The Coldest December for 120 Years

I had a vague plan to cycle 1000 miles in December. Unfortunately the reality was more like 300 miles. It was the coldest December in the UK for 120 years, which was a pretty good excuse for putting up the feet and taking a break. But I’m hoping for a few weeks of non-icey roads to get back into a good training rhythm.

I still managed a few rides over the Christmas break. I will always remember on Boxing Day ride. I broke my rule of not going out in sub-zero temperatures (it was -1 Degrees) I managed 36 miles cycling to Skipton. The traffic was very quiet and it was not a big deal being on the A65, which is usually too busy for cycling. I wore 10 layers of thermal clothing, three pairs of gloves and two packs of hot pads to provide extra heat to the extremities.

It’s the kind of ride you feel proud for completing. It was certainly beautiful cycling through the frosted Dales, but you wouldn’t have wanted to stop and mend a puncture in that.

I took one or two photos on my new iPhone from another ride to Burnsall.

Hope everyone had a good year, there will be more posting now the Christmas festivities are over and I have quite a few plans for the New Year.