Done and Done!

Yesterday’s forecast turned out to be accurate and there was a distinctly chilly feeling leaving the house at 10am and -2°C!

Once on my way though it was clear that the roads were once again dry and frost free. I headed for Ballybofey, looped around and took the main road to Clady before turning off across the border and up one of my favourite climbs into The Glebe, a small village with a view out over Strabane and across to the Sperrin Mountains.

I was nervous about this climb as it’s pretty tough and my legs were definitely feeling the accumulation of the distance over the previous 6 rides. However, head down, arse up and a steady rhythm soon got me to the top without running out of steam.

Part of the reason I like this climb so much is the long sweeping descent that brings you back to the main road. Into the picturesque Victoria Bridge and I took the back road to Strabane following the river.

A quick tea stop in Strabane and I retraced yesterday’s route home via Clady. This time I didn’t need the additional distance and turned off for home at Liscooley.

Getting to the house I had 60.9km on the Garmin and couldn’t finish like that. A few loops of the house was enough to cool me down and tip me over the 61km.

And just like that, it’s done. This is a challenge I never thought I’d ever be able to complete and I’m delighted to finally have done it. As well as a fantastic sense of achievement it’s also given me a new found respect for all of Audax riders that complete 300, 400 and 600km events as well as the huge 1200km events like London Edinburgh London, Paris Brest Paris or our very own Míle Fáilte.

Rapha Festive 500

The festive season is meant to be the moment to take a breath before life resets. But it often ends up being the most hectic part of the year. That is why we challenge ourselves every December – from the 24th to the 31st. Not just physically, but to remind ourselves that the holidays grant you permission to waste some time exactly how you want. We choose to waste ours over eight days, and 500 kilometres. Time is precious. Waste it wisely.