I knew that I was riding today so did a short dumbbell HIIT from my Body coach programme. That goes well with a nice 50km ride, does it not?
Hmmm, 50km my backside. “Can we go for cheesy chips” says he. 10 miles out in totally the wrong direction. Some rough country roads and some gravel trails later we were heading to the cyclepaths along the Norwich NDR duel cabbageway (very rural round here). Off to Woodfords Brewery at Woodbastwick. You can see the sticky out ‘there and back’ bit on the right On Strava if you have a quick squint. Cheesy chips had. Half a portion as I found something in mine. Manager was brilliant though and knocked mine off the bill even though I offered to pay half. I had a big glass of fizzy water and squash too.
Went round Widershins BTW.
“How far from Wroxham” says he. Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey! Boy’s a madman. He wanted to ride on the Bure Valley cycle path (muddy as hell) over grown and I am stung and scratched half to death. My skin is springing with all the nettle stings. Awful man. “We can go home via Marriott’s Way”. It’s seriously muddy. Rim deep, slidey mud. Worse than Bure Valley. Says I.
We went on the Marriott’s. Stopped at Whitwell Station Cafe (highly recommend if you are in the area and like steam trains) for a cuppa and a Feast ice lolly. I felt that I deserved one.
After that it got really muddy. 5 miles of slow, filthy, slithering hell. I might have a tough gravel bike but there are limits and I was tired and headed for the road.
I decided that enough was enough and doglegged about a bit for the best, safest route. We found a garage with a tap and sponges. Decided to clean the bikes. They are expensive toys to be that covered in sticky mud and horse poo. I could hear the grit on the discs when braking. Change of gear was a non-starter too. Back to normal after a quick sluice. I was still filthy, as was he.
Finally back home for Croque Monsieur and salad (get me all healthy). 72 miles (115.88km) and a workout.
I am comfortable that those cheesy chips and a Feast lolly don’t count and am calling it an “on plan“day.
Currently in bed. Considering trading in my bike buddy for one without a sense of adventure.
