Learning

Yesterday's ride was fun in many ways. The weather was good, the roads were mostly dry and I had some great company. But the ride was remarkable for another reason. I learnt some stuff as well. And, for me, another thing learnt is a good thing.
My goal for yesterday was simple. I wanted to repeat the hilly ride I did at the beginning of January to see how the training was going. I had intended to go out on my own this time but when the offer of company come up I was glad to take it. This time my companion for some of the ride would be my good friend Giff, with whom I play a lot of golf. He's just finding the joys of road cycling and wanted to come out on his relatively new bike to see what I got up to. I originally suggested that I would pick him up in Cupar after the main hills were over and he could then have come along for the loop back to Cupar. But, no, he decided to join up with me in Pitscottie and therefore would do the harder climbs. I'm not sure what he thinks of this decision now!
I've described the route before, suffice to say that it goes up and down a lot. The hills aren't necessarily long but some of them are quite steep and at times they grind you down a little. I think Giff found them a rude introduction. He was quite insistent that I climb at my own pace and he would get there in the end. So on the first climb we agreed to meet at the top. And we did, with no great wait for me which was a testament to his determination. Then along, down and we came to the next up. Coming out of Kilmany this climb has a nasty steep hairpin just as you really want a rest. Again I went ahead and waited. And again, I was delighted to see Giff coming up seated on the bike showing he hadn't had to get off. I took some photos to prove he'd done it. Did I mention he's a pensioner? He wanted me to make sure I told you, so I have.

Are we at the top yet?

Riding like a champion

At this point I knew we had a fair amount of climbing to do and I didn't want him to feel left behind all the time. Despite his protestations that it was alright I know I don't like it so I needed to come up with a plan so that there wouldn't be such a disparity in climbing speed. On our next wee hill I put a theory to the test. Could I just grind out a really high gear? It turns out I could but only by getting out of the saddle. And, actually it was lot of fun. So for the next two hills that's what we did. I still got up first to the cross-roads that would take us down to Balmerino but not by much and I'd had to work hard.
At this point I gave myself a new challenge. Giff would miss out the hill from Balmerino and cycle directly to Hazelton Walls while I went down and up. I would, of course, try and catch him up before the cross-roads. He beat me, but not by much and honour on both parts was satisfied. We had a rest. Most welcome and the chat was great.
Then down to Luthrie and a climb back out towards Newburgh into a stiff breeze. Giff discovered the delights of the rider in front's wind shadow and we moved along nicely. Then back to Hazelton Walls before a lovely descent to the main road. And another rest. All we needed to do now was drag along the A92 and climb up the hill at Moonzie before it would all get better as we descended into Cupar. Giff stayed on my wheel along the main road and we got up the hill easily enough before the blast down into the town.
A quick trip around town and I could leave Giff to recover at home. I headed off to do the rest of the route. Because of the slower speed in the early part of the ride and the stop start nature of morning I still felt pretty good. Until the wind and drizzle hit me above Ceres that was. I battled my way down to the village and took a quick rest in the lee of the pub. They were advertising good food all day. I was tempted, but with no bike lock I couldn't do anything about it.
Then a quick climb and descent to Cupar before finally turning for home. With the breeze at my back the way home was easier and I had enough in the tank to sprint for a couple of miles towards St. Andrews maintaining an average over them of over 30 mph. Love it! Yes they were downhill, and yes I had the wind behind me but I had already cycled 60 miles so I'm allowed some sense of satisfaction aren't I?
All in all it was a lovely day's cycling and I must remember that to come back relatively fresh a slower speed and regular breaks might be the key. Slower, yes, but great fun. Especially with good company. Thank you Giff. What a ride you did; I am in awe.

Clipless Pedals

One other thing I learnt (or noticed) was the improvement of my footwear and shoe-to-pedal grip over Giff's. He's not there with the clipless pedal idea yet so is still riding flat pedals and trainers. It's just no contest when compared to being clipped in like I am. Although I'd read a lot of information saying how much better being clipped in is, I had never really noticed it.
Believe me, it makes a difference. So, if you are reading this and swithering about clipless pedals, do not delay. Pick a system, any system, and try it out. You won't regret it. Personally, for ease of use and the nice idea of recessed cleats I employ the SPD system. And I have Shimano A530 pedals which are flat on one side and have a binding on the other. Great for clipping one foot out of when riding through towns.

The Ride