I set off at 1500 Friday for what should have been a DIY 300km audax ride featuring a loop of 205km back home and the remaining 95km thereafter.
Out to Bridge of Allan on the north side of the Forth for sun kissed fish and chips and onwards to Dunning and back to Auchterarder for a hot drink before the shops closed at 2200. The ride up from Dunblane to Dunning was sensational with the sun setting on a lovely clear day. I was hoping that one of the 3 petrol stations at Cambus, Grangemouth and Bo'ness on the way home might be able to provide a hot drink even if only via hatch service. No chance - the coffee machine was out of service (cleaning) at Cambus and the two subsequent petrol stations were closed.
My saddle (Brooks B17) had been creaking a bit throughout the ride and I learned why at the 162km mark near the Powfoulis Hotel. Crack went the tension bolt and sag went the saddle. Hmm, it was after midnight, I had an awfy saggy saddle and I was still over 40km from home. Dark thoughts of breaking lockdown rules by heading to my nephews house under 5 miles away came and went. Id taken a down jacket with me for use while stationary so I decided to put it on and continue home slowly.
Riding in the dark always takes a kilometre or two off my speed and intermittent honking added another dimension. I arrived back home on 205km at around 0330 bitter cold with my arse in tatters. My original plan had me home at least an hour earlier. I had a bath (ouch!) and set the alarm for 0500 forcing myself to make a conscious decision on whether to head out for the final 95km which Id have until just before 12 noon to finish.
I didn't really fall asleep and it was a no brainer to stay put when the alarm went off.
New tension bolt ordered.
I live to fight another day.
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/65698148