I should really start with an apology. Broken dreams? No. Paused dreams. The dreams are still there.
I like many of you had many plans for 2020. Many cycle routes and a couple of trips planned as well as a family holiday. On the back drop of many years being depressed with anxiety on top (as is often the case). So this year was set to be different. It ended up being different in a completely alternative way from that I’d imagined.
Did I get out cycling? Well oddly enough during the first lock down I took myself out of work unpaid. I messed up in reality but there ya go. In terms of cycling tho, it was one of the allowed forms of outside exercise and as I ride solo most of the time it suited me perfectly. As a result I managed some epic local rides here in Pembrokeshire West Wales.
One particular memory was a on and off road affair, using cycle path from Pembroke to Kilgetty via East Williamston I then headed off road through Templeton air field and canaston woods. A beautiful sunny warm but not too hot kinda day. Sheltered under the canopy of trees I tested out the limits (mine mostly) of my gravel bike. I continued via Wiston to Haverfordwest and made my return on the Brunel path, a path that follows the train tracks Haverfordwest to Milford Haven, returning across the cleddau bridge with its outstanding ever changing views, colours and activity.
I learnt a lot about my bike on that journey. As a result I changed the tires from 28mm slicks, to 32mm shwalbe marathon plus. This was a compromise in reality between a all out gravel tire and a tire that would still be good on the road. I reviewed em for ages. I have to admit I have not been dissapointed. Puncture resistance is amazing I. E. Not one puncture yet (its now December, lock down was early May I believe?)
I also learnt that standard pads on my cable discs were not what I wanted off road. The feel was poor as was over all power. I changed em for some ceramic disco pads and have never looked back. Far more responsive with impressive power when needed.
I cycled more during lock down than I have since. I enjoyed the 3 months off from the usual grind. I even managed to do a fair bit in my garden. Yes I was lucky to be able to make that option happen. Am I pleased I took the time? Damn right I am!!! I cannot wait to get out again. At present I’ve not gone out in a shameful couple of months. My sugars are high and I’m lethargic. It’s time to dust off me bike and get back out there. I’ll let ya know how it goes đź‘Ť
Cycling to an older age. 