Only the second ride since my century a week ago due to the strained knee (and some grotty weather). I went for my Acton Burnell loop and intended to take it easy for this one as the knee was aching after less than 10 miles on Friday's commute.
As it was only a short one I took the new saddle bag for its first proper outing and it was very nice to have so little weight on the bike for a change. So nice in fact that "taking it easy" didn't last very long and when I go to Longnor and had the wind behind me I couldn't resist pressing on a bit.
17mph up the hill into Frodesley felt great and cruising at 20-25mph to Acton Burnell then through Pitchford was even better. After feeling a warning twinge I didn't try too hard against the wind around Cantlop but at Condover it was more of a cross wind and became easier to up the pace again.
17.1 miles at 16 mph average. Okay, so my gentle ride to keep the legs moving freely turned into a bit of a sprint.
Very enjoyable though and the knee feels fine at the end of it. I now feel confident of it being okay for the Lakes trip next month and for the next century ride whenever I get to fit that in.
Quick stop for the view at Great Ryton. Nice to travel light for a change.
I like the lanes at this time of year when the cow parsley is blooming in the verges.