As I crossed over the road back into Fetcham I felt like I was stepping out of the wardrobe from Narnia back to the concrete of daily life.

I haven’t been out on my bike for a week and I was really looking forward to getting out tonight, just Dave and I tonight and after a fast ride with Jill last week where I was hot on her tail I was determined to see what I could do this week and if I could keep up the momentum for longer.

We went to Bocketts Farm and up Admirals track where I sat on Dave’s back wheel the whole time, it was a little daunting because I am used to having a bit more space between me and the person in front and it is quite flinty up there and being so close you don’t have the advantage of space or seeing what’s ahead but I was determined to push myself and see what I could do. Left after Admiral’s track, down beside the cow field where we came across 4 “older gentlemen” who were descending out of a footpath, they made me chuckle!

Then up the chalky climb which I used to find a boring, horrible slog but these days I amble along up there not quite on Dave’s back wheel but maybe 3 wheels behind, he could ceratinly hear that I was there, my breathing was the only noise I was capable of and certainly not a conversation but that will come with time.

I know as a runner that you maybe able to run and not chat but a few weeks later you can do both.

So he kept trying to get rid of me like I was a bad smell 😉 but I persisted and stayed with him, pleased I had convinced myself I am gaining that momentum and ability to maintain the pace.

Next down the tarmac and along Jem’s favourite where I had told Dave of my game to see how far along there you can get without pedalling.

Out of there and up to Norbury Park, down the rooty section, up the tarmac and then as fast as possible down the gravel and back up to Bockett’s farm.

Not a long ride but a nice evening and enough of a pace to feel like you have done something and able to push yourself.

We discussed how we could make that route slightly longer which will be good to try next week.

So we came out of Bockett’s farm and were crossing the main road when I felt myself passing back into reality and the normality of every day life and that’s when I felt like I had been in Narnia or a similar wonderland or playground for a short time but long enough to have some fun and release myself from day to day “stuff”

How lucky we are to have such trails on our doorstep!

Following on from my nutrition post a few weeks back I have been increasing my carbs especially on days I know I am going to be riding, tonight I had more energy than I expected and my nutrition profile for the day was much better balanced than in the past.

I start my nutrition course next month so it will be interesting what tips I pick up from that too.

A great ride tonight, with my new saddle 😉 and at least 2 more months of good evening daylight.

About the author

Cathie was introduced to mountain biking by Dave about 9 years ago but only really been riding regularly since May 2008 when she invested in a new hard tail (a white On-One classic Inbred), a wise investment as a result of being able to trial different bikes at Cycle Works demo day at Holmbury-St-Mary. She also rides a full suspension Giant Cypher which was this year's treat and saw many miles during the summer of 2010.

Cathie has attended skills days with Dirt Divas at Swinley Forest, she would like to improve her skills on bomb holes and her favourite trails are the ride over to Newlands corner loving "Whitedown" and a favourite trail through Denbies.

Cathie loves meeting other female riders of all fitness levels and experience and is hoping for less punctures in 2011 now that both bikes are wearing tubeless tyres!