Canal and Vale to Oxford

The Boat Inn on the Grand Union at Berkhamsted

The first 50 miler this weekend. It didn't start to plan as I called in at Halfords for a spare tube and drinks bottle only to find they don't open until 9 on Saturday mornings. Still, neither was required on the day, which comprised two distinct halves: along the Grand Union towpath from Hemel Hempstead to Aylesbury and then country lanes through the Vale of Aylesbury to my mother's in Headington, Oxford. A very pleasant ride although almost entirely flat, so next time it'll be a hillier route through the Chilterns. For now though, 4:30 hrs riding time and an average speed of just over 11 mph bodes well for the longer days in June next year. 

Lessons learned:

• October mornings can be cold - shorts not enough
• Towpaths can be bumpy - plenty of padding needed
• Use the same measures - speedometer in miles/mapping in kms doesn't work