The route I planned to do in my head was going to be from my house up and over to Stalybridge then through Mossley and up over Dove Stones. I would then go across the tops and over to Holmefirth, up Holme Moss down to Glossop and then Snake Pass and If I was feeling really keen perhaps down the other side to Castleton and up Winnets Pass finshing off with a climb up Monks Road and a short ride back to Hyde for Tea and Biscuits.
My legs and fact I have not been able to ride a good distance recently decided different! However it was a bit on the chilly side too once I got on the south side of the hills. The kind of I can't feel my hands or feet chilly! Its almost like Marks and Spencers Cold, except this one is for free and isn't in the advert!
So to Start!!!
The run out through Stalybridge and up Dove Stones was actually really nice. My bike felt like it was flying along and the weather was just mild too. I was still quite low down though, but I could already feel it getting colder!!
I then managed a bit of a sprint across the moors and then a gentle drop down into Holmefirth. I wasn't really for going fast downhill today as the roads were still quite wet and slippy too!
Then I arrived at Holme Moss!
The climb was a real killer and as I currently had my close ratio gear cassette on the back wheel I did struggle a bit. Wimpy kid Matt wanted to stop a few times too. As I approached the top with my legs burning and my lungs on fire I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears. The wind was picking up too and as always it was a headwind making it that little bit harder! Thankfully Sergeant Major Matt was to the rescue with a good arse kicking really jumping up and down telling me if I stop I have failed and I will never be in good shape to race this season!
Finally thought the top came into sight!
It was a bit windy so the video is harder to hear. However even though I did think I had made the slowest climb ever! it turns out I got a few personal records! Strange but true.
Then for the descent!
Did I mention the wet and slippy roads plus the wind and my general fear of dying!!! This run down was actually quite terrifying at parts. I did let the bike run a little so I could just use the speed training but with oncoming traffic (I generally do try to keep to the left side of the road) it did mean I had to carefully touch the brakes. at 40+ mph (65+kph) that can make things a little nerve wracking! But finally.....
I was really cold now and despite wearing gloves etc I couldn't feel my hands, feet or face I had really lost the bottle too on the road down and even had a good sliding moment on one bend, Thankfully I kept her rubber side down and probably got some air with it at the same time!
By now as I was just so cold I was heading towards Glossop and having a rethink of the route.
Just goes to show though what a nice area this really is and right on my doorstep too.
So anyway I was cold, tired and just wanting to go home by now even if it was about another 10 miles. I dropped down into Glossop and instead of turning left up Snake Pass decided to turn right and head home!
Still some hills to climb as I do live at the top of one, but eventually I was back home and needing warming up!
I don't know who was more thankful, me or the dog!!!
Well a cup of tea some lunch and a dog walk later I feel like I could go out and do it all again. Maybe next week!
Anyway as things go I don't think I did too badly.
So all in all not a bad short distance training ride and I will be doing more again hopefully soon.
I am currently booked on the Evans Ride-it Rochdale ride in a few weeks time and will get to ride up the iconic Crag Vale (longest constant gradient in England) climb. I am looking forward to that and generally just getting out in the area that I grew up in too. You never know I may even spot one or two people that I know too!
so for now however it's back to my daily sprint training on the turbo trainer and then a quiet night on the sofa with a dog that snores! (Love is...)
Loving being out on the road in the daylight still. just think the days are gradually getting longer. Now just trying to be fit enough to be able to race and give a good show too. I play to win!
Happy cycling!
By the way if you read this please share it too. Always good to get a few hits every so often!
Hope you like the new format too as I am trying to use lots more video rather than just stills.
Cheers.
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