6°C, V. Windy, sun. CK:43miles
Rode a loop in Lancashire- Parbold and the flatlands by Bank. The hedges were low and sparse so no shelter from a strong westerly. Those last miles were hard and slow even on the 42×17. I was standing on the pedals even on level roads.
I have lost form, even though I was reluctant to admit it.
Next week, I should do the same milage and see how it feels. Then, if that’s okay, add 10 more the week after.
12°C , brisk westerly, light cloud. CK55 miles.
Saturday ride on the fixed, a good few hours ride that started with some difficulty- perhaps I didn’t have enough for supper before.
Anyway, I got up Parbold hill on the 42×16 gear without stopping. While not a very blog-worthy point, I get a lot of satisfaction from this first. Last winter, I could only make the summit with the last part on foot. Then in the 17 tooth gear I gasped to the top.
It seems that my physical energy has been liberated by that drop in work-stress.
Southport Pier (Photo credit: Steve’s Wildlife)
6°C, light winds light cloud
To change gear, you have to flick a lever, or twist a grip. If you have a fixed, however, you have to ride to the nearest bike shop and buy the new gear that you want. I want a 17 tooth for mine, the 16t that came with it is certainly too tall. Even on almost flat ground, it feels as if I’m grinding the pedals too slowly. Today I rode through Southport, with almost still air on almost flat roads. Formby cycles didn’t have the right sprocket in stock.
Again, the ride was relatively short at only 33 miles, but my legs felt as if they’d had a real workout, probably because there is almost no coasting on a fixed. You can tell that I really like this bike, I don’t mind (for once) that it’s something ‘trendy’, that means there are lots in the shops. Good for me and good for the fashion victims.
Micycle 