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@Jimmy_Fingers
Mates from work going to ska festival in Bristol yesterday so said I would cycle to there from Chelt. They didn't believe me. Since I replaced by converted frame to a proper track iron I just can't get enough of riding it and since there are no big hills down the Severn valley I took that. Plus just got a fitted a Campag PIsta crankset bought offa 1000A
The difference to my precious Triomphes was huge, love the stiffness. Checked the forecast, saw that I would have an early window of rain-free weather if I got out at 9. Managed maybe about half eleven. And then the suffering started. I knew there would be wind, I knew it would be strong and I knew it would be in my face. The prevailing so'westerly blowing up the valley, fifty miles of it, and it was angry.
Then came the rain, lots of it, for about an hour or more. Rule 5 invoked. Throughout my legs felt good though, a couple of lumpy bits but nothing too bad, as I push a big gear. "It didn't help that the A38 is such a dull road, but the shortest and flattest way to get there. Reasonably bike friendly too, long sections of cycle lanes, although unnerving when pulled over to take a drink (really need some cages for the saddle) a massive tractor when past, huge tyres right in the cycle lane. I told myself he would have gone around me....
Sense of relief when getting to Bristol was palpable. Bemusement was rife as I ran into the naked bike ride. Lots of hippy flesh everywhere, mainly on terrible and terribly maintained bikes. I do wonder if the only time most of them actually ride a bike is for one of the naked bike rides.
Then to the music!
They were called Hell Death Fury, clearly wanting the angriest name they could think off. I liked them, a cross between the Specials and Suicidal Tendencies.
I know I waffling. About rule no. 9 though: hate riding in shite weather, but it certainly adds to the sense of accomplishment at the end. 55 miles all in, very tough miles too, longest fixed ride yet. 100k next