June is bursting out all over

Well another fine sunny week in Moray – apart from the showery bits in between! Managed to squeeze in a couple of rides over the weekend and once more rattled around the summer league event at a less than impressive rate of knots.

Saturday afternoon was a fantastic ride out – not long by most people’s standards but it was a sunny day, I felt good and the scenery looked fantastic. I rode up the climb from Pluscarden towards Rafford. The sun was shining and the lush green grass and trees in the valley contrasted beautifully with the blue sky and the mountains in the background – even the freshly cut trees smelled nice – that pine fresh smell you only get in loo cleaner adverts was suddenly filling my nostrils – but this was the real thing and not some chemical fragrance designed to make bleach more attractive. It was one of those afternoons when you just felt great to be alive and cycling through this lovely countryside. Bet the guys racing in the Elgin CC events later that day didn’t enjoy the scenery quite so much.

Sunday was a lot cooler and I did get out on bike but suffered a long “wish I’d put a long sleeved top on” kind of thought for most of it. Enjoyed the ride nonetheless and found a new lane – isn’t it great when you find a new lane – its like you’ve discovered something nobody knew about – whilst its just you’ve found another way to get lost.

Midweek saw another running event and the Pale Rider joined a whole crowd at the summer league – most of whom managed cracking times on what was effectively a float night – most riders got PBs – young and old alike. That’ll just make next week all the harder though – there’s always that crash down to earth after a success.

This weekend sees me taking part in the club TT weekend – only signed up for the 10 so far – think any further involvement will involve standing on a corner in a bright yellow jacket and pointing. Lets hope the entry numbers are up and so is the temperature but not the windspeed eh? Good luck to all who are riding – get a late entry in to those who aren’t – and thanks in advance to organisers, marshals, tea lady’s etc.

and finally ---------

This weeks cycling top tip:

Always apply your chamois crème before applying any warm up oils or embrocating products.