Yep, the ten day forecast suggests we are keeping the bright weather for a bit, we might even reach 25c! The downside is an almost constant stiff breeze, not exactly a Mistral but annoying nevertheless.

I must admit that my enthusiasm has been on a roller coaster this week, it was on a reasonable high on Thursday morning so i set off for a reasonable ride, somewhat earlier than usual to sort of miss some of the later heat. Its been a while since i've been up towards Gloucester, not because its so far, it isn't really, but there's a chunk of less appealling road to get there. Anyhoo, i made my way north but cut short of the city to head for Stroud and a choice of lunch stops.

So there's a 'flat' way and a 'not flat' way and i chose the latter, it cuts off a corner and avoids using the busy Frome (Stroud version) valley roads. There are several roads to choose from and i managed to pick the least used which is good right? But there's a reason for the lack of traffic, a 2km climb that rises over 200m with grades up to 28% and not much below 10%! I did ride every metre, quite slowly i'll admit, not a clean tho, one stop to eat my banana and a second to let some traffic pass (i never said there was no traffic just not much).

I was certainly glowing at the top but the climb was followed by several K downhill into Stroud where i stopped for some lunch. In theory i'd have some assistance on the return, a long climb up on to the Cotswolds then the lanes through Badminton and back to base. I couldn't be sure but was there a hint of squirrely movement on the descents? Anyway, i topped out with 1026m and 138km which i was quite pleased with.

Friday, well i fancied a bit of a walk which turned out to be a good 13km out to the big Sainsbury's where i grabbed a baked tater before hiking back. Maybe next week i'll take the bus somewhere for a country walk.

And so to Saturday. I was feeling a bit down so i thought i'd just do a short ride but when i pulled Foxy out she had one flat tyre and the rear had a split, the cause of Thursday's wobbliness. I almost gave up there & then but i forced myself to get things sorted, a new tube was simple and one of my dwindling supply of part worn Foxy tyres fixed the rear for now. It hadn't taken long but a short ride was definately what i was thinking as i set out.

Well one turn led to another and i was 60km in when i stopped for tea and cake! I could get back in a little over 20 more but instead i looped down to Avonmouth as it avoided any real climbing, crossing Bristol from the river is fairly painless and i stopped the clock at 104km and just under 620m. It was also quite fast, over 23kph average so the bit of tailwind must've had some effect!

Which brings us to today, the middle of our third Bank Holiday weekend this May. After breakfast i gave the 'lawn' a bit of a trim, no mow May having resulted in a forest of clover which the mower struggled with a bit! I'll go for a walk shortly, i've gone 2.5 years without missing a day with at least a short walk! As for the next couple of days, i see more writing and riding in my future.

Of course, it being Sunday there is a new Gaby chapter here on BC, Deco Bike is part 30 of Only Five Minutes.

Before i forget, thank you to everyone who has purchased the latest Gaby release, its very much appreciated and continues to keep me from seeking 'real' work to keep the wolf from the door. There's a link below if you can't wait until the BC edition in 2025!

Until Wednesday,
Tschussie
Madeline Anafrid