Wind beneath my cleats

I’ve got a need for speed.

Usually I’m only able to indulge it on descents.

Today I aired it out on the flats.

With a little help from the breeze at my back. Or maybe it was a gale.

Overnight the wind howled, flailing our blinds, spinning our patio umbrella. Further afield, it knocked out power, tore branches from trees.

This morning it was still blowing with purpose.

Usually I cower from riding on windy days.

The constant rush of air over my ears is annoying. The effort to get anywhere can be frustrating.

But sunshine and new wheels on the Lapierre beckoned.

Of course with every tailwind must come a headwind.

But some clever routing along urban bike routes, sheltered by trees and houses, mitigated much of the headwind.

When we turned for home, the full force of the day became apparent.

The wind picked us up and sailed us along. With minimal effort, the Garmin quickly climbed through 30 kph, 40 kph, kissed 50 kph.

This is what it feels like to ride like a pro, I thought. Except they can do it uphill.

I’ll take my victories, and Strava achievements, any way I can.

The reward for a fast day out on the bike; grilled lamb with rosemary from our garden!