As I now get out on the road again- I notice things that I did not 10 years ago. Hills have to be very steep on these thin tyres to say that I am going to struggle up them. Bike may be an improvement on what I used to ride- but I am beginning to think that I can get out and blow those hills away. I am also starting to look at the tracks cutting across the hills that I did not know were there. (For when the mountain bike gets used a bit more) May have taken a while but My fitness has improved a lot in the 15 years I have been riding.
I am also beginning to get time to look at the countryside I am riding through. I definitely live in a picturesque part of the UK. Only problem I have is that bl**dy computer. Keep looking at it and thinking- "Just a little more effort and I can beat my average for this ride" That is when I take the computer off the bike and put it in my pocket. Still works as it is a cordless but I have no need to go fast- Have no need to slaughter that hill and The only time I compare speed and time is when I get home.

The time for speed and training will come later in the year, but for the time being- I am enjoying the scenery.