Back in the Groove

First outing on the bike after my chest infection and my first ride of 2014. Rode out from Darvel to Galston then over to the A77 before taking the Floak road over to the Stewarton Road, back over the Clunch, into Kilmarnock and along the Chris Hoy in Hurlford before heading home. It felt great to be back out and I just took it at a steady pace which got me round the 38 miles without hacking up a lung.
The weather wasn't great but apart from a few showers it wasn't that bad.
It just felt great to get out the house and get into some nowhere!

How do you eat yours?

Most used.....

My most used words of 2013 apparently. Cycling imakes a few appearances

Antibiotics, Going Psychotic

I had planned to cycle through the winter weather of Christmas and managed a couple of short runs with some KOM's on STRAVA, but alas my bad luck injury/illness streak has continued and I am back on antibiotics for a heavy respiratory infection.
So annoyed. I can only hope the new year brings some new luck on the health front and I can curb my current cabin fever. Doesn't help the neighbours are all cyclists and I see them cycling past every time the sun comes out. Anyway here is a summary of my two rides before the cold set in!

Unfit for purpose....

I went for a 20 mile run yesterday. I felt so unfit. Injury and illness are taking their toll so while I puffed around like an old man I was glad I went out. Got the bike set up for winter with my new extension on the bars for lights and the mudguards. I also tested my £15 winter cycling jacket from Aldi's which is perfect. Make's a bit of a mockery of Rapha charging £175 for winter jersey's.
Anyway here's the route and the cross bike set up for winter roads.

Cross Out the Beach

It was the Irvine Beach round of the Cyclocross this weekend. This is my favourite race as it is only 25 minutes from my house and is fast and generally dry.
I started fairly fast and was pleased with the opening laps but the sickness bug and lack of fitness with the rib injury took their toll and I dropped off from what was developing into a great wee race within the race with Ally from Walkers Cycles. I doff my cap to you sir.
I managed to keep up my career record of "never last" though to finish 56th.

The next day I was to wake up though with a sharp pain in the eye which to cut a long story short turned out to be a tiny shard of metal which had to be removed at hospital. I can only think it came from the face full of sand I got at one point.
I can't wear my contacts for 6 weeks so this may put me out of the last race of my season, The Scottish Champs at Dunbar. I will wait and see. I don't fancy cycling blind or with my classroom spectacles on!

Feeling Cross

Strathclyde Park cyclocross today. It was a very fast course but my lungs weren't up to it today. The ribs are still hurting and any hill climb and the associated heavy breathing was difficult. Never the less I didn't come last and my bike stayed in one piece unlike my last 2 visits.
Weather was great today. Beautiful sunshine to go with the muck.
Check out the photos and the details below.

Sunday Spin

Not much to report but after saying my road bike was away for the winter I spotted a break in the weather for a quick 20 miles in the sunshine.
Didn't try anything really challenging as I have bruised my ribs playing my original sport of football, and breathing is quite painful.
Anyway I got the legs a spin before Strathclyde Park Cyclocross next Sunday!