Last summer was not good for me on the cycling front- Weather against me and too many jobs to do at home. this was followed with a winter that was definitely a stay indoors time with wind- rain- snow and cold. I did re-start down at the gym in January though and this managed to put a bit of fitness back. But finally came the time for rides and where I live I can get in flat rides or Hills. I chose hills as although I knew they would hurt-They are less boring and will get me back again quicker. The group I ride with are younger and fitter so I knew it was going to be hard.

Those first rides I took steady and not overexert myself but for a few days after them I knew I had done some exercise. Only a few months later and I am back to the distance I would like to do and I know that I can get on a bike anytime and do a metric century without thinking about it or hurting. 100 milers may take a bit more training or a few days of hurt afterwards. Speed is slower than I would like but I am fast enough for me.

But I could have easily given up riding. Glad I did not but thinking back a couple of months and a few of those hills were hard 5 years ago when I was fit. Initially they were longer and steeper than I remember but with riding they are getting shorter. They are still bl**dy steep though.