23°C, light breeze, full sun.
Chain guages are invaluable. If you replace a chain before too long, then you don’t have to replace the cassette. My Zing passed the test, which is strange – it’s done 1,400.
The Racelite bike I was on failed the 0.75 and the 1.0 measure. That means a new chain is urgent.
Later: fitted a chain, but it skips over the cogs. Now need a new cassette. Nobody seems to have any in stock.
19°C sunny and dry.
The wettest May on record has hit my milage somewhat.
Another thing, today was good weather to catch up on some laundry. Mundane, I know. For decades, I’ve checked laundry with a sniff test but it hasn’t worked since covid. Now, it’s back; if faintly. For six months that salty odour has been missing.
12C°C, sunny but chilly for May, the sun is warm.
14°C, full sun and dry. Light W.
Ideal cycling conditions and the cafe has reopened properly.
Warms sunny days with cold nights. Still using the winter sleeping bag.
Another problem free expedition, this time – bronze practice. I always like these better than Qualifying Expeditions because I get a good walk on day 1 and get to know the kids. There were few anecdotes to relate here, but I did see one thing.
Checkpointing one day, west of Long Itchington, I waited on a low hill for my group. I could see at least 3/4 kilometer down the road where they were to appear. The wait wasn’t quite long enough to put a bew on the stove.
A car pulled up and hesitated. Then they stopped and let 3 dogs out onto the verge. Nobody got out but they drove slowly along with the dogs trotting along the verge. Then they stopped while one of the dogs had a poo. Nobody got out to pick it up. Then they drove off faster forcing the dogs to sprint for a few 100 meters. In the distance, I could see the car stop to collect the dogs.
If I ever made a film, I’d put this scene in.
Cold nights and warm sunny days, bone dry.
In some ways, spring is similar to last year. Bright, cloudless skies and cold nights. Both nights saw frost on the tent which would have been a problem for all groups. We can’t really expect kids to take winter bags. It’s a shame that he kids can’t camp (due to Covid rules). For many, it’s the best part of DofE. Some will not have camped before and this would be a good way to start.
I’ve made fun of the campsite here, but really, it’s an excellent site. More so when the shower block is finished. There is a railway line next along the camp which often has heavy freighters passing in the night. I noticed these in the first night but not over Saturday night. According to other staff, there were just as many. Few people sleep as well on the first night out.
8°C, brisk NW, full sun.
Feeling good : beautiful weather though cold.
9°C, strong WSW, grey but dry.
Lots of hills and a long grind back in the wind. Writing this now, I can still feel it in my legs.
Though hard work, it was far more satisfying than the last few rides where I felt physically low. It was almost like that feeling after the AZ jab a few weeks ago.
Tomorrow is Easter day, a long standing milestone for me. Every year, I aim to get 1,000 miles ridden by easter. Despite getting Covid at christmas and a slow recovery, I have made it with a few hundred to spare.
Racelite on
winter duties
18°C, no cloud, light E, feels like summer.
I still think this old bike is a good one. It needs a minor service, bearings and lubricant but it still ran well today.
Micycle 