OK, I'm tired. But I think that is justified. Just missed the 8:40 ferry and, as a result, didn't get across the harbour until about 9:10. The Contentin again got in the way of the ferry. If I hadn't spent 5 minute looking for my keys (not my fault), I would have been there half an hour earlier.
Light rain until Swanage. The picture is Old Harry rocks, just at the end of the bay, taken on a day when it wasn't drizzling.A moderate Westerly wind so the first 23 miles was straight into it. Across to Swange as usual, up through Langton Matravers and Corfe Castle. Then the big question - 'Shall I do it that loop again?' With the encouragement of the wind behind me, I arrived back in Swanage in good time and decided to give it a go. Kept telling myself I could always turn round if it got too much. But there was a family struggling up the first steep bit on heavily laden tourers, even the smallest (aged about 7, I would guess). I think they were heading to the camp site at the top of the village. So it made me feel ashamed to even think about not getting the top the second time. By 11:00, I was enjoying the sights of Corfe again and looking forward to getting back home.53 of the toughest miles I've done up to now. I think (hope) that the route in September will not be that tough!
This is the first day of the school holidays so I suppose we have to expect the holiday makers. But more drivers not sure of where they are going makes life a bit more of problem on the roads. Have to get up earlier, I suppose.
There was the usual hold up at the ferry to wait for Contentin to leave Poole. This is a new cargo route that only operates at the weekend to Cherburg, apparently, but it seems to coincide with the chain ferry at 9:00 most Saturdays. Then off to Swanage and the hills. Usual route through Langton Matravers to Corfe Castle. We were there earlier in the week (not on the bike though) and found an excellent model village which we didn't know about.
Then back towards Studland. There are some lovely views over Poole harbour from that road and it's beginning to seem less uphill than it was at first.
Then back round to Swanage and back to the ferry via Ulwell. There is more of a climb on that that road than I remember from the last time I did it. Time for a loop round Canford Cliffs and back to Sandbanks before getting home. 52 miles altogether which makes 197 in the week. I did think about doing another 3 miles to make a round figure, but this was the longest ride in the hills so far and I chickened out. Besides which, about 10 miles before getting back, I was attacked by a wasp, or maybe a bee - didn't see which - so I wanted to get some anthistan on the sting. It got me just below the helmet - if it had been a couple of mm higher, it would have been OK.
This has turned out to be a good week. Not only have we had some good days out, I've been able to fit in at least 30 miles in the mornings before we went. Just as well really as the coutdown has begun in earnest. 6 weeks tomorrow. Only 5 more Saturdays to get up to standard in on the hills. Had a good day today - 47 miles, including the best hills this side of the chain ferry. Round past the ferry twice and along to Hengistbury head.
We are fortunate to live in a lovely part of the country where even rides round the town have such a pleasant outlook. Despite the pessimistic forecast, I think I counted 10 spots of rain. There was even time to call in on some old friends and ask them for sponsorship. So 145 miles so far in the week.Tomorrow will be a day off in the Isle of Wight, but then I hope to hit 50 miles via Swanage (twice) and Corfe Castle.
Gradually returning to normal. It's been a week of good days and bad days- high winds and other commitments, but still managed 140 miles. Saturday was good with 45 miles, most of them in the Purbecks. I can never work out how there is more uphill than downhill and yet you end up where you started.
So the same route as before to Swanage and then up through Langton Matravers and back down to Corfe Castle. Some hills are easier the second time; Langton Matravers is not one of them. Perhaps it will be easier the third time, possibly next Saturday. It turned out to be the day of the Swanage half marathon going the same route as I was doing - fortunately going the opposite way. Seeing the way some of the runners looked, I was glad to have wheels under me.
So the target for this week is about 170/180 miles, including a slightly longer run in the hills next weekend.
A better start to the week. 33 miles today. Thought I would take a look at Lilliput Road in Poole and didn't realise how steep it got at the top. I shall know another time, but I think it would justify a second Mars bar. At least there are very few cars round there. Most of the residents have helicopters, I think.
It feels good to get back on the bike again after a short enforced break. And with the work that Primera have done, the bike feels pretty good as well. So it was an easy week again, with 30 miles this morning, just to ease back into the way of cycling. Next week should be better, although commitments mean that two mornings are out. So I have a target of about 130 miles in the week and then aim for better the week after.
