2nd ever big ride - Oh my god I'm hooked now

[SteveBM]

Second ride out on my Specialised Allez today.

What a wonderful feeling, riding in the sun through the country lanes from Rayleigh to Southend and back.

Really got some good average speeds up during the ride (according to MapMyRide). Turns out I had the wind behind me on the way out, so journey home was hard with a cold cross / head wind.

But, I am still buzzing now from the fantastic adrenaline rush.

Observations:
- My Planet X cheapo overshoes were excellent
- My brand new thermal DHB bibbed tights were well worth the £50 (thanks to those here who advised me)
- My front wheel got stuck in a rut whilst on a fast down hill - bit hairy, but managed to rescue the wobble without coming a cropper at 30+mph
- Some cyclists say "morning", or nod your way, others are miserable buggers. Not sure why? Perhaps I am an obvious newbie who incurs the wrath of the old timers!!?

I am buzzing, buzzing, buzzing - feel great even now. Can't wait til next weekend, especially if forecast for mild weather holds true

 

[Graham1426]

Congrats mate, your rides will only get longer, nothing like getting out in fresh air and the freedom a bike brings

Happy safe riding

 

[Primal Scream]

Steve, the miserable buggers might be like me, out for the first time on a road bike and hanging on for dear life

 

[Rob500]

Nice one Steve. Keep at it.

 

[qwiksilver]

the miserable buggers are jealous of your thermals

 

[ianrauk]

Well done....

A few Cycle Chatters cycled to Southend yesterday also (Reports here (scroll down))

We also had a brilliant tailwind all the way from London pushing us to Southend.
The way back however was a different story with very strong side & headwinds. Made for a very tough return.

As to the acknowledgement from other cyclists.
I am in the camp where sometimes I say hello to other cyclists sometimes I don't. And don't care if they do or don't say hello to me. It doesn't really matter. So I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Pedal pusher]

Good one Steve. I was out for the second time today and I'm really starting to enjoy riding I find the first half hour a bit tough but then I get into it but I'm a bit surprised my Av mph is only 13 thought it would be a bit higher

 

[Part time cyclist]

Well done folks all good increased distances and and increased mph will come with time just enjoy what you are currently doing

 

[SteveBM]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the words of encouragement

 

[SteveBM]

Good one Steve. I was out for the second time today and I'm really starting to enjoy riding I find the first half hour a bit tough but then I get into it but I'm a bit surprised my Av mph is only 13 thought it would be a bit higher

My average speed was only 12mph on the way home - into a head wind and uphill most of the way!

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Great one Steve - welcome to the fraternity
Tony