Easterly winds, freezing
temperatures and heavy snowfall couldn’t stop me coming out to play thanks to
its rugged dependability further accentuated by those Schwalbe Winter tyres.
Gone is the gravelly pitter-patter, replaced by gentle swooshing as deep
chevron treads parted white powdery carpets and tungsten carbide studs bit into
compacted underlay. Flicking down the cassette for extra momentum, my gloves’
outer membrane proved little match for the harsh Arctic blasts as it swooped with us,
through the exposed and untreated lanes.
Small cars and agricultural,
diesel engined commercial wagons slither past, almost in slow motion for fear
of losing traction. Straight sections see our tempo increase, fourteen;
sometimes fifteen miles per hour-tempered by my consciousness’ reminder that
respect must always preside over complacency in these conditions.
Snow clinging to mudguards, chainstays, rear derailleur body and beneath the bottom bracket shell is rapidly turning to ice as we pass remote yet busy garages from a time before plug-in diagnostics ruled supreme. Though closed, trade is brisk judging by the forecourts hosting 07 plate SUVs, forty- year old MG BGT and middle aged Fords.
Snow clinging to mudguards, chainstays, rear derailleur body and beneath the bottom bracket shell is rapidly turning to ice as we pass remote yet busy garages from a time before plug-in diagnostics ruled supreme. Though closed, trade is brisk judging by the forecourts hosting 07 plate SUVs, forty- year old MG BGT and middle aged Fords.
Checking over my shoulder,
indicating left at the junction, there’s nothing coming- we’re homeward bound
now, maintaining a steady course. My mind drifts but not far, to the test
reports I’ve to finish, the opportunities that need chasing before
contemplating the welfare of those closest to me.
Menacing cobalt skies, heavily pregnant
with further snowfall have me questioning whether day glow jacket /vest should’ve accompanied suitably
garish gloves. Fifteen minutes later. I’m home; carrying said tubby tourer
across the threshold and longing for warming, caffeine-laden refreshment but
otherwise ready to begin another day at the keyboard.
1 comment:
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