Following a big crash a few weeks ago, which left me with concussion and an injured shoulder, I jolly well have not been able to do much exercise. No swimming, and no bikey. What a nightmare. So frustrating, speshly considering the lovely weather we've had recently. and the Soft Southern Shandy Drinkers have been out in the Cotswolds, the Purbecks and all sorts. Grrr!
Shoulder felt painful on Monday, when I played football. But ittud healed up nicely by Wednesday, and I've had a couple of nice swims. So, with the nice weather, I was determined to get out on the bike. I've had a few local short rides, and felt up to a longer one.
So, I set off, with me bananas, up to Epping Forest. Had a near miss on Stratford High Road, when some idiot came too close to me when I was overtaking a bus, then swerved at the last second, causing cars behind him to brake sharply. Knob.
Front brake not working propply, worn out tyres that are possibly older than SFB, and very little fitness. And I forgot to swap the 15t cog on the SS, for the 16t one, which is a little easier.
I din't expect much, considering my lack of recent activity, but bloody hell, what a surprise! I felt more relaxed, and chilled out than I have in ages, on the bike. It seemed a lot easier than I'd imagined, and the ride went like a breeze. I cleared tricky sections with ease, kept me speed up on fast bits, and although the climbs were a little harder than usual, I made it up every one. Did regret not bunging the 16t on though.
Great ride, really good fun. I had a smile on me face almost the whole way. Loads of friendly people about, and a great day out, all in. and there were some mauvebells still out, like they'd waited for me!
I think the difference was, that I din't have any big expectations of myself, compared to normal. This allowed me to relax more, and made things easier, somehow. Maybe that's the key; too many of us 'push' ourselves too much, and maybe we'd be better off just relaxing a little more. I ended up feeling pleasantly elated, rather than a little disappointed.
Funny in't it; you throttle back, and the ride becomes so much more enjoyable.
Maybe it's all about just enjoying the ride, rather than setting goals and targets.
My doctor was laughing, cheeky mare. 
Weather down here looking ace at the moment. In a car it'd be about 2hrs. Doo iittttt
