Woke up on Saturday.. looked out of the window - there was a heavy dew and the mist was laying in the valley bottom, the sunlight was casting it's first rays over the hills .. it was one of those mornings full of promise and (although I was meeting Alex for a ride later in the day) I just knew I had to get out and make the most of the morning..
I decided to head down to the bike shop Bike Seven in Longtown for some Green Slime and to get my mud guard adjusted - since squashing it into a bag to get it into my Fiat it rubbed the front tyre rather annoyingly - it could be stopped with the assistance of a small stone.. but I thought there might be a more technical solution!!
The first test when within a mile of leaving the house (after a relatively short hill), is whether to go up a long, steep hill (knowing the effort it'll take when I've only just got going!!) or go straight on and drop slowly down hill. I never quite know what I'll do till I get to the exit, despite have a great internal debate with myself.. the bike seems to decide for me!! This morning (as more often lately) it took the harder option.. I must admit I always feel better for it and it puts me in a better frame of mind for the rest of my ride..
I found a lovely different route down country lanes to Longtown.. very Spring like.. lambs in the fields, leaves bursting forth .. and in the distance I could see the cloud over the Lake District hills, Criffel looked pretty clear and the sun was shining over Solway - promising for my cylce with Alex later.
My visit to the bike shop was very sucessful and I bought some Green Slime for my tyres - sounds miracle stuff... I also bought a small mirror for my bike (which they kindly fitted) - invaluable for seeing what's coming up behind me.. feel much safer!! Whilst I was chatting outside the shop a man came up and asked me if I was 'The Cuba Lady', on confirmation he handed me £10 and wished me Good Luck .. astonishing!! It was a wonderful moment .. I was left speechless - I'm astonished how generous the majority of people are.. I guess (sadly) cancer touches a lot of peoples lives..
I cycled home a different route - making a nice 25 mile circuit.. so good to be out and looking forward to seeing Alex later for another ride!!
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