Blog Post

Spring Biking Week

Mick C • 13 March 2022

Bike and Work, Work and Bike

I received a lovely present at Christmas, my next biking adventure in the Summer. A four-day trip to Scotland and its surrounding islands. I can’t wait.

To make the most of the trip I want to get as ride fit as possible. I decided not to embark on a full-on fitness plan as I won’t follow it, what with a busy work and family life. So, I simply set myself a target of riding at least 40 miles a week. This could be one long 40-mile ride at the end of a busy week, or hopefully smaller rides in the week at lunch or after work. So far so good…and with another great week under the belt the fitness is improving.

Monday : I wanted to get a good start to the week so planned in a quick ride during lunch. Only having an hour, I opted for my shortest fastest loop which takes me through Portland park and across the top road toward Mansfield, which is concrete path for a mile or two. Then it’s back into the woods and down to Cauldwell dam before using the disused road back home. Not bad, adding 9 miles to the weeks tally.

Wednesday : The sun was shining today but still very cool. I had some time again over lunch, a little more than normal so headed out to do the 17-mile Hardwick Loop. It was a lovely day even to the point of being able to chase my shadow. There wasn’t much foot traffic on the route which made it nice and fast. I stopped a couple of times to get a few photos but generally very free flowing. I felt in good shape to.

You can get the route if you click here. That’s another bonus 17 miles to the weeks total.

Thursday : Surely today was the first day of summer? Well, it certainly was the first day out on the bike this year with only shorts and t-shirt. It was a little chilly in the shade but nice and toasty in the sun. Today’s route was through Portland Park, nearly reaching Jct27 of the M1 and through the Felly, with the return much the same. Again, the legs were good and the lungs very capable of making the felly hill climb without too much pain. A day to remember in 2022 when the winter gear can be put away. 11 miles to the total.

Saturday : Just before dark , after a relaxing afternoon, the kids wanted to get their bikes out for a quick spin. We were pushed for time, but we could get some miles in. We headed over to the local reformed pit tipand did a 3-mile loop just getting back as the sun was setting. Not far but all the miles count.

Sunday : we got back after a family afternoon walk and the kids wanted to go out on their bikes again. Must’ve enjoyed yesterday. We had a bit longer this evening so we decided to go a bit further. I decided to do part of the Hardwick loopthat I’d done earlier in the week. We got through Sutton lawn and onto the trails in fairly quick time. However, foolishly, I’d not brought any lights, and the return leg required them. We passed back through Sutton Lawn just as it dropped dark. By the time we’d crossed the park it was difficult to see. The final two miles were a real adventure. As you can imagine the kids were loving it and I was being so cautious, coaching kids on how difficult it would be to see us from a car. Luckily, we got back with no drama. Home and safe I appreciated how exciting the little adventure was. For me another 10.5 miles to the weeks tally.