I started with Jerry at about 8:30 to do the Full route. I immediately lost Jerry in the start and soon stopped to help a young girl with a rubbing brake pad so gave up hope of trying to catch him, especially on that shiny new road bike of his. I was aiming for a Gold time but riding in too attacking a style and without a group around me I wore myself out too soon and by about 60 miles in I wasn't enjoying it any more. I stopped at the next feed station and ate as much as I could which set me in good fettle for the rest of the route. I was back to flying up Butser and again up to Mercury. I finished with a flourish trying my hand at Criterium racing with another couple of guys on the circuit of Petersfield before the finish. I held on for a respectable Silver time on the 155 km route. Less than I'd hoped for but given the wind and the fact I made mistakes and I paid for them I can't grumble.
This is the first event I've ridden in proper club kit and while enjoying my post-ride cup of tea I had a few riders come and ask about the club. I gave them all the relevant times and places to have a crack at riding with the club.
Lessons learned from this:
This is the first event I've ridden in proper club kit and while enjoying my post-ride cup of tea I had a few riders come and ask about the club. I gave them all the relevant times and places to have a crack at riding with the club.
Lessons learned from this:
- If the route looks tiring and the weather draining; eat earlier, more and more often.
- For heaven's sake learn to pace yourself.
- The tops of Goodwood and Old Winchester hills are hell with a 20+ mph side wind.