Wet weather ride

 Well,  it had been almost two weeks since I got out for a ride.  Honestly,  I was pretty biked out after my 500k for the month challenge. Probably the 120k in the final two days didn't help.  But,  i got over that and have been waiting for a break in the weather,  and work,  so I could head out again.

And,  today was the day.  It was overcast middle day over a rainy stretch of days and as I headed out it was overcast, but not quite raining.  Today I rode my Jamis touring bike,  one pannier on and a bar bag with snacks and my phone. I had the phone on listening to the "Sports Adventure Podcast" and I thought I had Strava on,  but I hadn't.  

I just really felt the need to have a hit out to expend some frustration energy that builds up when you can't ride for a while.  I had a weather eye out and gads a down jacket just in case things got too crazy in the weather department.  The short route was an18k, while the longer was thirty something.  Both had opportunities for coffee at their outward points and I wasn't fussy.  

Clipped in with my new shoes and with a stiff,  cool crosswind, the miles drifted by quite easily and with the absence of solid rain, the decision to go big was easy. 

The Australian government had the view that all the important people had been immunized and unilaterally decided to open our borders. I was prepared for extra road traffic,  but out was okay.  Perhaps rural Australia isn't important after all? But "I no complain", and today I was passed by few cars. 

Unfortunately,  the Coffee Cubby was closed.  It's a morning thing, so I headed back and settled on a banana and rectangular food bars. 

About two thirds into the ride my daughter phoned and it was then that I realised Strava was not recording.  It doesn't bother me, I just like to keep a mileage tally.  

A funny thing happened on the home stretch  as I was climbing the forest of four rolly hills, listening to a podcast guest waxing eloquently about some backpacking adventure deep in the mountains,  I was gazing inattentatively over a paddock when a road cyclist came silently from behind and said "hello". For a second I thought itas an ad on the podcast,, but then únintentionally yelled out "shit", quite loudly.  We had a chuckle as he pootled on by on his lightweight racing bike.  I have never been passed by a bike before. Not because I rode fast,  but because there's usually no-one else around.  

So I made it back safely,  only slightly spent and enjoying that post- ride buzz, thankful that i had pushed myself out the door.

Keep pedalling.