accelerated, looking down and the were both there although after a few yards one seemed to fall back. The other which seemed a fairly small – but loud – breed was still with me and moving in, eyeing up my right foot. I cycled faster and faster to about 25 mph and it was then it gave up. Phew. I didn’t enjoy that and I still don’t like dogs.
I dropped into see my Mother-in-Law at Toddington and then back to Dunstable. By this time the wind was increasing to the point I was even pedalling to keep going down hill when normally I’d freewheel at 30-40 mph. Add the rain to the wind and it was not pleasant.
Reflections
The awful weather, however, did not detract from a lovely bike ride. It was another opportunity to see the English countryside resting through the winter and strangely there can be a nice quality to the grey, drab days. It was also an opportunity to reflect on the last year with its many blessings and to consider what lies ahead this year. Cycling and running continue to be an outlet for the many frustrations and worries which build up at work and I need antidotes like cycling.
As for my Christmas holiday rides, this is a good thing to do – setting a target to cycle everyday for a while – this is good for anyone to do. For the previous Christmas I ran everyday and that was wonderful with many benefits. So for this year I cycled instead; each ride was a different route and memorable. Getting out early on Christmas morning is always a treat – something I’d highly recommend – what would you do next?
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