2.1.14 A New Year and time to get some serious cycling in as we've only got 99 days before the off! As the weather forecast was quite good for a change, I decided to tackle a hilly ride to Blandford, up to Bulbarrow, through Milton Abbas and back through Lytchett Matravers. As I got going, the sun started to come up to hopefully warm the morning air. I squidged my way along the cycle path through Delph Woods, avoiding the trees that had blown down in the gales and made my way to Wimborne. As soon as turned off towards Pamphill and Cowgrove, I realised I should have worn my wellies.
I have yet to decide on the best way to cycle through floods. I personally favour the high speed run up, lifting my feet as I hit the flood and shouting "WhooHooo". I discovered today that this isn't such a good technique when you're wearing trainers though. By the time I'd gone through my fourth or fifth flood, my feet were pretty wet - and I still had 38 miles to go. Rather too late, I took a rather more conservative approach to the remaining flooded areas, wondering what on earth I was letting myself in for.
The River Stour at Blandford had burst its banks and threatened to engulf the supermarket car park but thankfully it hadn't flooded the road. After that, it was all uphill, which was hard work but got me out of the flood zone. I puffed and panted up the hills and flew down the other side, arriving back home for a well earned lunch. My feet were almost dry by the time I got home!
If it ever stops raining, I'll tackle the 60 mile route, which also takes in a loop round Ansty.
Click on photos below to enlarge.
I have yet to decide on the best way to cycle through floods. I personally favour the high speed run up, lifting my feet as I hit the flood and shouting "WhooHooo". I discovered today that this isn't such a good technique when you're wearing trainers though. By the time I'd gone through my fourth or fifth flood, my feet were pretty wet - and I still had 38 miles to go. Rather too late, I took a rather more conservative approach to the remaining flooded areas, wondering what on earth I was letting myself in for.
The River Stour at Blandford had burst its banks and threatened to engulf the supermarket car park but thankfully it hadn't flooded the road. After that, it was all uphill, which was hard work but got me out of the flood zone. I puffed and panted up the hills and flew down the other side, arriving back home for a well earned lunch. My feet were almost dry by the time I got home!
If it ever stops raining, I'll tackle the 60 mile route, which also takes in a loop round Ansty.
Click on photos below to enlarge.