A few things became apparent this Saturday gone. Firstly, it’s noticeably colder. Second, it seems there’s less people coming out on a Saturday this time of year, presumably because of the weather. Third, when it’s cold and miserable, it’s harder to be motivated and my legs take longer to get up to working temperature.
I met up with Cath and Lisa (late again - sorry girls) and we left Gosforth for Ponteland, and I genuinely struggled to keep up. I felt tired, lethargic, cold and uncomfortable. I didn’t actually want to be outside. The air was thick with fog, it was cold - I could barely feel my fingers and toes, and my face was numb also. However, by Ponteland I had begun to warm up, but still wondered why I felt so down on power. It was almost like I was firing on 3 cylinders instead of 4. I put it down to the early morning Winter blues, and concentrated on keeping warm.
Apparently, there WAS a fast group. I saw 3 or 4 riders disappear off into the distance with a twinge of guilt - if I’m training I should really be going with the fast group. By then it was too late, I’d be in the “Intermediate” group instead.
We left Ponteland in our group of 10 or so lead by Wilf - heading out towards Kirkley Hall. The fog had lifted, and what was left was a beautiful Northumberland Winter’s morning. The sky was clear blue, frost lay in the fields, there was a tangible bite in the air, and every breath formed a large plume of steam in front of your face. It was stunning. As we followed the Vag’s 10 course, I started to warm up, my legs started to respond, and I was once again happy to be on a bike.
One thing I notice every day since losing weight - I feel the cold more. The bigger you are, the more insulation you have. I am some 3 or 4 stone down from last Winter, and I am really feeling the drop in temperature. I’m needing more layers and my hands are always cold - even with Winter cycling gloves on. I might have to ask Santa for some better gloves and overshoes…
As I got warmer, my legs started to join in the party. I approach hills differently now - they are no longer an obstacle there to spoil my ride and make the ride miserable. Each hill is a training opportunity - allowing me to push myself. I know some people think I am trying to be clever, or make a point, but this isn’t the case. If I ride up the hill in my comfort zone, I’ll never improve. If I attack each hill and push myself, my ability to climb will improve.
By the cafe stop I was starting to tire - a sure sign I had been pushing myself - but I still found the energy to have a little sprint to the Gubeon golf course with Steve! At Gubeon, the temptation was for cake, but I resisted and went for their “small” scrambled egg on toast. I underestimated just how small the small portion is - it can’t have been more than 1 egg with 1 slice of toast. It would get me home, but I’d need something more substantial!
The ride was made complete when Lucy and Annabel turned up, both of whom were ill and possibly should have been at home wrapped up in bed but had ventured out to the golf club anyway. They had said they’d come just to see me - but I still don’t believe them!
It wouldn’t be a Saturday club ride unless something went wrong with my bike and sure enough I’d got a flat rear tyre. Things got even better when I tried to take the dust cap off and ended up taking the entire valve off and letting all the air out. Once again I demonstrated a complete lack of mechanic ability as Cath jumped to the rescue and I then had to suffer the usual jokes and innuendo about the size of my pump! It’s not how big it is girls, it’s how you use it! I’m convinced it was just the cold - the pump had shriveled up…
With the tyre back up, and Lucy and Annabel back on their way to bed, I set about chasing down everyone who had left me! Steve it seemed was on a mission, so I’d not see him again - he’d vanished off at break neck speed as if he was in a one day classic! I joined Cath and Lisa and we enjoyed a brisk but comfortable ride back home to Gosforth, where I’d enjoy a proper portion of scrambled egg on toast!
I had enjoyed another 50 mile ride, despite the cold. It had been a truly beautiful day, Northumberland comes into it’s own this time of year. I know I’ve said it before, but it truly is one of the most stunning places in the UK and a very well kept secret. Any of you who read this blog not from the North East, get yourselves up to Northumberland for the weekend.
The downside is how hard it is to get motivated. The nights draw in and you want to curl up on the sofa. The mornings are dark and cold and you want to stay in bed and hide your head under the covers. When you get on the bike you feel like turning back and heading back in where it’s warm and dry. In all cases, now is the time to dig deep and find the willpower. Now is the time to put yourself out of your comfort zone and get cold. It’s not as bad as you think it is once you’re out there. Just remember to wrap up well!
A real up and down day eh? I didn’t really understand this too cold to cycle thing till Saturday. When I froze. Come to think of it I’m about 3 stone lighter than I was last winter so that makes sense. As I’m sure I’ve heard you say ” miles in winter, smiles in summer”. Keep it up.
I second the “cold extremity” problem! It took me a good hour to be able to feel my hands and it is PAINFUL when they are that numb! I was wearing winter gloves and foot covers too!
Nothing beats the rare but beautiful clear-blue-sky-crisp-cold ones. The countryside is fantastic up here and it was a treat to see some daylight!
Looking forward to next week now…
Mate, as long as it ain’t windy I don’t care what it does. In fact I love the frosty mornings (traction permitting).
As my old Sergeant Major used to bore us with “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only poor equipment”, which is ironic really, as we were always equipped with kit built to the lowest bidder!
And you’re absolutely right, it’s fine once you’re out pedalling!