What’s all this then? A bit of actual warm sunshine on my hairy legs? Glory be!
Well, even though it was sunny and warm for a change, the wind was still blustering, and not in that friendly way that gives super speedy headwinds that make hills disappear. Not at all.
Heading out today I knew I wanted to do the little Catforth loop, though I figured why not go the opposite direction for a change? Live a little, Chris.
I made sure to time the lap today, though because I went the opposite way to last time I couldn’t match this like for like.
Things felt great on the out leg. I was smashing it, pushing over 4w/kg. Legs felt great. I felt great. Oh yes, this was going to be a fast one.
As this route involves cutting left, there was no need to stop at the first junction, just keep on smashing it.
However, as soon as that left turn is made, it starts on a little uphill section – nothing major, just definitely noticeable compared to having been going downhill pretty much all the way till that point.
At that point I started blowing. Oh my. I was sure I’d over cooked it.
Onwards though, and once the up hill proper started, I was bang into a demoralising headwind.
Sure as I was that I’d destroyed any chance of a solid time, I simply knuckled down and tried my best.
And honestly, I was amazed just now to see the stats. Only 5 watts off my all time best 20 minute effort?
Damn right I’ll take that. I was working hard, I knew that. All seated, bar getting off from the right handers at the junctions. That initial 4+w/kg effort must have really added to proceedings.
Crazy though, as the other day I was motoring up the hill on the way back – 37kph up hill. Nowhere near that today, more like 24kph and on my backside.
Anyway, pleased with this ride today.
The second half was taken easier and I cut it even shorter than I might have otherwise, simply because I was feeling knackered from that first effort. Also, I wanted a sandwich. Yeah… no pre-ride fuel. What a chimp.
Definitely pleased with how this one turned out. Not sure if the weather is due a down turn tomorrow. If I can get out again I will. But if not, it’s an hours ‘recovery’ spin on Zwift, for sure.
