It’s been a slow roll into warmer weather here in Tasmania. Winter has tried it’s best to hang on! Sure, the days are longer and brighter, but the temperatures have stayed quite low, especially in the mornings. The Antarctic wind whipping straight off the ocean hasn’t helped either! This month we’ve at least had a few “sneak peeks” of Summer, but very few days where the mercury has edged past 20 degrees C. Today was probably the warmest day since March, topping out at 24 degrees C (75F). For many it was a public holiday (Hobart Show Day) but I was still working so couldn’t take full advantage.

I’d had a couple of hard effort days on the bike and wasn’t planning on riding, but the weather made for the perfect active recovery day so I just HAD to get out there. I got kitted up (#FullKitWanker) and wheeled the Trek out! My legs were in need of some lower intensity spinning so I dialled the watts right down and enjoyed some casual miles in the glorious sunshine.

Southern Tasmania was subject to a snap three day lockdown last week. I’m not a virologist, politician or medical doctor, so I’m not going to get into the rights or wrongs or political motivations behind that. It was actually the first COVID case in the Tasmanian community for around 500 days, we’ve been COVID-free for so long on our little island state. Rules did limit rides to under two hours and not venturing more than 5km from home – but at least we weren’t forced to wear a mask while cycling like some other states.

But back to the ride. I seem to spend a lot of time going full gas or close to it on my rides. I enjoy that and of course it’s fun to put the hammer down and ride hard. It’s also fun to take your foot off the gas from time to time. Today was one of those days. I was happy just to be outside and enjoying life. It was refreshing to breathe (easier) in the fresh air and appreciate the scenery instead of whizzing by it in a blur. I really need to “slow down” more often.

Summer tan lines here we come!