It’s the evening of Tuesday 20 December and the exceptionally cold weather with icy condtions has ended. I have two more 200 km rides to complete this month if I am to achieve my goal of 3 RRtYs in one year. Reasonably good weather is helpful, preparation and confidence are key.

Account of a ride from Ealing through Twyford to Ewelme for the ascent of Britwell Hill to return to London via the picturesque village of Hambleden and the lock at Mill End outside Henley.

Not feeling too confident as I had not ridden outside because of the exceptionally cold weather and icy conditions but training indoors with the Pillar app helped me build the strength and determination to keep pedalling when I encountered Britwell Hill.