Some of the reasons in no particular order:

1. Comfy cockpit – shorter top tube and less bar drop than my usual racers means less strain on my back.
2. Multi purpose – fast on the road with a rack for commuting and knoblies to have fun on the single track on the way home.
3. Fun – stiff frame and sharp steering make it fast, snappy and fun.
4. FSA crankset – sexy and stiff. 46-36 is close ratio and usable in the real world.
5. Belgian hardman chic – form follows function PRO.

The sun was bright when I woke up this morning so there was no stopping me from jumping on the bike and getting out.

A relaxing coffee first, then I packed the bike and headed out.

Ready to go, with an un-needed coat just in-case.

The main road kicks up as soon as it leaves the village giving me an early workout.

Stopping for a photo gives me a nice rest too.

The arm-warmers stayed on despite the sunshine as there was a chill wind blowing. Heading across the Grand Union Canal and over the M25 I got out into the countryside proper and onto roads I’d not yet ridden.

Passed through this great looking woods, could see some nice looking singletrack and funky bomb-holes which merit coming back to play in.

The back lanes were quiet even for a Sunday which made for pleasant riding. I’d found some narrow cross country lanes on the map which I wanted to check for ride-ability as some were very narrow.

This lane started out well surfaced but degenerated into pot-holed madness strewn with rubish from fly tippers.

After riding through woods and shaded lanes it was warming to come out into open farmland. The reality of the roads on the ground didn’t quit match what I’d looked at on Google Maps so a few map stops were required to get me going in the right direction. My looping route soon climbed round to the other side of the valley.

Looking across to were I'd come from and was headed again, down then up.

Down into the valley it was then, a nice respite for my legs as the whole area does tend to be very up or down with little flat in-between.

Thankfully did not meet any cars along this narrow road. The M25 is just out of sight on the left.

After crossing the canal again it was back up and over Harefield again following the same roads I came out on.  The last couple of miles heading home are all down hill letting the body slowly normalise.

The last hill dropping down to home, fast.

It was a pleasant 16 mile ride I was home in time for lunch (Chorizo and Tomato baguette) and I found some quiet routes for riding to work on next week.

I never seem to get around to making new years resolutions too much going on and too many birthdays in January for typical resolutions to be practical. So I’ve made some now (but only to do with cycling) with the new financial year and spring arriving.

1. Cycle more – bit of a nobrainer really as too why, it’s finding the time though. Well the commute easily stretches to ten miles with a 15min diversion added on racking up 50% more mileage per day if done morning and afternoon.
2. Loose weight - lighter means faster, fitter and healthier. Now yes it is a clichéd resolution but if I can do number one, two kind of follows on.
3. Race - I’ve a shiny new cyclocross bike so it would be a shame not to use it. First race of the year is booked, I’m doing a bike leg at a tri relay.
4. Build a new fixed bike – fixed commuter was cannibalised of some parts for the new super commuter so it’s time to build an other, some of the bit’s are floating around my house, it’s time they came together with a few choice tasty components of ebay.
5. Join a club – I moved house last October (200 miles) so need the in-depth knowledge of the local rides (i.e. Cafes and Bar’s) that only a cycling club can bring. Found a club now just trying to find check book so I can pay the fees.

Well thats enough for now, time to get out and ride.