#cycleni

Loop out to Carnlough - Second ride of 2017 It has been a good few months of little to no cycling so after a very long and tedious whatsapp conversation balancing Will's hatred for early mornings and mine and Matt's pressing family life we eventually got a day and time sorted for a ride. Starting from Broughshane, just outside Ballymena we headed north east up and through Glenariff Forest. The mist was pretty insane, thick and dense. Considering we picked this part of the country for the stunning views and scenery we probably would have seen more taking on the same route in Zwift. Nevertheless we charged on, Matt did what he does best and burned us all out in the first 10mile climb before dropping us on the descent and teasing that death wish he has. Long, winding, wet corners with gusty winds and mist rolling down over the mountain along the Ballyemon Road, it was ropey. Being out of practice made it all a little too sketchy. Rolling through Cushendall and hanging a right heading south along the Antrim Coast we pushed through Waterfoot around the peak, enjoying the fresh sea air and flat roads before stopping in Carnlough for a quick refuel at a corner shop. Such a scenic part of the country with still waters, quirky architecture and a mix of small boats and yachts lining the harbour. A local tourist guide rocked up with a group on foot announcing "careful crossing the road, its rush hour" as 1 lone tractor plodded past. I laughed to myself thinking how often that line must be used. Oh the simple life. On we went, leaving Carnlough and heading west, inland toward Broughshane. A long misty climb ate away at our legs, Will's nimble body and spindly legs worked overtime easing him to the summit while I dragged my arse the whole way up but surprisingly feeling ok by the top. Some small subtle descents and we were back on long flat country roads, this is where I a stronger, endurance and stamina kick in as we start pushing the average up over 20mph, a glance over my shoulder highlights the fact that old spindle legs is a distance memory, a reminder that each of us has a strength and a weakness. We regroup and finish the last 5miles In a casual chat before a show of egos sees us sprint finish the last bit. You gotta do it. (I won that btw) Happy faces and tired legs, all eager for the next ride...

Been a while - 30 Miles. I was saying to myself it had been weeks since I had ridden, but when I checked my Starva.. it had been almost 3 months!! Wow...where did the time go. Turns out... the same place my fitness and I was going to have to get it back. New job and a change of routine are a contributing factor to my lack of cycling this year but generally I have been demotivated and lazy, no excuses. So I got the winter bike out and wrapped up warm for what was to be a 20mile warm up through Ards to get the legs spinning. A wrong turn saw me end up in Millisle adding 10 Miles onto my ride and introducing a painful headwind the whole way home which in turn killed my legs. Normally 30miles is nothing ... but at 21 miles I hit the wall and the realisation of how far my bike fitness had dropped hit me. It was a great day with winter win shine an amazing scenery, it was good to get out again and I am determined to ride a lot more this year. heres to more cycling! :)

So I got up this morning and the sun was out in full force. To good an opportunity to miss so I grabbed the bike and went for a solo spin. Great decision to go the coastal route. What a glorious autumn morning. Sun was out and it was fairly warm, however I was in light thermal full tights and a fleeced jersey so bear that in mind. I love where I live because there is a great change of scenery, winding country lanes to lovely coastal roads all within 10miles from my house. Hopefully we can have more days like this :)

Mid week ride earlier this week. What a lucky break too, the weather had been a little questionable for 2 days but just before I left the wind died down and it was warm and calm. First time back in the bike in a while, felt good to get spinning. What I live about where I live is that I can cycle from a town, into the country and the. Out yo coast all within 15min of each other.

Too often we listen to the weather report and make a decision. Normally I find this decision is made to harshly and I end up regretting it. (Not always). Last night was one of those occasions. Weather reports said it was to rain, work colleagues said it was going to rain...I almost made that decision. But I didn't, I normally judge the weather by looking outside at find of departure and making a call. I'm glad I listened to my heart on this on because I had a great solo cycle, cool weather, no wind, no rain, beautiful skies. This reminds me what I love about cycling.