Riding, riding and more riding (are we in Yorkshire?!)

Five more glorious days have passed in France and on four of them I was out on my bike. In fact I had cycled eight days in a row befoore deciding to have a 'rest day' yesterday as the old legs were starting to feel a bit fatigued. Was also getting quite alot of stick from the trouble and strife, even though none of my rides have been beyond the two hour mark. So yesterday spent alot of the day laying the foundations of a deck with my son Lawrence instead (he is very talented at that sort of thing), before heading out for a lengthy meal at the Commerce restaurant in Mirepoix. Today felt refreshed and recorded my fastest average speed all year and also went past my total mileage for last year! Finished a hugely entertaining biography of the late John Mortimer too, as well as finding time for an evening stroll with Mrs M to keep her sweet.

Wind and rain

Very Autumnal type day here, quite a contrast to the previous two days. Still, decided to brave the wind and set out after lunch in the direction of Limoux. After a small 3km climb after about 30 minutes the rain began and kept me saoaked all the way back - the second climb of the day (The Col De L'Espinas) was over 8km in length, not steep except at the top but pretty miserable because of the climatic conditions. The descent on the rain-soaked roads was quite hairy in places. Feeling stronger every day but sure was glad to reach the dry at Les Senies!

Daily routine

Have got into a good routine of getting out for a ride every day so far- 4 days on the trot. Saturday was hot and overcast and I went out with Nick (10) for a circuit to Camon and thereafter for a ride out through Belloc. Yesterday was very hot and sunny in the low 30's and I completed a mainly flat course out towards Pamiers and back, meeting Ro and Lawrence for a drink in Mirepoix on the return. Today was very breezy, but undeterred I went up to Puivert and back, some 55km round trip with the return leg being completed some 8 minutes faster than the outward leg! Feel I am now really getting into the swing of it!

Back in the Pyrenees via Bilbao!

Arrived back at Mirepoix this afternoon, after spending a couple of expensive days in Bilbao. Greeted by a humid overcast day and with the usual metre high weeds in the garden (having grown like that in just over a month since I was here for the Tour De France). Attacked and dealt with them straight away and within 3 hours of arriving was out on the bike with an opening short Camon circuit - caught a French chap up and we rode together for the last few kms. I put the hammer down a bit and tried half heartedly to lose him but he had no problem staying with me. Mind you he had about a 10 year advantage on me! Hairy legs though and as we know shaved legs can make all the difference. Looking forward to the next 10 days here...

Like driving a car without sat nav

After spending the day in hot muggy London what better than to get home to sunny Sussex and get out for a shortish evening ride. Got on the bike to find the computer was not working - felt a bit weird without it, rather like being in the car without sat nav! Still decided to ride without it and it was strangely liberating not worrying at all about average speed, distance etc. I still knew how far I had gone as it was a regular circuit through Hartfield and back round to East Grinstead. Came back to a house full of ladies as my better half had organised a Jamie at Home evening which seems to involve significant quantities of Pinot Grigio and some very loud conversation. The chocolate brownies that were made are a definite plus point though.

First time in a week (no not sex!)

Being busy at work and going to see your beloved parents over the weekend are not conducive to getting out on your bike, so last evening was the first time in over a week. Even then was a bit restricted on time as a result of Mrs M laying on the emotional pressure about being left alone with Mr Savignon Blanc too long. Also the enticement of the smell of something delicious in the pot! So chose a 33km outing around Ardingly way to stretch the old legs. Way too much traffic in places but felt better for it.