Back on the road

After a two week absence owing to feeling a bit crook, I'm back on two wheels! Having become accustomed to 20 miles on an outing I decided it was time to up the distance. So today saw me head into Broughshane, into Ballymena past Michelin (no fee for the advertising folks) and out the Galgorm Road to Ahoghill. After a cup of tea and some toast at my uncle and aunt's it was on to Cullybackey.

What a glorious day it is today. You see so much more on a bike, and have the time to appreciate God's creation. I also appreciate the consideration shown by Ballymena drivers. Thus far in my training I have not had any bad experiences with car/lorry/van drivers. Everyone has given me a wide berth, and stayed behind when they couldn't safely overtake. Thank you. Some bike lanes would be good (Ballymena Council take note). That excuse for a bike lane between Sourhill Roundabout and Galgorm barely counts even as a token gesture. If you're serious about the environment and people's fitness provide safe bike lanes and encourage the folks back onto two wheels.

Hill training has to play a large part in my training so passing through Cullybackey I hooked a left on to Station Road dropping down the gears just a wee bit, and crossed over up the two hills of Fenagh Road. Taking my life in my hands I headed over the Ballymoney Line - I swear those people sped up when they saw me cross in front of them - and continued on the Fenagh Road. Then it was the Loughmegarry Road, Drumfin Road, Doury Road, Devenagh Road, Cloughwater Road (stopping off at no.173) to Clough.

Thankfully the downhills gave my legs a break, before Mervyn Turtle's hoved into view, and more importantly that hill at the start of the Knockan Road. You'll be impressed to learn that I didn't get off the bike, although I did have to take shelter at the top from a hail shower. Finally, finally it was down into sunny Broughshane and Woodlands.

The stats: 42.54 km - 1h59m50s - max speed 45.5kph - avg speed 21.2 kph.