I had promised myself to get off to a flying start in 2010 and had a big 40 plus mile route planned out in my head, sadly how ever, as I left home this morning my legs had other ideas and I knew straight away that this sort of distance was beyond me.

Still, I managed to force myself out and up Leith Hill through Redlands and although the whole ride was a bit of a struggle I was pleased to make my way over the hill, down to Holmbury then over that hill to get refreshments at good old Peaslake stores.

After a cheese straw and mug of tea it was back over Holmbury Hill and then home by which time a creditable 26 miles was covered - not what I had hoped for originally but none the less, a pretty decent start to the year in glorious winter sunshine - beautiful