endlessrarities | (no subject)

I've just returned for my first bike ride since... November? October? Well, put it this way... It's been so long that I actually can't remember.

I did just ten miles (which is just a pootle by our standards, a mere turning over of the legs...) and I'm now shattered. I think on top of last night's adventure with Diva, it's been a bit of a struggle. It's my cardiovascular system that's suffered most. The pistons are working fine, but the engine and the fuel injection system needs a bit of work. But it's a start. The psychological effort involved in getting the bike out (thankfully, all moving parts were working properly) and getting out has been overcome. AND THE SUN CAME OUT!!! That, combined with my terribly tasty courgette and mint tarlet with salad, made for a splendid morning. Which was promptly ruined when Inattentive Me ran over a large, disgusting dog turd that some thoughtful useless dog walker had left in the middle of the cycle track (though I suppose that's better than the assorted low-life who bag their dog-poo then drape the bag over a handy branch. Perhaps they think it's art. Or perhaps they believe that some Celestial Cleansing Brigade will descend from on high and remove it to a better place.)

The Tudors was entertaining last night. Catherine Howard finally had her head chopped off. And of course there was the obligatory hanging, drawing and quartering. Which had to be good, because it had to compete with the current leader in that field, the end of Braveheart. I can't say how they compared: I'm squeamish at the best of times so I took refuge behind a very helpful strategically placed stuffed tiger.

Oh, boy. I hope they stage the sinking of the Mary Rose... I really wish I'd been a fly on the wall for that one. To see the look on Henry's face... (NB: I do feel sorry for the sailors, who died as a result of Henry's vanity).

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'll bet hills were involved in your ride. I did about the same distance but the course was flat as a pancake and I rarely broke 10mph.

I can't even claim a moral victory on that front. I had two 'ramps' as opposed to hills, and one sprint where I felt obliged to get out of the way quick for an Awfully Nice and Understanding Motorist.

There wasn't even a headwind from hell...