The Imperial Century A Month Challenge Chatzone

[robjh]

I did August's qualifying ride on Sunday 3rd, the first day of LEL 2025, which I measured from the start of my batch of riders (07:30) to my first sleep stop (23:00).
This was quite an easy first day with a few little hills in North Essex followed by a rather dull slog across the Fens, mostly in drizzle and dealing with some headwinds, then in the afternoon the gentle hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds leading to the Humber Bridge which we crossed in the dark. I stopped only at the designated controls of Northstowe, Boston, Louth and finally Hessle, but we were well fed at each. I could see other riders for the entire way, and joined a group in the dark for the last descent towards the Humber.
Hessle control was busy to overflowing but I was lucky enough to get a mattress for 3 hours sleep before the next stage. You may have heard by now that LEL was paused then cancelled later on Monday, but that was another day.

Distance for this part of LEL : 189.4 miles, or 304.8 km.
My 171st century ride ever, and 80th consecutive month.

strava link

 

[ianrauk]

Like Rob above. My August qualifying ride was the first day of LEL 2025.
I had an earlier start, 5.15am. The first 189 miles to Hessle (I soon found out its pronounced Hezzle) was pretty much flat and I made quick and steady progress despite the continual headwind. I arrived at Hessle control at 8.30pm. Lucky to have a couple of friends from Hull come out to meet meto say hello and show some support.
Half an hour later I was on my way to Malton control, in the dark. A rolling ride at times in the pitch black. Pretty scary on the ups and downs. But slow and steady I got there at 12.45am with an additional 43 miles on the clock for a total of 232 miles for the day.
Then the proverbial hit the fan with Floris.
Imperial Century #357
Imperial Century Month #177