Ice breaking...

At least I didn't have to scrape the frost off a windscreen this morning, but by crikey it was a tad chilly! The roads fairly predictably were not gritted, which when you consider the area I live has its own micro climate and suffers with very bad hard frosts might be a little surprising. But hey, let them use our Council tax and Road tax for whatever they want don't you think?

The upshot to the conditions meant I didn't chance the tow path for the first time ever, as MTB slick tyres, a very wet path and ice in close proximity to a canal do not good cycling conditions make. So decision made, carry on along the Bristol Road past Selly Oak through Birmingham City Centre out the other side and up into sunny Smethwick.

I wouldn't fancy that trip in the rush hour though, I think I'll be going back down the cut this afternoon that's for sure.

On a plus point, the enforced lay off I've had recently seemed to have done me some good. I felt very strong last night on the way home. Even to the extent of getting out of the saddle on the climb up Cock Hill and arriving home being able to speak, which is pretty much a first. I think later on today I'll have a look at my log and maybe think about scheduling in some rest time in my plans.