Time to Bike.

I am not great at cycling through the winter as it is usually too cold, wet and windy for my liking. I have been out a couple of times since the turn of the year, but decided a few weeks ago to go get my bike fitted properly. I realised that I still did not feel 100% comfortable whilst riding and felt that my movement was not overly efficient, and since I have signed up for a sportive at the end of April, it was time to get fitted to become more at one with my bike.

I booked into Ronde and had the very lovely James McCallum help with the fitting. It is surprising the vast difference a few small adjustments of the seat and handlebars can make.

This morning was my favourite type of weather, cold and crisp with very little wind, so headed out on my newly adjusted bike. Rather than go on my regular loop I thought I would cycle to Arthurs Seat and go round the hill a few times. I ended up doing 3 rotations before heading home. It was only a total of about 19 miles, but a great workout and showed me that I have much more work to do before April.

Although a short cycle, it was great to test my new position. I used to feel a great amount of tension in my shoulders and never find a comfortable position on my seat. Today felt great, just lacked the fitness and stamina required for my sportive. I think the Seat will become my new interval training ground, the back road is great when traffic free.

East view.

Arthur.

Peace x

Photos by Caroline Harvey.

Only another 50 to go!

I may have mentioned before that I signed up for Pedal for Scotland this year. Since signing up many months ago the route has changed slightly and is now up to 110 miles. Eek!. I have tried to up my training somewhat by commuting to work 2 or 3 days a week, which although only about 8.5 miles each way, has a few tough little hills to contend with first thing in the morning.

Today seemed a good day to go for a longer tour as the forecast was for mild temps and no rain. I never like to go too far afield when I am on my own, so plotted a route that would cover about 60 miles but one that if need be could probably phone someone to come rescue me from. Thankfully I made it round in one piece.

My legs were getting a bit tired towards the end, but I don't really stop for any length of time, so I am hoping that the extra 50 miles I need to do to complete the Pedal for Scotland route will be doable with a few extra fuel stops and some moral support from my cycling companions. I also hope that the wind will return to it's usual West to East direction.

My route.

My treat.

Peace x

All photographs by Caroline Harvey.