I had a fantastic ride out to Pencarrow lighthouse. There was a mild southerly which I rode into on the way out, and of course had it at my back on the return, which made the whole thing even more pleasant.
It took me about 30 minutes to ride out from the carpark with no stops, and 23 minutes to ride back, so the breeze was really doing its thing.
My wrists did get a little sore, but nothing like last time I rode out on what was my first “long” ride. I was able to rest them a few times on the way back with the wind behind me – I was in top gear almost all the way back – and the micro break did help.
It was also the first time with a backpack. I was carrying the brand new Camelbak Mule LR 15 from Burkes Cycles in Kilbirnie. I have to say it was great. Very comfortable, I really didn’t notice I was wearing it. It was pretty light, it had 3 litres of water, a pump and puncture kit, a few nut bars, and a waterproof jacket. I was expecting my back to get pretty sweaty, but I was wearing a base layer and mid layer that probably wicked away much of the unpleasantness. But I’d certainly recommend the M.U.L.E. as it also fits a 13″ Macbook Pro so I intend to use it when I start commuting.