Pulled out, but I don't care

[Doyleyburger]

Took part in the 'Tour of Pembrokeshire' yesterday . A 110 miles circuit with 10,000ft of climbing
(a couple of 25% climbs involved)
The forecast said heavy rain but as i had payed to take part in the event, I felt compelled to give it a go despite the weather forecast.
The start of the sportif was a little windy but the sun had come out and everyone was feeling good. This however changed about 30 miles into the ride when the heavens opened up and soaked us all right through. Briefly the rain stopped but that was quickly replaced with 30mph howling head winds that made climbing the Preseli mountains even more hard work. Towards the top of mountain the rain joined in once again and made the decent down the mountain very dangerous. Normally can hit between 45-50mph coming down the Preseli mountain but I was holding on for dear life as the cross wind nearly took me out. From then on it really was just a matter of how long I could stomach the conditions. I bumped into a friend half way round the circuit and he mentioned his inlaws were on route (77 miles in) and that we could pop in for a cuppa and decide what to do. Trembling from the cold that's where we stayed.
I have always been a fair weather cyclist as riding in the rain and wind is not my idea of enjoying the sport.
That's 2 out of 2 sportifs this year that has absolutely p****d down on me.......I may be a jinx.
Well done to @Jason.T who completed the gruelling course. Braver man than me

 

[cosmicbike]

Fair play for having a crack, I was out in similar conditions yesterday and it was no fun at all...

 

[Doyleyburger]

It was awful. Was feeling strong but just couldn't hack the conditions......will do a century when it's dry to hopefully make up for it :/

 

[ScotiaLass]

Took part in the 'Tour of Pembrokeshire' yesterday . A 110 miles circuit with 10,000ft of climbing
(a couple of 25% climbs involved)
The forecast said heavy rain but as i had payed to take part in the event, I felt compelled to give it a go despite the weather forecast.
The start of the sportif was a little windy but the sun had come out and everyone was feeling good. This however changed about 30 miles into the ride when the heavens opened up and soaked us all right through. Briefly the rain stopped but that was quickly replaced with 30mph howling head winds that made climbing the Preseli mountains even more hard work. Towards the top of mountain the rain joined in once again and made the decent down the mountain very dangerous. Normally can hit between 45-50mph coming down the Preseli mountain but I was holding on for dear life as the cross wind nearly took me out. From then on it really was just a matter of how long I could stomach the conditions. I bumped into a friend half way round the circuit and he mentioned his inlaws were on route (77 miles in) and that we could pop in for a cuppa and decide what to do. Trembling from the cold that's where we stayed.
I have always been a fair weather cyclist as riding in the rain and wind is not my idea of enjoying the sport.
That's 2 out of 2 sportifs this year that has absolutely p****d down on me.......I may be a jinx.
Well done to @Jason.T who completed the gruelling course. Braver man than me

Well done for giving it a go!
There's no way I'll cycle in anything other than a breeze....absolutely hate it!
There's always a next time

 

[ufkacbln]

Cold, wet, exhausted, weather not going to get better, and exposed remote areas like the Preseli hills

Seems like a logical and sensible idea to know your limits and to call it a day.

The option of pushing on and suffering exposure or hypothermia is best avoided

 

[Doyleyburger]

I really am disappointed I didn't have the guts to finish. There were 2 guys there sitting at the side of the mountains who couldn't continue as they were too cold and probably suffering from hyperthermia and it took over and hour and a half for them to be collected in the recovery van.....terrible !

 

[TheJDog]

77 miles in conditions like that is 77 miles more than I'd have done. I'd say you did well getting that far.

 

[ufkacbln]

I really am disappointed I didn't have the guts to finish. There were 2 guys there sitting at the side of the mountains who couldn't continue as they were too cold and probably suffering from hyperthermia and it took over and hour and a half for them to be collected in the recovery van.....terrible !

This can be fatal!

From someone who had dealt with hypothermia cases and seen them come off the moors barely alive, from my side of the fence there is more respect for those with the common sense to quit and save us a job!

 

[Peteaud]

I really am disappointed I didn't have the guts to finish. There were 2 guys there sitting at the side of the mountains who couldn't continue as they were too cold and probably suffering from hyperthermia and it took over and hour and a half for them to be collected in the recovery van.....terrible !

Nothing to do with guts imho.

Its meant to be fun, and i really don,t see the point of putting your health in danger just to finish a bike ride.

Even pro stages get cancelled.

 

[Doyleyburger]

Once it hammered down the enjoyment was gone for me.
Bring on 2015 when hopefully it'll be a dryer event

 

[yello]

I really am disappointed I didn't have the guts to finish.

I can understand the disappointment but you ought not have any guilt nor shame attached to it. You call it as you see it, and you decided to call it quits. You clearly were not enjoying it and, more to the point, did not feel safe. It's not a matter of guts, it's about feeling safe - and that's always your own call.

Besides, it's no fun when it's no fun. You made the right decision.

Now it can be motivation for next year. Unfinished business!

 

[JasonHolder]

Sometimes enough is enough with weather
Always better to be safe too.
Was out in Saturday in the wet and wind. Pretty grim, my ride partner started seeing black from the cold so she got a train home. I rode. Mostly because I wanted the strava miles. Which didn't record due to wet phone so I'm the imbecile with an ego. Lol

 

[T4tomo]

Sounds like you we'll to get to 77 miles. No sense contininuing just because you'd planned to do something. Always good to be flexible to the circumstances. Ploughing on regardless is how people die, admittedly usually on more dangerous expeditions than a sportive.

 

[Banjo]

Its supposed to be fun not SAS selection. No shame in bailing rather than carrying on pig headedly and risk hypothermia

 

[Jason.T]

It was seriously tough and I did consider pulling out but I promised myself I would complete it for my daughter, I don't blame anyone for pulling out the weather was horrendous and seriously dangerous at times, I'm suffering for it today mind, I hurt all over I'm hungry and thirsty all the time and totally knackered, but worst of all is my little friend is still bloody numb