Are yesterday's rides allowed? Mine Had a bit of everything chucked in it. I had planned to ride from Sandbach out to the Roaches in the Staffordshire Peaks, as I am doing the Tour of the Roaches with my brother next month. For some reason I was really struggling in the first 5 or 6 miles to Congleton - bit of a headwind, the surface didn't feel great and I just could not get going. No rhythm whatsoever and I felt like packing in and trying another day... at which point my chain broke! Being a bit useless on the technical front, this meant I needed a bike shop pronto.
The rather ace consequence was that I discovered
Cycle Centre in Congleton - great bike shop!
I often instinctively avoid LBSs as I have found so many rude and unhelpful, but Cycle Centre were unbelievably helpful and friendly. Well done guys! A v well stocked shop too and a burgeoning online business seemingly. So nice to be treated like a human being and not to be sneered at for lack of knowledge
In about 15 mins I was back on my way, and the rest of the ride featured some hard climbing - in total almost as much as on the Cheshire Cat last month. Just as I was getting a bit bonky I made a good random decision to head for Meerbrook, where I discovered a lovely pub called the Lazy Trout. Sitting in the garden having a coffee and a Panini, listening to all the birdsong (and even a woodpecker tapping away) was the highlight of my Easter. Bliss. The sun was warm and my Garmin showed 16 degrees.
I reluctantly pressed on, going for a nosy at the reservoir before struggling up to the Roaches and beyond. The first climb after the lunch stop was murder and I had to stop about three more times. I got a bit annoyed with myself and kept an eye on my HR, the deal being if it is not at max there is no stopping! This worked well and my climbing legs returned for the rest of the ride.
One weird thing on this ride was the abundance of Llamas in the peak district! Are they Argentine Llamas taking revenge for Las Malvinas? No-one is sure apparently, but they are very cool and also have the ability to look at you while facing in completely the opposite direction which is pretty awesome I think we can all agree.
Go the Llamas!
As I made my way reluctantly back West, the weather closed in and it decided to HAIL. Garmin temperature check: 3.8 degrees. I could see my breath. Madness, but I love Spring and April showers. It did make me regret deciding not to take my waterproof though!
I zoomed back home after some great descents. The last 5 or so back home were miles easier than earlier in the day - all of a sudden the road surface was no problem, funny that....
I like cycling