Ok, sorry for the late post but my broadband has been on theblink. Most has been said so I will keep it short (no puns teef)
That was an epic ride for me. Myself Ian and Ross met early and I was on time for achange. So onwards to Croydonpicking up Mr A on route. I wassurprised to see so many cyclists, many who I normally don’t see this side ofmidnight. Then in a blink we wereoff straight in the middle of the cars. What a great experience that I think maybe difficultto match until next year. (Greatpics Rimas and Dave and great vid Andy)
We were at Crawley in no time then onwards to Ansty for abreather loosing Mr A on route. Then we were in Brighton. It all went by in a flash but I lovedevery minute of it. I think weaveraged 15.something mph for the 1[sup]st[/sup] leg which is the quickest I had doneover such a long distance.
The trip back was very different. I fuelled up and felt ok, normally my legs start to arguewith me at the 50 mile mark. Thisride they made it to around 60 miles then I got the feeling I have hadbefore. I had some more food andgel but my legs were getting pissed off with my determination. I did considerbailing, but committed my self only because my fellow riders were so supportiveand I was sure I could make it.
On the ride back we saw some fantastic sights, the daylightdisappearing across the hills perked me up no end and the Heron on patrol was areal sight and then the rainbows over Crawley. One enduring memory was a dog walker wearing multicolouredtrousers with a pink lead for his dog somewhere near hand cross, I rememberthinking poor bloody dog (or was that me imagining things).
Anyway enough of that. Thank you to Martin, Rimas, Ian, Ross and Andy for encouraging me to domy first return home ride and getting me home in one piece. Your support and patience meant a lot.
I wish I had more time to ride so I could increase my stamina todo more of these rides
That’s only my second 100+ since I started riding 2 yearsago. 113 miles for me on the daywith an average moving speed of 14.5 mph across nearly 8 hours on the bike.