17°C, 3/5 sun brisk SSW dry.

I rode Racelite with MapMyRide+! Distance: 52.54km, time: 02:11:13, pace: 2:30min/km, speed: 24.02km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/3086065537

A normal ride on the summer bike and a familiar route. At the lights in Tartleton, a puddle of yellow liquid. It didn’t smell but was viciously slippery after getting it on the tyres. What was it, it didn’t smell of diesel so maybe a vegetable oil?

I phoned the police about it, that liquid was dangerous if you are on two wheels.

23°C, light NW, milky sunshine, still dry.

I rode Racelite with MapMyRide+! Distance: 65.81km, time: 02:46:14, pace: 2:32min/km, speed: 23.75km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2943936343

This driveway looked quite desolate last time I passed, that was just afternthe trees were coppiced. Now, in recovery, they’re looking better.

Anyway, the ride was in very nice conditions so the pace good. Stopped at Velo Cafe at Twin Lakes, possibly the best cycle cafe around here. The next part of the route inadvertently turned into a lolipop route. Home too early, or start too late more likely.

18°C, sunny with light SE breeze.

I rode Racelite with MapMyRide+! Distance: 98.56km, time: 04:13:17, pace: 2:34min/km, speed: 23.35km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/2483606477​

Like wading through treacle. My legs didn’t warm up until about 15 miles. I shouldn’t be harsh on myself because I haven’t ridden for 2 weeks but in that time did plenty of exercise in hiking. Another ride or two will bring them back.

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

​
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.