Hello - I'm finally back! The site seemed to be down for ages, then I've been away, so I'm pleased it's back and running. In the mean time I've been out riding my bike....

On Saturday I went for a ride with my brother and boyfriend up to a place called Kington, near where my parents live which apparently has the highest gold course in Europe. We climbed for a while but when we turned to come back it was fantastic - we just freewheeled for about 5 miles, with amazing views of the countryside whizzing by.

Then on Thurdsay I went out by myself for about 43 miles ( longest solo ride I've done) and had such a good time.

I rode up to a town on the borders of Wales, which is very sleepy and rural, and from the looks of suprise and interest I got, I gave the good people of Hay quite a turn, rolling up on my road bike all lycra'd up, with my blue lensed shades and my figure hugging jersey. Had a great cup of coffee and a slice of date and walnut cake though.

The last 8 miles up to Hay were tough- lots of short sharp hills, but the view of the rolling Welsh hill sides were fantastic.

Do you ever go out on a training ride only for it to change half way through? I decided the difference between a bike ride and a training ride is when you have to stop and admire the view. All thoughts of 'training' went out of my head and I figured there's plenty of time for the head-down, hard ride stuff on less interesting roads.

I came back along the main road which was more or less flat and with a tail wind was merrily going along at 18mph, following the route of the River Wye and admiring the water meadows, the flowers and the bend in the river. Ahhh... so tranquil.

Sadly today I'm back at work..... Roll on the weekend!