Not the January Sale

I’m wanting to be more active in 2025 than I was in 2024. I’m wanting more adventure simply because it’s fun and is great for my mental well-being. I’m sure it has benefits for my physical health, however, this is not the motivation behind it. And, it’s not because I have any guilt in relation to being lazy either. Plain lazy is an art form!

Vague plans were made to cycle the January Sale 200k audax on this first weekend in January, however, sensibility got the better of me and I didn’t even start. Weather conditions were poor, sub zero in fact and snow was forecast. I wasn’t overly concerned that I hadn’t crossed ‘cycle a 200k’ event off this years challenge list - still have 12 months to play with. Furthermore, had cycled this particular event on at least 2 occasions previous years. I remember being cold, wet and miserable too.

On a brighter note, this weekend saw me complete a ParkRun and cycle an event I stole from Komoot and dubbed ‘not the January Sale’. Am real pleased that early this year I have participated in some challenges. Better yet, I’m pleased that I’ve had some fun with others.

The ParkRun I completed was Babbs Mill. This was my 76th ParkRun to date and my first at this location. I finished in position 43/178 in a time of 26:13. My running has gotten slower over the years and it’s one of my challenges to beat my 2024 best time this year. 15 ParkRuns to go and I will have beaten my record for most ParkRuns ran in a year.

The ‘not the January Sale’ cycle was a lovely 45k jolly with my buddies Ron and the Meekon. As stated above, this was a stolen route - Komoot is great for pinching routes and getting ideas. We cycled using our MTB’s and got very muddy. Roads, tow path and a bit of single-track was followed. A stop at the Cowshed for much tea and a finish at Ron’s for bacon sarnies. So pleased I chose this cycle over the audax. Oh, and thanks to the Meekon for my new buff which kept my ears toasty warm.

Meekon, Doo and The Phantom