Spiritual Guidance of the truest kind

Unable for various reasons to join the maddening throng on Saturday, (Well not until the end when I went to look for short legs, as he’d left an SOS on my answering phone.) I entered the gym at about 1550 to be told they close at 1700 which meant a beasting on the runner, and a further 30mins on the cycle machine, not much time left for sit-ups and grunting at metal work.

In fact the young woman behind the scene at the gym seem quite disturbed by my hollow look after quite literally blowing out of my arse for an hour. Anyway I covered 5K running and 13K on the bike I believe a total of 17k in less than an hour which dealt with my catholic guilt for not being on the ride, and my protestant work ethic that I’d used the time well. No breakage for me other than more wear on already shot knees. That was Saturday, not fun, not funny, not even interesting but committed.

Sunday brought about another challenge on my new (to me) bike, 3rd one I’ve been trg on now, a Kona Nunu, ‘they’ say variety is the spice of life!

Hello boys unfortunately not the 1990s advertising campaign led by Eva Herzigova but a whole new world of PAIN that was introduced to me by Peter (the Ferrari) Branson.

Peter set off towards Hade Edge from Totties and out towards the forestry above the Home Styles with chilling speed, all off road. Again I was using that breathing tube usually reserved only for sprouts, cabbage and eggie bread. Peter’s broad grin and obvious excitement meant he hardly noticed my pain; keeping exactly just within my eye sight other than the few times he rode back to hold a conversation with me; which in fairness was a bit one way in that I had no spare breath for talking so I resorted to signing.

We belted round the forestry, ‘gentle spinning’ was how Peter described it. At one point near the end (what felt like my life), Peter offered a half hour loop which might take a bit longer! I fortunately found a voice and an excuse. There’s that protestant work ethic again, “No, maybe another time” I replied.

So onwards and upwards we went continuing to go up tracks I usually ride down to begin a truly speedy and enjoyable decent from Hade Edge into Wooldale. 13.3 miles all together in what felt like as many mins. A good work out, and most enjoyable. Thank you Peter. My new bike felt good, albeit it needs some attention to the front derailer and wider handle-bars.

Now then Vicar