With no offers of company for today’s cycle, I set off alone and tackle Cleeve Hill for my first ride of 2020. It is unusual for me to cycle so far alone, there is usually someone willing to cycle. It’s a very different experience, cycling alone but I enjoyed the challenge. No personal bests today on the hill but I am consistently faster than six months ago at both the uphill and the downhill. I also managed to get to Winchcombe from the top of Cleeve Hill without braking which is quite an achievement for me!
Having been overtaken by three cyclists near Staverton, I used them as pacesetters and gave chase for three miles – achieving three ‘personal bests’, according to Strava, during that burst of activity! Overall I am happy with my distance and pace this morning.
I find it much less fun cycling alone. There is no pressure but equally, there is no pacesetter and I could quite happy cycle along at a comfortable pace improving neither my stamina nor speed! I enjoyed the cycle. No coffee stop today and no conversation but beautiful scenery, quiet roads, mild temperatures, dry and so I could think of nothing better than being in the great outdoors!
Challenging Times 