Firsts

Today I achieved a number of firsts:

First, I created a new route - I'll call it the Taratahi route.  Head north towards Masterton from where I live, east into Clareville and then up Chester Road and out at the Mill, pass the main road and then back via Gladstone.  It took me 2 and half hours, so I doubled my time of yesterday.   It's quite a nice route.  Another flat route.  It leads the road that leads to Mt Holdsworth, so there are number of farms that have fences built of stones, because that's how the landscape is.

Secondly, I was chased by a dog.  It is definitely not nice to be chased by a dog.  I was in fact quite scared.   I have total sympathy for posties now.  I remembered cycle "faster and harder" so I lost the dog, but for a few moments I was having thoughts of what it would be like to have dog bites on my lower leg, and be savaged by a farm mutt (I do actually like dogs, just not dogs that chase me with vicious intent) in the middle of nowhere.

Thirdly, I took what I thought was a side road to get me back into the Gladstone route.  It took me to Taratahi Agriculture Campus - about a 5km dead end that I had to return from.  In doing so I went down an unsealed road which I don't think my road bike liked much.

Fourthly, I had to pass some cows being moved, and woops I made them go the wrong way, which I suspect totally pissed the farmer off - understandably.  I didn't mean to do it.  After the dog thing I was still a bit scared, and moving livestock is not my thing.

Fifth, I saw a heap, as in about 50 baby calves (bobbys - is that what they are called?) at Taratahi campus and a few other baby calves scatter amongst the farms.  I saw more baby calves than baby lambs.

Sixth, I fell off my bike when I was getting off it for a brief rest.  I just lost my balance for some unexplainable reason.  Ouch, it actually hurt - hurt a lot (I think I actually have a high pain thresehold but I almost cried :-( as I fell onto my knee and elbow.  I can definitely feel my elbow as I write this.  I have grazes on my knee and arm, and a solid bruise on my leg.  This nice lady with a bike on the back of her car, stopped shortly after I was "recovering" and asked if I needed assistance.  I said "cheerily" I was just adjusting my music, she smiled back and drove off - well I rode home a little slower.  My ego was bruised more than my body.  It's not a serious injury.  Just a reminder that's what happens when the concentration wavers.

I was going to ride longer, but I thought after the "accident" I better come home, as my concentration didn't seem to be there and that would be a safer thing to do.

Not sure what I will do tomorrow.  I'm thinking of going to the Zoo! - that has nothing to do with my fitness training, but will get me into town.  Wednesdays are $5.00 cheap days apparently.  I haven't been to the Wgtn Zoo for possibly 20 years.  I don't really like Zoos - but I do like animals. I may find a Film Festival thing to go to.    Actually, that's more my thing, sitting in the dark!   Guess I just the need to get out over the other side of the hill.  Also after my "accident" today, it feels like it would be safer to go to the gym and maybe a swim.