The past few days have been really hot, making even short rides tough, let alone longer ones. Luckily, today’s forecast called for cooler weather, so I saw a good chance to get out and see how my legs would hold up. With the London to Southend Bike Ride only three weeks away, it seemed a good idea to get out for a training ride. I decided to head out early before things started to heat up.
The weather was about as good as you could hope for in late June. It was around 20°C at the start, and by the end, it had warmed up to the mid-twenties. It was pleasant the whole way and never got uncomfortable. If it hadn’t been for the wind, it would have been a perfect day for a ride.
Hanningfield reservoir, where the visitor centre is a nice coffee stop
A steady wind blowing against me stayed for most of the ride, and strong gusts up to about 27 mph made it much harder than it should have been. On open roads and hills, it felt like the wind was pushing back, making every mile a struggle.
By the time I got back to Shoeburyness, I had ridden 55.6 miles and climbed 1,732 feet in just over four and a half hours. The biggest surprise was that, even with the wind against me most of the ride, I had my fastest 50 miles of 2026. That gave me a real confidence boost and showed my training is working. Riding into a steady wind while keeping my heart rate steady and still hitting my fastest 50 miles of the year reminded me that steady training really pays off.
With the London to Southend Bike Ride only three weeks away, I’m feeling quietly hopeful as the miles add up and my fitness steadily comes back. Today’s ride seemed like another step toward the start line.