The weather gods were shining down today in more ways than one. After, what can realistically be described as biblical rain yesterday, the day started bright and sunny. Not wanting to miss out on my regular Saturday morning Park Run, as soon as I got home and showered, I got into my kit and took the bike out.
I know I've already mentioned my leathers, but after a winter of Rukka textiles, which remain excellent by the way, putting the heavier more restrictive leather on, was initially a bit strange. I'd forgotten how heavy they actually are when getting ready and was reminded of that fact but the dull pain in my lower back before getting on the bike. Once on, the pain quickly disappeared and they remained very comfy on the bike as they hold the body in exactly the right place. The other benefits are that when the speed gets up, there's no turbulence across my back like with the textiles, so I can just concentrate on my riding.
Today's route was a good one. I headed up to Shaftesbury in Dorset, across some fast country lanes and picked up the amazing A30 and rode it all the way to Salisbury. After stopping for coffee (and parking right outside - bit risky, but hey, who cares) I headed back home via the A354.
On the way back there appeared to be a cycling event taking place, with lots of riders spread out along one of the fastest B roads in the county. I have no problem with cyclists at all as I think its a great past time and a great way to maintain your fitness, but I do have an issue with running an organised event on open public roads, with no warning signs for other road users and just a few 'timers' at roundabouts in hi viz, directing the cyclists. There seemed to be no order with groups taking up the whole road, seemingly chatting away, as I rode past I couldn't help but think there has to be a better way (Im sure they weren't all chatting away, but this was my impression in the seconds it took to pass). Reading this back it makes me sounds like a bit of a dick and really, its not about the cyclists, its more to do with the broader safety of said cyclists and other road users. We all know how drivers can react to being behind them and its rare that they are given the correct amount of space in the first place. As the most vulnerable of all the road users, I just felt that a little more should have been done.