Training is not always fun

I've enjoyed most of my training especially when I've been out riding on the roads. Yesterday's ride was an exception to the rule. I had set myself the challenge of riding a good chunk of the steep hills I know of in Fife. First in the north, then as hilly a ride down to Lower Largo on Fife's south coast before turning north-east for one last big hill to take me home.

The weather forecast wasn't great with a stiff south-east breeze on the cards and cloudy to boot. In the end those clouds also brought a fair amount of drizzle and then rain. None of this made riding a bicycle very pleasant.

I sucked it up and rode anyway. By the time I got to Chance Inn I was wet and cold. The riding had been tough and a little slower than I would have liked. The speed issue forced my hand as I was under time pressure to get home. So I was saved a little more riding in the wind and the cold breeze and I headed home. I think I'd have managed the riding but I wasn't entirely unhappy to cut it short.

It is a ride that I am proud of because I stuck to the task, climbed some tough slopes and survived the rain and the cold. I might have to put up with the same when I ride across Scotland so it was good experience. I'm hoping when I do the ride that I get a bright day with no wind, or a west wind if I have to have a breeze. No east blow, please!
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The ride