Didn't need to set the alarm, with the anticpation, excitement on a ride, it wasn't needed. Woke about 6:30am, freshened up, laid out my riding kit, including lycras. Despite the expandable nature of the lycra fabric, they were too tight.
Cup of coffee, down to the garage for a few final adjustments and checks, tyre still holding pressure, where's the helmet, gloves, found 'em ....... Mmmm, pinched a few corona whiskers putting in on, ready to go.
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Looked back to see an old friend.
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Be patient, our days will come.
A small, short incline to start with, so a short walk. When I reached the top of the driveway, mounted the truSTy STeed, head down, bum up, ready for the next hill. Reached the top without dismounting, an achievement. Then generally straight and flat for the next 400m, then some twisties.
Grinning from ear to ear (hurt my face muscles), leaning in and out the curves, power on - power off, couple of tight switch-backs low range, 1st gear needed, but I knew this wouldn't last, a short pause and a look back.
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And then what every road rider wants to avoid, gravel, especially as the 700 x 23 HP road tyres had seen better days.
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But every cloud has a silver lining, after 300m the tar and cement (it seemed like a km, but I had a tune and words from 1966 helping, soothing me), ended.
![](https://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/RTE%20ST%20Helena%20Apr%202020/IMG_1569_zpsk1ttfgkm.jpg)
Generally flat, winding and but fast for the next few km, then a short fast downhill, high-range, 7th gear, probably up to 40km/h a couple of times, almost home.
![](https://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/RTE%20ST%20Helena%20Apr%202020/IMG_1570_zps1cqflce3.jpg)
But every downhill means an uphill following. As we are almost at the top of the hill and the shortest routes are the steepest, my mind searched for a route with a smoother up grade. This added another 2km to the ride, and me zig zagging across a wide carriageway, creating my own series of switch-backs, to further flatten the steep grade. At least I zigged when I needed to, and zagged likewise.
Home about 9:00am.
Total distance 10.09km.
Now I think I earned those extra rashes of bacon and sausages, and pancakes and maple syrup.