Back to the UK

First ride in the UK after three months in Spain.

I knew I was up for a bit of a shock.

It started in the morning when I realised I needed to put my clear lenses. It didn't look like dark lenses were really going to be needed.

Then it was the realisation that I was a bit underdressed. I wasn't in summer kit, I was wearing a long sleeve inner layer and the club jersey but I certainly could have done with a gilet and arm warmers.

Then it was the pace. Nothing mental but the constant up and down got my legs. By the time we got to the coffee stop I was starting to worry... so I ordered a coffee (the strongest sign that I'm in fear).

Then it was that coffee. I like Beeches tearooms and I think it is a real shame the place is going to close at the end of the month. I love their scones with clotted cream and jam (that's as British as I can be). But all that love can't hide the fact their coffee wouldn't stand a chance against the average coffee in Spain. 

Take this last point with a pinch of salt though. I'm probably trying to put blame on something that is not my own physiology for having to have a pee stop after Tanhouse, then another one at the top of Juniper and then another one as soon as I got home. Coffee is great PED for me but it certainly has its side effects.

Finally it was the thin rain that started as soon as we hitted the Horton roundabouts. Nothing serious but just enough to make us to take it easy in all roundabouts. That allowed for a "slow" and "easy" approach to the final line with me sitting in third wheel. When Marek moved to the front I glued myself to his wheel. He attacked and opened a small gap but being on his wheel was too much of an advantage so I managed to pass him just before the line. 

It is great to be back to the UK, to ride again with the Kingston Wheelers and to see that certain things haven't changed.

The ride in Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/6092123389

Take care

Javier Arias González