One for dad

Today is Father's Day, so today's cycle was for dad.  He passed away in February, so our route today was to Altrincham Crematorium to visit the gardens where he was laid to rest.

Rather like the practice of dedicating your yoga practice to someone as a part of the meditative process, dedicating this cycle to dad felt almost as good as giving him an actual gift would have done.

We took a pleasant, undulating route out from Marple, via Poynton.  After skirting Alderley Edge we enjoyed the steep descent down from The Wizard Inn (I almost came off as I met a Landrover head on on a bend as I was up out of my seat flying down the hill - the back wheel skidded on the wet mud as there was no weight directly on it.  Fortunately, I had enough speed to stay vertical and made it to the bottom of the hill intact).

We were trying to push our speed today in preparation for the Great Manchester Cycle, which both Gillian and I have entered (partners in crime Chris and Ian are also cycling) - it is 2 weeks today, and the aim is to complete the 52 mile course in under 3.5 hours and avoid the dreaded Broom Wagon.  Target average speed is 15mph - decent.

http://www.greatcycle.org/default.aspx

The winding, but largely flat country roads of Ashley and Dunham were perfect for this, as was the weather - cool (bit breezy) but not cold, with some sunny spells.  After a tough hilly cycle last weekend to Buxton, which I struggled with, this felt terrific.  I could tell that I have improved - I am getting into higher gears to go at a steady pace, and enjoying cruising along.  I even passed a couple of other cyclists today for the first time.  Perhaps those stinking hills are paying off after all!

It was exactly 30 miles to The Crematorium and we did it in 2 hours - target pace!  We sat and ate a sandwich and oat bar and chatted to dad.  There were a lot of people there doing a similar thing and it was heart-warming to watch them coming and going.

The cycle home was tougher as there was a bit more uphill, and the increase in speed was taking its toll on our legs, but we kept it reasonably steady and made it back in 4:25 (average speed 13.5mph).  With a bit more work over the next 2 weeks, I am confident we can do it!  After all, the roads will be closed, so no stopping for junctions or traffic lights.

Rest day tomorrow, then it's back to spin class for more intervals!