Cross the Chase

23°C, no wind & dull grey.

Armitage Shanks

Set off on the Kona Jake to the chase via lanes that should have gone to Wandon. But on getting disorientated I popped out near the start. When I lived here, I would never have made that mistake. I would have retained my sense of direction.

Oops

The rest of the route was familiar and I stopped for a coffee in the forest.

A good day out which means I’m ready for the coming holiday.

Col de Soller (clockwise)

24°C, full sun & light wind.

I chose a route to take the climb to Col de Soller from north towards Palma. There was none of the expected shade climbing this way but it felt better than last year.

I was convinced the frame had a few cracks.  I was wrong about this – the problem was some protective tape in the frame. No doubt the stuff was applied to prevent the frame getting scratched. It was the edges of the tape that felt like cracks in my fingers.

Racelite adjustments

18°C, light onshore breeze & full sun.

Old workhorse.

Since riding that Ridley the other day, I decided to raise the saddle a fair bit. The position had the saddle high and forward. Perhaps the previous.ruder was a time-trialist. Anyway, getting back on mine made it obvious that my seat was too low.

Easter

Racelite, 11°C, sunny and dry.

Gutter

My fitness has declined. Although I swam twice a week and ridden at weekends, it’s still low. On the upside, the racelite has a replaced Chorus rear mech and the cables are well lubricated. The gearshift is brilliant now!

Grim winter.

11°C, light S wind, bright going out but rain to return.

On the return leg.

I haven’t ridden much this week so used a big chunk of daylight. However, the pace felt comfortable (despite some ligament soreness). The best highlight was a 1km canal section. The rain got worse as I arrived home.