Getting Lost, Bonks and Chain-Gangs

So I've been in Aberdeen for nearly three weeks and only managed as many rides in the process. Despite misleading 20C weather when I arrived, it has now most definitely taken a turn towards the bottom of the mercury scale which resulted in a quick-fire purchase of thermal bib-tights, thermal arm warmers and headband care of Wiggle - you get the gist.

My first ride was not quite what I envisaged (rolling hills and gorgeous countryside) as I couldn't escape the clutches of Aberdeen City and ended up heading West to the City edge and then following the perimeter northwards until I tired and headed home after only 30km! It was my holiday diet coming back to haunt me..

Next up was the Sunday ride with Aberdeen Wheelers Cycle Club, this can only be explained as a baptism of fire. As mentioned above, I'm not quite as fit as earlier in the summer - the AWCC guys on the other hand had just finished race season and were all pretty wired and ready to go. I expected a 65-80km ride and prepared for as much, one gel and no bottles (I left these in Wales - Error!). What actually happened was a 143km beasting at an average speed of 27.3km/h with 1350m of climbing - not quite in the same league as my expectations. It's fair to say, I bonked. On more than one occasion I might add. However, I was not the only one to do so, a few other newbies did too and some had to call the broom wagon for a lift. Rolling back into Aberdeen after 5hr15m I was dead on my saddle and contemplating taking up something less strenuous such as golf.

Having fully recovered I went for a quick spin the following Thursday with some new-found wheeler friends from the UoA CC and managed a 50km dash at a similarly quick pace and some chain-ganging for good measure. This ride highlighted a few areas that need brushing up on, namely hills, and general fitness.

Since then, I haven't been out on the bike due to a trip back to Wales on the weekend and a hectic week of work. Hopefully I will get out for a ride with the UoA CC on Saturday and AWCC on Sunday - life will begin to resolve around cycling - life will return to normality at last after a long lay-off.

Thanks for reading.