Sunday 2 March 2014

Story 24: Getting on my bike, no matter the weather

Well, we managed to make it out today for only the second ride on our bikes since the start of 2014. And a lovely ride it was too. The twenty two mile route we followed was one that we've cycled a fair few times now, taking the back road from our house to Bridge of Allan and back again, but I don't think we'll ever tire of it. We don't have to venture much on to the main roads, the surrounding scenery is gorgeous and the half way point is marked by one of our favourite munch stops, Jam Jar in Bridge of Allan. What more could a pair of leisurely Sunday cyclists ask for?



 It was raining when we set off this morning, and it was very cold, but we'd promised ourselves that, no matter the weather, we were getting back into our Sunday cycles by the beginning of March - and I'm so very glad that we kept that promise. Alex and I have decided that we're definitely fair weather cyclists. There have been a few Sundays, since our last jaunt out on the bikes in January, that we didn't have anything planned and we could easily have wrapped up and set off for a cycle. But we didn't. It was either too wet, too cold or too windy and a morning with our feet up in front of the fire instead was always too appealing. 

Thankfully though, the rain wan't too heavy today and didn't last too long. In fact, the sun popped out just a few miles in. It was still bitterly cold, but we were so well wrapped up in our balaclavas, waterproof socks, thermal gloves and umpteen layers that it was really only the tips of our fingers and toes that were numb. In fact, I was having a bit of a hot flush by the time we reached the cafe and I had to head off to the loo to strip a few layers off (and, as usual, fix my helmet hair so that I looked at least a wee bit more presentable for sitting on a Sunday morning in amongst many of Bridge of Allan's finest...!) 

So, hopefully today marks the start of getting out more regularly for a cycle, whatever the weather. Having said that, we've been toying with the idea of buying these roller thingy's or a turbo trainer that you can set your bike up on for a cycle inside the house. Then we could cycle whatever the weather! 

Hm, a Sunday cycle at home in front of the fire when it's p*****g down outside...? Now, that just might be my kind of rainy day ride! Watch this space for 'Stories from the saddle of a not-so-serious-cyclist-who-sometimes-stays-at-home-to-cycle', possibly coming soon!