Out on my regular ride today the one which keeps me this side of sanity in this insane world. Cartographers amongst us would recognise it as being the backbone of this blog. Today whilst pedalling up a steep incline I was passed by a youth on a scooter who slowed when he had passed and pulled a wheelie ahead of me before scooting off. No words or glances were exchanged so I can only assume it was a salute to the gradient we were both riding up. I’m taking it as a positive event as he did not return like some slasher movie and do me in. Thinking back it was a bit ‘Grand Theft Auto’ though.

There is something magical about the rush of fresh air and being alone in the saddle in open countryside as the sun sets to the west of me and I am relaxed by the transcendental hum of tyre tread on tarmac. Having pedalled this ride several times now I’m starting to tune into it’s seasonal soundtrack. Today I heard the rush of water in several places that were quiet two weeks before when I last rode that way. Recent rains and the change of season altering the soundscape.

Regeneration.

b

Hit on the head by an acorn today. Seasonal happenstance or angry squirrel? The sunshine of the Indian summer of 2016 continues creating a glorious autumn. No doubt it’s freaking the flies out.

23 miles today (not on a tandem). Glorious sunshine for early October. Good vision of harnessing wind power the old way and the new way. Same idea just a few hundred years in between and just goes to show good ideas never disappear completely (not the best picture but the clues are there!) They’ll be relaying the train tracks next.

23 miles round Rutland Water today on a tandem.