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@tbc
Repped, ace attitude.
I was feeling a bit guilty about not having been on a proper ride today, so I went for out for a little evening jaunt around Highgate. I decided to do every*hill once, and then went up Swains again at the end for a little treat.
The first time I was heading up Swains, there was a group of about twenty out on some kind of guided walk. As my heavy panting became audible, one woman turned around and shouted "Come on!" and all of a sudden all twenty of them were egging me on. It was one of the best things I have ever experienced on a bike.
Descending Highgate West fixed was worse than ever with the slipperiness and my way past acceptable front tyre. And I realised tonight that going up it is even worse, and something I'd never done before.
On the way home I remembered I'd never actually made it up Swains fixed before, my previous two attempts failed due to heavy panniers, and then the fact that I tried it after my first Intermediate session at Herne Hill.
Pretty rewarding all in all, I'm really glad I went out, and my tea smells amazing.