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Ode to an odometer
Today marks the last day of my holiday, which means I’ll be back to the grindstone in a pitifully short amount of time. I thought I might squeeze in one more ride before it’s all over - especially now that I have a new bike computer to try out. I set the odometer to zero and peddled out into the wilds of Brockley.
First stop Ladywell Fields: I raced down the hill into Catford where I found myself on the aptly named Canadian Avenue. I zoomed past Montreal House with one eye on the road and the other on my speedometer… “how fast am I going? what about now? any faster now?” It was a race against none.
Want to know how far Catford is from Brockley? According to my clock, about 10 minutes. I had to go further.
On to Beckenham, through some very pretty parks and a cool looking golf course:
As you can see there was still frost on the ground and even some ice in places:
As I peddled through, I checked my average speed - a lowly 10.3mph. I can do better than that, can’t I?
I was now well into Kent. I went right through Beckenham Town Centre and through Kelsey Park. What’s my top speed? I’m pleased to announce a not inconsiderable 25.7mph. Wooooh!
I finally reached my destination, Biggin Hill. Suddenly the busy streets and suburban houses fell away behind me as I pushed on through the open countryside. The views were spectacular and the hills were nothing short of steep.
Despite the frost, the hedgerows weren’t bare - there were bright red berries and these funny white seed pods (anyone who can tell what they are, please do):
I turned around and headed back home. I had left some bread to rise while I was out and it was time to put it in the oven. When I got back, my odometer had clocked 20 miles and I was running on empty. I filled up on homemade soup and warm bread, before kicking my feet up.
It certainly feels like a fitting end to a lovely, long holiday.
p.s. here’s a picture of me and my bike about a week ago. I look kind of dorky, don’t I? I’m wearing about 5 layers on average to keep warm in this weather!
