I am lucky to have a corner office, so spent most of the day watching the clouds go by. Come 4 o’clock I’d had enough and clocked off early for an extended bike ride home. I head out on Botley road, up Cumnor hill, round through Boars hill before descending back into town. Having given my legs a couple of good hill climbs, I slowed down to head round the ring road, past the Mini factory and into Horspath. Coming through Horspath I spy a group of 4 trundling through the village. A quick mental map confirms that I must be going faster than them; they must have come from my direction. I maintain my pace and confirm that I’m slowly gaining on them. The element of surprise is probably my only weapon; the group of four didn’t look like they were overly exerting themselves. As silently as possible I creep up until I sneeze. Sure enough four pairs of eyes look back, all four clocking my baggy shorts and pink top, all four turning back round before increasing their speed. Surprise gone, I up my speed, hoping that my tired legs will be able to get me past and maintain a lead up the hill. They have increased their speed quite considerably and are pulling away at the bottom of the hill. Cursing I try and increase my cadence and begin to reel them in. Gradually I gain on them, it’s not pretty I’m huffing and puffing like an old asthmatic, but I’m gaining on them. As I pass I offer a quick wave and try to control my breathing. Continuing up the hill I’ve increased my lead, but am genuinely about to collapse. I stop at the top and manage to control my breathing just enough to pull out my camera and take a photo of the view, I don’t think anyone was fooled that my photo stop was anything more than a rest break! They cruise past, and to my satisfaction also don’t look in the best shape, but as they roll past and down into Wheatley, they know they won.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 17:27:00 +0000
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