Yesterday the sun shone brightly, for the first time in a while. They're saying June 2019 is the wettest on record and I can believe it. Last week it rained on and off most days and there's been cloud and low temperatures, but Saturday was fantastic. Andy wasn't riding and I'd arranged to meet Bon on Woodmansterne Green. I've written about the ride over there before, it's fairly suburban in nature, but in the sunshine who cares? In fact, it took me back to cycling as a kid for some reason, there was lingering vibe brought about by the scented hedgerows and the warm breeze.
Jon was there when I arrived. We found a bench and opened up the tea. No biscuits. It was very pleasant just lapping up the early morning sunshine and then contemplating a ride over to mum's.
Individual Twix fingers proved to be my downfall. Four of them. I need to exert a little more self-control.
Mum was getting a quote for a new back door. She's opted for aluminium. A man arrived. He was smartly dressed and sported a shiny bald head. He said he'd get a quote over Monday and that if she chose aluminium, it would probably take a week to arrive in the store.
Bon left, but I stayed for a cup of tea, not that I hadn't already had my fair share of tea back on the green. This time, in addition to the usual flask of hot water, I'd brought along one of those stainless steel thermal cups. I'd picked it up in Pittsburgh and it sported the logo for a company called Centro-Metalcut. I'm assuming they're a steel fabricator, but let's continue with the rule of keeping workstuff off the blog.
I rode back the way I came, but more warily. The traffic had intensified and while there were bursts of off-road track, when I reached Foxley Lane I kept my wits about me; there were moments when cars were far too close so I kept checking behind me to get a handle on what was going on. Soon I found myself on Purley's quieter back streets and then there was West Hill, a steep climb, but short-lived. I reached home at 1110hrs.
Sunday's ride...
Andy and I rode to the Tatsfield Churchyard, the slow way, and it was a very pleasant trip. The weather was a little chilly first thing in the morning, but it picked up, as did my hay fever. The key is not to rub your eyes, I told Andy as I rubbed my eyes. It's like having grains of sand in my eyes, that's how it feels, but I coped with it and soon we were on the bikes and heading up the hill towards Botley where I normally part company. On this occasion, however, I felt like a safer ride home away from the 269 so we rode along The Ridge into Woldingham and parted company on the Slines Oak Road. The hill at the end wasn't too bad and I reached home around 1000hrs.
Jon was there when I arrived. We found a bench and opened up the tea. No biscuits. It was very pleasant just lapping up the early morning sunshine and then contemplating a ride over to mum's.
 |
| Bon, Mum and me... |
Individual Twix fingers proved to be my downfall. Four of them. I need to exert a little more self-control.
Mum was getting a quote for a new back door. She's opted for aluminium. A man arrived. He was smartly dressed and sported a shiny bald head. He said he'd get a quote over Monday and that if she chose aluminium, it would probably take a week to arrive in the store.
Bon left, but I stayed for a cup of tea, not that I hadn't already had my fair share of tea back on the green. This time, in addition to the usual flask of hot water, I'd brought along one of those stainless steel thermal cups. I'd picked it up in Pittsburgh and it sported the logo for a company called Centro-Metalcut. I'm assuming they're a steel fabricator, but let's continue with the rule of keeping workstuff off the blog.
I rode back the way I came, but more warily. The traffic had intensified and while there were bursts of off-road track, when I reached Foxley Lane I kept my wits about me; there were moments when cars were far too close so I kept checking behind me to get a handle on what was going on. Soon I found myself on Purley's quieter back streets and then there was West Hill, a steep climb, but short-lived. I reached home at 1110hrs.
Sunday's ride...
Andy and I rode to the Tatsfield Churchyard, the slow way, and it was a very pleasant trip. The weather was a little chilly first thing in the morning, but it picked up, as did my hay fever. The key is not to rub your eyes, I told Andy as I rubbed my eyes. It's like having grains of sand in my eyes, that's how it feels, but I coped with it and soon we were on the bikes and heading up the hill towards Botley where I normally part company. On this occasion, however, I felt like a safer ride home away from the 269 so we rode along The Ridge into Woldingham and parted company on the Slines Oak Road. The hill at the end wasn't too bad and I reached home around 1000hrs.
 |
| Andy at the churchyard, Sunday 23 June |
 |
| The pond at the top of Slines Oak Road |
