Today, of course, was Mother’s Day here in the UK. I hadn’t intended going out for a ride, but the sun was shining and my car was otherwise engaged (taking my wife the one-ish miles to her parents’ place), so I decided to put on my eco-green coloured hat and cycle over to my parent’s’ house to deliver the soppy card and box of chocolates that the day requires.
Taking it easy so that I didn’t arrive as a complete sweaty mess, I headed down the Antrim Road and across to the east of the city with what I’ll call a fairly stiff breeze at my back. Despite the wind, it was one of warmest days so far this year and I was glad I’d decided to brave shorts for the first time. Even so, I was soon overheating and had to roll the sleeves of my top up. Serves me right for wearing a winter top with shorts.
After the visit to my mum’s and refuelling with a jam doughnut (well, it would have been rude to refuse), I headed back towards the hills along the Sustrans NCN93 route bordering Belfast Lough. Given the conditions I was a little hesitant about taking a coastal path, but fortunately the bulk of the wind’s force came from the side instead of from straight ahead and so didn’t adversely affect me too much.
I followed the path into Jordanstown, then took the opportunity to explore the Newtownabbey Way as it presently exists. It was a pleasant change from the more urban route I normally take and I’ll write some more about it shortly. It also offered decent shelter from the wind, as I turned to face it. No complaints from me there.
So not a bad day out on the bike overall. 25 miles on the clock, ecological and economic karma balanced with 25 miles of petrol saved and my Good Son deed done for another year.
And to think I was going to stay in instead.
