Friday afternoon and thoughts turn to the weekend’s riding.
A bank holiday lies ahead and with it several possibilities: a weekend adventure, two short rides bookending a longer effort on Sunday, a pay-on-the-day sportive, perhaps.
If the weather forecasters are to be believed, Sunday will be drenched in sunshine, with more inclement (read: “wet”) weather either side. For a short spin, unless it’s pouring before the start, a little rain should be no deterrent, especially at this time of year where its unlikely to be accompanied by the sort of temperatures that can bring chills. A lightweight rain cape should be adequate to see off precipitation and should be easily stowed when it stops.
Time on the ‘best’ bike is likely to be drawing to a close if we’re denied an Indian summer in lieu of the conditions experienced earlier this year while the water companies warned of ‘drought’; another month perhaps before the change of season heralds the grisly road conditions to which exposing expensive components and carbon frames has the mark of recklessness.
This weekend, however, barring monsoon conditions, should allow more time spent in the company of the finest bike in the quiver, or at least on the finest wheels. The steel steed can wait until October. This weekend offers another opportunity to fly up hills, and to glide past the bank holiday traffic on the way to quieter roads.
If rain doesn’t carry the day, or, still worse, the weekend, then another weekend’s riding in summer kit awaits, unencumbered by layers, jackets, gilets, or warmers to take on and off as rising temperatures on rides begun on cold winter mornings often dictate.
A short ride tomorrow will afford plenty of time to recover in front of the Vuelta a Espana. While today’s stage promises to be a sprinter’s benefit, and another chance for Britain’s world scratch race champion, Ben Swift (Team Sky) to get off the mark, Saturday will see the GC contenders back on duty.
Almost every stage of the opening week has been a thriller, with the big guns, Contador, Froome, Rodriguez, and Valverde wasting no time in seeking an advantage. Froome has more than held his own against the Spanish trio, an especially impressive achievement given his exertions for Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France. Neither Contador or Rodriguez contested the Tour, but Froome’s lack of freshness and specific training for the event has not counted against him. If the prospect of rain leaves you seeking inspiration, then a ‘catch up’ viewing on the players of ITV4 or Eurosport should provide it.
Wherever you’re riding this weekend, stay safe, and enjoy it.
