Hills n pools!

Decisions, decisions.......well not really! I had considered going a ride with the club this morning but I knew they were going into the Peak. It would mean me cycling to Didsbury and then eh....back to the Peak. I rolled over and went back to sleep for an hour.
 
When I eventually got out, the sun was shining and it was a little warm for my winter jacket. It was great as I had cleaned my bike, changed brake blocks and had everything sparkly clean! That was until I hit the steep bit out of the climb and found I couldn't change down from my big front ring! My knee caps nearly popped. Fortunately, all it took was a wiggle as I had lubed it before leaving. I carried on up the climb at Mellor, down into New Mills and towards Whaley Bridge for the ascent of Long Hill. The clue is in the name, an ascent of 6.5km. It's relatively steady though and it's possible to get to the top without busting a gut!
 
I turned around to retrace my pedal steps on hitting the summit, heard someone shout "alright Andy" going up the way! Then two chaps in GB kit went flying past, I jumped on only to shit myself at the 1st corner! I backed off. From Whaley to New Mills was ok but I had left my bottle on the kitchen table and was now feeling parched! I met a nice chap with Rapha kit on, rode with him for 20 minutes until my legs gave up. The final tough climb out of Marple Bridge was horrible and I was exhausted by the time I got home.
 
After a large nose-bag and a short nap, I headed into town for my Sunday swim! I find it helps to loosen me off after a long bike but the pace was quite tough and I bonked 30 mins in! I still managed to finish the set! As I had a bit time to spare, I had a play with my camera. Something appeals to me about light when it's dark!