Today’s big target … 180km
To start cycling at 4am is a feat in itself (God knows I love my bed), but knowing that you still have nine hours of cycling still to go makes it even worse.
After lapping around the flats of Ta’ Qali for about two and a half hours, we (Clifton, Kola and Peter) head out to our Sunday’s favourite hang out place – Mater Dei. Fittingly, it’s where we meet every Sunday at 7am for the group cycle.
After a short briefing we start off on the Sunday ride … and it’s a tough one today. From Mater Dei we cycle to Mosta, and at the Jupiter roundabout the laps start. Down Burmarrad road and then up Xemxija bypass (climb 1). From Xemxija bypass we head towards Ghajn Tuffieha bay, and take a left half way through to climb up San Martin (climb 2). At Zebbiegh we turn again towards Ghajn Tuffieha and then out towards Xemxija bypass. Up the bypass again (climb 3) and up to Mosta through Burmarrad (climb 4) to finish off the loop.
The route was a tough one, but what made it 10 times worse was the unbearable heat. Energy drink stocks were drying up very quickly. So after two loops we stop at Dimples bar for refuelling. After filling all bottles, drinking a couple of energy drinks, and a good stretch we’re off again.
Another two loops, a ride through the coast road and back, and cycle back home help me get the total distance close enough to today’s target. At 176km I decided to call it a day. And there, at home, waiting faithfully for me was my bed … oh how much I miss you lately 
Good night all
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