frank9755
Cyclist
- Location
- West London
Glad everyone had fun. My audax was an experience and a half. Up dark and early, into the start at Denmead at 7.45 for 8. Notwithstanding the strong headwind, I got rapidly dropped. I didn't have anyone to follow, was trying not to use the Garmin or phone too much to conserve the batteries, and didn't have a paper map. A few lessons for next time...Not surprisingly, ended up going the wrong way, and by the time I got to Whitchurch (first control) I was 40km up on the route distance. I decided to keep going for the 200k, but just do my own thing (third control, Wantage, was too far north). After a rather hairy diversion along the A34 (!!), met up with a few others at the next control, Kingsclere, again to go the wrong way heading south. Made it back to Denmead at about 8.30, home 9.10. Total mileage a fraction under 128, and great practice for my LeLOG. I'll definitely have another go at that route when it's a bit warmer & the day longer.
Stu,
Very brave of you to attempt your first 200k audax in January! It's a lot harder when you are constantly running out of daylight.
With hindsight you might have had a better time of it if you'd come with us. It would have been an early start for you (+ therefore maybe not possible) but you would have had a similar length ride but with people you knew who would have ridden with you / periodically waited to re-group. And you would have had the best carrot cake I've ever had and a monster piece of fish for lunch!
You mentioned that navigating was a problem: how did you get on with the route sheet? They're normally pretty good - but nothing is foolproof!
I'm sure you'll find your next 200k a lot easier for the experience.