My cycle today

[Subtle_badger]

After visiting the empty city on Friday, I decided to head in a different direction on Sunday.

Did about a 50km round trip, mostly following the course of the Thames. The opposite experience to the city, the parks and riverside scattered family groups carefully spaced from each other. I did see a group of lads playing football, but beyond that everyone seemed to be doing the right thing.

There were few cars on the road, and the wildlife seem to be thriving

[lea57-49r Maintainer 3st 7lbs]

Love all your photos especially the sheep.

[Subtle_badger in reply to lea57-49r]

Thank you. I haven't seen my usual riding buddy in weeks (she self quarantined early so she could care for aged Ps), and she loves sheep an goats. So I spent a bit of time getting a good sheep portrait to make her smile. They were really interested in me. I just wish the lighting had been better.

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg]

Wow S_b there are some lovely pics there. If you'd tried to do a 50 km round trip here,you would have got a massive fine and possible prison sentence for being too far away from your residence. Enjoy your trips while you can.

[Subtle_badger in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Thanks tubby, and that is what I am doing. Carpe diem and all that.

While Italy's rules are quite sensible, ironically for my social distancing is easier on the bike. On Saturday I took a walk around my neighbourhood+shopping. I kept running into people I know. I would keep a theatrical distance (eg standing in the middle of the road) but friendlier neighbours forgot and approached closer. It was awkward. On my ride I don't think I got within 4 metres of anyone, except for a moment as a cyclist passed me (and rarely, I passed another) and we probably kept the 2 metres even then.

Cycling is one of the few things left that brings me joy. I am going to have to rally if they take that away from me.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Gorgeous collage and impressive distance, S_b

[Iwilldothisthisyear 3kg Restart Feb 2024 Restart June 2023]

Wow , 50 km is an amazing cycle. Lovely photos xx

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

Great collage. My favourite is top left (no offence to the sheep).

What app do you use for your collage?

[Subtle_badger in reply to BridgeGirl]

I just installed one to share ride reports on here, because I was struggling. It's an android app, free if you don't mind constant Tik-Tok ads and works really well. play.google.com/store/apps/...

I wasn't making collages before, but now I am sharing the ones I make for HU on social media. Gives people a nice glance at what you are doing, without demanding they spend time leafing through a dozen photos.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to Subtle_badger]

Thanks

[Dragontat Visitor]

Great pics, Subtle_badger! It’s lovely to see the wildlife 🙂

[OilpainterUS]

Really excellent snapshots. So glad you are still able to be out. ( I'd love to paint the third location, especially. )

The pools were all closed by state's order this weekend. The hot whirlpool then plunge into the cooler pool water made for nice therapy for my swollen joints. I'm so sorry it's closed.

Keep biking, but keep safe, Badger! Thanks for taking us along the ride!

[Subtle_badger in reply to OilpainterUS]

I thought you might like some of them.

I actually took a panorama at position #3, but decided I preferred the tighter crop.

Here is the wider view, if you are interested...

i.imgur.com/7qbPWfdr.jpg

[OilpainterUS]

Oh, so lovely! So glad you are enjoying such beauty and grateful for your sharing.

You have a nice eye. The bridge in your other set was superbly shot. I agree with the tighter crop on this photo but for setting up a painting, the panorama is helpful.

I can't wait to see your next set.