I rode Racelite with MapMyRide+! Distance: 41.58km, time: 01:47:52, pace: 2:36min/km, speed: 23.13km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/2420264324

A speedy whizz through the lanes to freshen up. But in the thirteenth mile: bang!
The rear tyre burst. Fibres were sticking out like hair. The hole was about 8mm diagonally across the tyre. I found myself outside a house that looked promising however. Maybe they have some carpet tape.
And so they did, I took 4 pieces to patch the inside of the tyre. Friendly people, thankyou for that.
Outside, in the sunshine g applied the tape. I laid four layers, each one smaller to spread out the tension.
I rode home gingerly, nervous that it would blow again. Basset tape has strong glue but it can creep. It could move enough to allow the inner tube to bubble out.
That’s okay unless it happens somewhere critical like a junction.

Anyway, I got home without event.

18°C grey sky S wind.

I rode Racelite with MapMyRide+! Distance: 37.83km, time: 01:35:49, pace: 2:32min/km, speed: 23.69km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/2344632842

I have some fizz in my legs. This wonderful feeling has returned since leaving that workplace. It’s amazing how much stress can bring you down.

Dull grey and some drizzle. 17°C and later in sun, 21°C.

I rode Racelite with MapMyRide+! Distance: 103.01km, time: 04:12:00, pace: 2:27min/km, speed: 24.53km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/2333372318

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Woke early with plenty of fizz. Once I got going, the pace was great by recent standards. Three guys passed me at Barton so I joined them for a few miles. All winter, I got used to cyclists dropping me, not today. I took turns on the front and kept pace comfortably.
The Racelite still has speed to offer. Eventually, they turned off on their Sportive route. By the time I got to Sudbury, hunger had me in its grip.
Often these rides take in familiar lanes, but today, I went through villages not travelled for ten years, maybe more.
The stretch on cannock chase filled my head with thoughts of DofE in June. At Springslade, I chatted to two mountain bikers.
Home with 65 miles and some satisfaction.

11~17°C, sunny with SW brisk wind.
I rode Racelite with MapMyRide+! Distance: 105.83km, time: 04:42:49, pace: 2:40min/km, speed: 22.45km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/2191839101

I still enjoy the thrill of getting onto the Racelite. It’s light and fairly nimble but somehow less so. In comparison to my two alloy bikes, it feels rather flexible. If I shake the handlebars as I ride, I can’t really feel it in the seat. The frame flexes. If my job prospects were better, I’d consider an upgrade to a stiff aluminium road racer. For now, it’s good for long distance rides since it’s comfortable.

Today’s pace was not blistering, last week’s cold has not entirely left. The peacocks were funny though.

Look at the cheek, they climb up onto the table and throw the food they want onto the floor. Plates go crashing and they don’t even blink. Peacocks have the minds of criminals.

14°C, mostly sunny with light wind.
I rode Racelite with MapMyRide+! Distance: 116.03km, time: 02:39:32, pace: 1:22min/km, speed: 43.64km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/2099631971

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The view from Bosworth Battlefield visitors centre. North is the village of Mkt Bosworth.
On the return leg, I happened upon this sign:​​

I sense some frustration in the people of Sheepy. It’s a straight road just off a fast A road. The boy racers probably tear around in their hot hatches while throwing a trail of MacDonald’s packaging out their windows. This time of year, the long narrow land-fill sites in our hedgerows are hidden by growing plants. The winter always looks the worst. Am I sounding grumpy? Okay, I better stop then.

I rode the Racelite with MapMyRide+! Distance: 101.83km, time: 04:21:44, pace: 2:34min/km, speed: 23.34km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/1629224654

​This bike is ideal for long rides. It’s light, good on climbs and smooths out road shock to some extent.