Last summer was not good for riding and with a bit of lethargy coming in-Any Fine days were spent working on the house and garden and bike riding was put to the back of any list I might have. The winter has been even worse and I succumbed eventually to going down the gym to try and find the fitness I have lost.

A couple of years ago I was limited as to when I could ride as I was working and that only left the weekends to ride. Didn't matter what the weather was I had to get out there. I may not have felt like it with wind rain and cold but I used to get out and even if I was not happy about riding with cold hands or feet- or riding into strong headwinds- I still kept my fitness and I think I enjoyed it.

The weather is still not conducive to riding but today I had a commitment I had to keep. I had to go to my son-in-Laws work place to sort a few bikes for a ride taking place later in the year. Only 10 miles down there but along with my S-i-L and a neighbour- off we rode in 34F temp- a bit of a headwind and a black sky. Got to the office and it was a no show. None of the others wanted to ride as it was too cold. I had to agree with them as sleet was now falling and the temp had fallen to 31F. Time for lunch so off to my favourite cafe and scrambled eggs on toast. Still cold but it was about time we did some hills. First was a 1 mile long 8% that is just tiring and we were soon warmish. I let the other two disappear into the distance- they could always get cold waiting for me at the top. Got even colder as the next two miles were downhill and with a 20 mph tailwind. We were heading for the basket- a 16%er for about 3/4 mile and it is a narrow road that is full of traffic. I always struggle on this one but today seemed easier. That may be due to the 12/30 cassette in place of the 12/27 that I normally run but the hill was over without me realising it. So much so that I rode over the top and into the next two miles of steep downhill. Last time I did this hill I got to the top- got off the bike and lay down on the verge. I was giving my legs a rest as they were just about to fall apart and waiting for the lungs to arrive as I left them half way up the hill.

I have no idea why today was different. It was cold- It was windy and it was wet. The ideal day to watch the rugby on the TV and relax but for some reason I didn't. I enjoyed the ride- got in 1500 ft of climbing and still had legs and lungs at the end. Only downer was that I had two punctures. One in the brand new first time out rear tyre and the other was in the front and I walked the last 1/2 mile home as I couldn't be bothered to repair the tube.

Perhaps the lethargy is still there.