The next town to the North of ours is about 3.5 miles away, and there is a cycle / foot path all the way there and further. It's a great route for cycling, as long as you keep an eye out for dogs, walkers and horse-riders, especially on a sunny day. Today was lovely and sunny, but freezing, so it wasn't too busy.
I wrapped up warm with 2 jackets and 2 pairs of gloves, and had a fairly relaxed ride along the path. It's slightly uphill most of the way there. I went past the town centre and continued on the path a bit further to extend the distance of the ride, and then turned onto roads to go back into the town.
When I got to the shopping centre, I'd covered about 7.5 miles. I locked up my bike, and went in the warm and cosy cafe. Personally I can't think of a more indulgent treat on an average morning than to sit in a cafe with a latte and a book. Since the kids were born, quiet time for reading has become a real luxury, and to add delicious coffee (and of course a tasty and unhealthy snack), is just the height of hedonistic pleasure.
After 30 mins with my kindle, I rode the 4 miles or so home. It's always a breeze on the way back as not only are my legs powered by caffeine, but it is mostly downhill.
This is a little outing I can only do when I have plenty of time, which is why I haven't done it for a while. I was lucky today that a non-work day coincided with some sunshine.
Tomorrow things will be much tougher, as I'll be dragging myself through a 13-14 mile run, involving no coffee, reading or pastry, so I'm glad I got my treat today.
All training should involve coffee and a treat. And the treat should be delicious and not actually transfer any calories into the eater.
ReplyDeleteBig run tomorrow! I hope the weather's kind to you.
This sounds so incredibly wonderful. Perfect. Are you reading something good? Do you carry your kindle in a backpack or do you have a big enough bag on your bike? Enjoy! I like Char's idea of no calories.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing more relaxing than a nice little COSY cafe and a book! Nice! sounds like a great day!
ReplyDeleteI found that the most relaxing thing I've read all day...well, aside from the riding to and from the cafe. Good luck with the long run! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like heaven!
ReplyDeleteI do this too! Every Sunday I do my long run to a pancake house where I treat myself to a cup of coffee. And on Thursdays I ride my bike into town and treat myself to coffee too.
ReplyDeleteWho needs races if there's coffee.
That is the best way to train and keep on enjoying it. My running club have a coffee run every Friday morning.
ReplyDeleteCycling a great way of cross training.
ReplyDeleteI would cycle for coffee!