Back in the saddle...

Well the snow finally melted way under a light splattering of rain on Friday.  I was quite relieved and even happier on Sunday when the sun shone.  I set out for my usual "Sunday" bike ride, realising that I had not been in the saddle since boxing day I was determined to ignore the fact that I was slightly saddle sore and to finally extend my Sunday ride to about 25 miles, taking in the horror that is Ingarsby Lane and Baggrave Park.  I tried not to look at my new Garmin gadget too much, but was happy to hear a little beep every four to five minutes (depending on how hilly) to say I had clocked up another mile.

As my 17 miles drew to an end and I was seconds from my front door, I gave myself and really good talking to and turned in the opposite direction down the Lane and heading towards Baggrave Park.  A little way down the Lane I began to feel a "thud thud" on my back wheel, had a quick glimpse and everything seemed ok..."thud thud" continued and I soon stopped when I realised I had a puncture.  I was really dissapointed after giving myself such a good talking to. 

So happy that I burnt off 590 calories, but dissapointed that it ended to rapidly and I couldn't get the distance in.  Here's to next Sunday?

(My main concern about walking back up the hill was that people might pass me by and think I couldn't cope with the ride!)


Time: 01:44:54
Distance: 18.42 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,086 ft
Calories: 590 C
Avg Temperature: 57.2 °F

My first "long" ride

Well, now that I am looking back on it - it seems quite silly that I think 10 miles on my bike constitutes a "long" ride...but hey we all have to start somewhere.

There is something very glorious about cycling in the sun of an Autumn morning.  Every Sunday I am trying to get out for my "long" ride, extending routes and working out new ones too.

My first "long" ride took me through the villages of:

• Ingarsby
• Hungarton

and in through the gates of Baggrave Park where I stopped outside the house for a quick drink (now mastered drinking whilst pedaling but that has taken a while!).  This route is just under the five mile mark.

Baggrave Hall

For those of you interested in the conservation of old buildings you may be interested in reading this article about the hall http://www.ihbc.org.uk/context_archive/32/baggrave_dir/baggrave_s.htm

The ride through the park is fabulous with sheep, two beautiful horses and in the recent weeks children collecting the conkers (one kid had a massive bag full and I can only think he is going to share them with the whole population of his school).