Sun, ice and getting lost

I got up early this morning to get a ride in before tackling all the jobs Clare had for me, and opened the curtains to a sunny and very cold morning. Perfect!

Lots of layers was the order of the day, and I started the ride with 4; a Trekmates merino long sleeve baselayer, Endura long sleeve cycling top, Gore Oxygen SO jacket and a Pearl Izumi Gilet. I often start with the gilet and then pack it away once I have warmed up -- while it is thinm the extra wind barrier takes a little edge off. I also had on double gloves, merino socks and overshoes. I was prepared for the elements!

I wanted to try some roads I had not ridden before, so headed out of Reading down the Oxford Road to Pangbourne. From there I turned off left then right towards Upper Basildon. Upper being the word here as the road climbed straight up! I kept a steady pace but was glad when the road flattened. What I wasn't expecting was ungritted roads and I struggled to stay up right at times.

From there I looped under the M4 to Bradfield. Not having done this route before I didn't expect the very steep short climb through Bradfield village. That was really hard going! I need to loose some weight to help my climbing, as hauling my body up those type of steep hills is really hard going...

Then the road dropped down to Theale, and I followed the road back to Pangbourne, and retraced my steps back to Caversham. My pace was not great overall, partly due to the hills taking it out of me and not having done much riding over Christmas.

Great to be out in the cold though!