Rode to work yesterday eve for the night shift. Managed to somehow fit my mask into the saddlepack which I've never been able to do before. Non saggy too but I later realised I must've been fresh. Been a long time since the ride to work.
Got to Towton and beyond and the turning to Ulleskelf didn't have flood signage to it. Last yes as it happens in middle of Feb I ignored the Flood, Rd Closed stuff and then almost ended up swimming. All was well as the bit last year that had me turn round - as I'd got above the belly button but more importantly there was an abandoned car with just the roof showing - now was all clear with just flood water in the woodlands to the sides. There was a number plate stuck to the bushes and I assume this was a momento left for that there car from last year.
All was well and slowly signage started appearing 'Road Closed Ahead'. But I'm on my bike, bikes get through anything, we all know that. Plus the signage isn't actually blocking the road to shout at me, 'STOP YOU IDIOT'.
Merrily I rode and suddenly that 'stop... idiot' one came. Naturally i continued as there was only 15 miles left. I could smell work. Round the corner and there it was. Flood and flood water, but I'm 'on me bike' and can get through anything. Few more metres later and the whit line started looking deeper under water like I'm entering a pool. About turn, Abort... Abort. Quickly used my noggin, dipped feet in the water as it'd be impossible to to a Uee.
Went back a few 100 ft, examined my map and realise I might be able to use someones land. With permission off course as I had my badge. Enter 'Something Something Farm'. I'd happily knock on a door and explain myself, threten to flash my badge, they'd say, 'no, not at all, just mind the gate'.
That was all in my head. Before I even had time to figure out how to summon the lady in the window, another lady turns up. Enquiring... then another lady, bigger, rounder, elderlyer with her husband beating red fluffy nightgown. I explain that I've come in peace and trying to get to said place of work to the ICU and that I have my badge. Thinking they'll never want to see my badge, the man-beating nightgown lady asks me to show it. I pull it out and afraid I'm gonna get a lashing ask her if she'd like me to take off my helmet cos 'its really me'. "It's muddy, mind yourself" she says and phew I think.
Then they explain that I might mudplug their land but how'll I get past Cawood bridge. That's an evil bridge and I have bad memories of detouring it from years ago. Darn, I'll just have to turn back round and go the long way.
48 miles and a phone call to work later I finally arrive at work. Knackered and cold. Only had to walk the once to warm the good old feet up as it turned out the flood water must've been deeper than my ankles.
Next morning (today) it's snowy and I'm tired so I decide to grab the train. First mission, to try and wrap my PPE back into my pack tidily. Failed miserably and looked embarrasing...
Then I go fetch my train and see this royal looking carriage across the way. Enquired about it from one of the fat conductors (really), but she was honest that she didn't give a darn about such things. So all we really know is that its called the Royal Sovereign and it's double butted.
Train journey home was interesting and in between snoozing and trying not to bite my tongue off - I always do that after a night shift when I use the train, must stop using the evil things - I managed to get some nice crisp pics.
Such a shame I never I wasn't quick enough on the 'snap' button.
Got home and .anaged to do my first ever gravel-bike snow extravaganza. Interesting trying to keep my balance and as we can see the saggy bag was looming sorry for itself.
Hope noone noticed as this is so uncool... Should've gone to Carradice (coming soon courtesy of nice man Mr Boner
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surely not, we're talking frugal lifestyles here - I'm an Alcatel girl 
, interesting colour I should imagine...
