A slight breeze coming from the East so I knew I would have a tail wind to start with but the return leg would be a bit harder.
I had my sights set on Sandbanks, and the Pavilion before you get to the posh houses on the spit where the ferry is.
I set off loaded up as I normally do, I like to ride with a heavy load as the ride is then more realistic and I get more out of it.
I was wearing my skull cap under my helmet which really kept my ears and head warm, it's thin material with a layer of fleece type material. Excellent and even when wet with sweat it still kept my head and ears warm.
I will have to take a picture of it!
I left my house and headed for Highcliffe, once at Highcliffe Castle you are right on the coast and up high which gives you spectacular views.
This is looking towards Mudeford, beautiful sandy beaches.
I knew that today would be tough so I made sure I stopped often and took on plenty of fluids.
On the way back this was a necessity rather than I requirement, but more about that later!
From here I dropped down to Mudeford Quay, not many around today. During the summer it can be mobbed!
Low tide at Mudeford, an excellent place to go crabbing.
Onwards towards Christchurch, the ferry not working during the week in the winter, so I had to go the long way round.
Not that it is a chore, a lovely ride in fact and out towards Hengisbury Head.
Turning right towards Southbourne and then down onto the sea front.
You then stay on National Cycle Route 2 all the way, past Boscombe, Bournemouth and eventually out towards Sandbanks.
It was fantastic weather, and out of the wind the sun was really warm.
Plenty of people out and about especially through Boscombe and Bournemouth as you would expect.
I do get frustrated with people though. There are plenty of signs to say that cyclists are allowed, and that pedestrians have priority which I have no problems with.
What I do have a problem is with people who feel it is their right to obstruct me!
One guy at Boscombe decided not to move even though I saw him looking at me, I had to say to him, "If you don't move for me I hope you move for the Land Train which is right behind me"! He soon jumped!
I just don't get it, even when certain parts of the sea front are road, they amble along right in the path of moving cars!
Anyway, rant over!
I finally got to Sandbanks Pavilion which was built in 1928.
I sat undercover, and out of the breeze, put my hoody on to keep warm and put the hood up.
However this did make me look like a "Tramp"!
I'm sure a woman looked at me and took an extra ride berth around me!
I was not that prepared for the trip, so all I had on me apart from a few cereal bars was a Pot Noodle, so out came the stove and I boiled up some water.
I have to add that at this point I did feel rather knackered, it was December since I last rode properly and having the time away from the saddle has really made a difference to my fitness levels.
The journey back was slow, and I do mean slow with plenty of stops.
I have completed this trip with only two stops before, not today, I must of stopped a dozen times!
Although stopping does have it's advantages, you tend to find people talk to you which I really like.
On my way down I stopped to talk to a guy who was living rough, and talking to him found out that it was a lifestyle choice and not because he had no other options.
He told me that he had walked the length and breadth of the UK and had made a pilgrimage to Israel. However they would not let him in as he had no money and had to walk all the way back to the UK again!
A fascinating bloke who I could of easily stayed talking to all day.
An old guy stopped to talk to me about my bike and we ended up talking about motorbikes for 10 minutes.
I talked to an old lady who was in her 80's she was a keen cyclist in her day and wanted to know all about my Fat Bike!
I think that by giving people the time of day and making conversation, you learn so much.
I finally made it home absolutely shattered, my arse was sore, my legs ached as well as my arms.
It really did surprise me how much fitness I had lost.
But I managed 55km which isn't bad all things considering and it did feel good to be back out on the bike!
So, today is a rest day, but I'll be back out Saturday morning for a short ride just to get the muscles working again.
Ride safe
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