Tell you what, when it rains in the Limousin it rains for the world. We are on our third day of rain now, and no end in sight. None of that mamby pamby pishy stuff either, no proper downpour.

Take yesterday for example. I was so desperate to get out on my bike that when the rain stopped for a while and blue sky appeared I changed and was away. The roads were still wet, but I didn’t mind, just glad to be out on my bike. All went well, even ventured off-road, started to enjoy myself, didn’t notice the huge black clouds creeping up on me.

Five minutes later the rain started, light rain at first, but then heavier and heavier, and just when you thought it couldn’t rain any harder it turned to hail, and it hurt! With nowhere to stop for shelter, I paddled (might as well have been) on. Half an hour later I was back indoors stripping off sopping wet kit, and feeling very cold. Half an hour later again, the sun had come out to mock me.

Today, guess what? It’s raining! But then, I’d rather be riding my bike in the rain than working 🙂

Training has been going well, very well. I’ve found some great trails to ride, and the more I go out, the more I find. See, I’ll set off with the loose intention of going to Cognac le Foret, and end up never getting there because I got tempted by stuff along the way. I’ll come home with three good hours under my belt having the planned Cagnet ride in my back-pocket for another day. Cool or what?

Of course it’s not all fun and cycling. I’ve been working on the problem of bathroom waste water not draining as it should. I’ll do that as a separate post with a food warning!

Just like as if someone had flicked a switch, spring has arrived in the Limousin. The birds are singing, butterflies have appeared, and great flocks of migrating birds have been passing over.

I set off for a recovery ride through the local lanes wearing legwarmers, and a lightweight jacket. Had to stop after about 10 minutes to take my gloves off, it was that warm!!! As I bowled along in the early spring sunshine on deserted roads I felt fantastic. Anyway, I stuck to the game plan, and only did a couple of hours easy riding. When I got back, I sat on the patio and sunbathed while I watched the grass grow. 🙂