The city beckoned and as I was awake at my usual 5.30 am, I headed on up after breakfast. I haven’t done the river loop for many months, although I have been up to Southbank a few times on the bike. It’s not been an easy year to get motivated, that rut I have been in has been more difficult to climb out of but I am finally up and out and preparing for the road ahead.

My fitness levels for the bike have also been diminished due to my lack of riding. It was a difficult ride this morn and I felt that from the off. The first few kilometres are up hill, a slow climb but the calf muscles were beginning to complain after a short time and I felt sick because too much exertion too soon after breakfast ain’t good.

There are two decent hills that I usually have to drop the gears for and today was no exception, however I had to stop half way up for a breather, the heart rate got way too high too quick. But I refuse to get off and push, although one of the other cyclists that had passed me on the flat a few minutes earlier did so and I felt a gloat coming on as this younger guy couldn’t handle the climb.

Reaching the top of the second hill brought with it a sense of relief because I now knew that I would be able to make it back to the car without too much trouble. I was enjoying being back out doing this circuit and the day was relatively cool which was an added bonus. Over the next few weekends I think I’ll do a bit more since I have more time on my hands.

When I got home I tucked into the leftover Pakora that I bought yesterday, I had it cold straight from the fridge and it was delicious. The dipping sauce is magic. After, I headed to the hammock for a siesta before making Chilli for lunch and then here I am sitting on the computer and at the same time ducking outside to soak the Noisy Mina birds that are a fucking nuisance. If I had a gun I would shoot them but there is a certain enjoyment giving them a soaking with the hose and no blood to clean up……….