Stephen Malaney, who joined the Audax community at the start of 2020, had to evade an empty beer bottle, hurled at him as he rode through a Glasgow street. But it didn’t dampen his spirits as he sought solace on an unforgettable solo ride into the mountains and moors north of the city. Here are his impressions of his longest day on a bike – a 200 mile circuit through the Scottish countryside…
Arrivée152Summer2021
Life is better on 38
break in weather in A the Sma Glen near the halfway point
A BIG DOSE OF PORRIDGE with honey, and three slices of toast… and I was ready to face a very long day on the bike. The weather forecast had been perfect, but rain had been pounding on the roof since 3am, a familiar sound. In cycling you accept the rough with the smooth. I joined Audax UK at the start of the year, having given up racing and time trials due to a chronic hip condition. I struggle to produce power from my left leg but if I pace it properly I can still ride long distances – something I’ve always loved. Audax seemed the logical way to keep some focus on riding and training. And while the pandemic had slammed the door on a whole range of events, I wanted to ride. When restrictions eased during the summer, and unlimited exercise was allowed, I planned to try for my longest day on the bike.
