Cycling UK Forum

There was a disappointing Autuwn feel to the morning today. As there has been rain, rain, rain and more rain forcaste except for today, I thought Id better get some C2C training done.

Ive just arrived at work and am having a nice cuppa before I get started. I cycled the long commute direct from home over the mountain. It was very cool, the shadows were much longer than the last time I cycled this (proir to the Hadrians run).

I still have to walk the hair pin (14%) hill, as Im not very energetic at 6.30am in the morning. My breath was heavy in the morning air and it hung about for ages.

A proper Autuwn feel the day started with. I got slightly chilled at one point, coming down into Douglas off the mountain at speed for 5 miles ment the ol' legs had far too long to go to sleep and they were very stiff and unco operative for the uphill to Onchan

I cant do this long run for much longer, this weekend sees the start of the Manx Grand Prix (TT week for amateurs). Roads shut each night at 6pm. Then the following week they are closed during the day. By then, I think the dark will be the problem. Ill be back doing the short routes for winter again...

Didnt summer zip past some how and well, be a bit un noticed?


Mary

What summer? Those occassional days thrown in to convince some of us to go outside only to be promptly rain on? I've even put the fairing back on Quackers to keep me drier and warmer. Wasn't planning on doing that until at least October!

At least you're cycling to work. Good on yer!

It's always amazing how quickly the nights start to close in at this time of the year. Camping in the New Forest for the first week of my hols meant it was dark by 9.30 and pretty well all the kids were in bed by then as there was nothing else for them to do, most adults weren't far behind as reading by torch light is tedious. For our 2nd week it was dark soon after 9pm so even earlier to bed!

Were you wearing shorts? Not a good idea on these chill mornings. Also it is best to keep the legs turning over lightly on a long descent to prevent them seizing up when they are required to work again.

I know how you feel, MC, about cycling up steep hills so early in the morning. My commute begins straight into a stiff climb - not on your scale I might add, but it is harder first thing in the morning than it is after a couple of hours of being up and about. Regarding cold, about ten miles in I have to go uphill through a thickly wooded area that never gets the sun even in high summer. Even with being toastie after ten miles I become almost hyperthermic during this part of my ride and arrive at school with numb toes and freezing legs. It has certainly been a very disappointing summer and the cloudiness has emphasised the extent of the rapidly shortening evenings. Maybe there will be an Indian summer but the daylight hours will put an end to my commute as I work long hours during term time (makes up for the long holidays). Hopefully we won't be under the influence of La Nina next year.