In the Zone

One of the great things about cycling is that time when it's just you, the bike and the road, and you're just wizzing along, hardly any effort, a good high cadence, and the tyres and tarmac making a slick sound. Doesn't seem to happen very often, especially in London, but I remember it happening more often at university or school. Perhaps it was the relatively open roads or town street, or even the larger wheels of the racer, but it seems to take pace less with the B. It can happen, of course. During the London to Brighton ride, when there was a relatively empty stretch, for example. Maybe it's more to do with nostalgia and rather younger legs.

However, zipping home last night was one of those rides. Perhaps it was the sunset and the blue dusk, perhaps the wind was in the right direction. But it all made for a good ride.

More prosaically, the tyres were well pumped up (c. 100 psi each, a bit less in the front) and the chain was freshly oiled. I'd been using White Lightning for a while, ever since I got oil all over the Head of XXX department's hands, and found it okay, if needing topping up often (and turning any porous surface white when applied. Banksy would love the stuff). But it was running low and to top up the Wiggle order for the Altura Reflex and get a discount I plumped for the new White Lightning 'Wet Ride'. Not something to type into google at work... It's thick stuff, but promises to be less mucky than oil (it's not a wax). Bring on the rain! They also do an 'Epic' brand, for UK conditions, which may be worth a go for summer. Suspect the chain will need more regular cleaning as already lumps of black goo seem to be accumulating.

Also, managed to get a smile out of another cyclist on the way in.