What a difference a year makes!
Anna is expecting our baby, and is due in October, so cycling 100 miles wasn't really an option for her. On the night before the ride, the weather forecast for the day was looking really atrocious, so naturally, lots of people dropping out, so naturally I decided I'd go.
I got up at the usual unnaturally early time, packed up in the dark (this was my first mistake), and headed for my car for the drive to Kensington. I was meeting some friends from London Dynamo cycling club for a warmup 10 mile ride to the start line.
Got there in plenty of time, and it wasn't even raining. Unpacked the bike, got my shoes and the rest of my wet weather kit on, but where was my nutrition? Where were my cycle glasses and contact lenses? Oh yes, all packed nicely at home in a separate bag. Damn. I had water on the bike already, but no food for 100 miles is asking a bit much. I would also now be riding in my normal glasses - not a good look, but at least I'd be able to do it.
Uneventful ride to Olympic Park, except for the rain starting and getting steadily heavier. The organisation at the start wasn't as good as last year. Unlike there being a big central area where everyone could meet, we were corralled into zones, so there was little chance to buy food or meet other friends.
I'd estimated a fast time, so was in one of the first groups. We were also first to find out that Leith Hill and Box Hill wouldn't be included in the ride due to safety concerns; the rain had stopped again, but I guessed that that was temporary, things must be looking bad. Only 84 miles this year.
Saw my first crash after only 5 minutes, somone hit a plastic bollard. I got caught up behind it and lost the fast riders. It was very fast through the City, West End and along Embankment but a group formed and I joined it. No holding back this year.
The first food stop was at Hampton Court. I knew I'd have to stop somewhere, so decided to make it here. Second mistake. By the time I'd stuffed my pockets, the group I was riding with were gone - no one else stopped. I tried to ctach them, but it was impossible and so I spent a lonely time battling the elements at a much reduced speed.
I did find a few smaller groups and shared the load with them as the weather go worse. Going downhill after newlands Corner with rain pouring down, and spray pouring up into my face (with my small glasses which gave no protection) was tricky. I saw another crash at a wet corner, but it was just behind me this time.
I spent a lot of time riding alone - I tried to jump on the back of some riders who passed me but couldn't quite manage the increase in pace needed. I was feeling pretty tired and was quite glad the hills had been cancelled - I didn't even enjoy the climb out of Wimbledon. I made it to London and had a clear road - almost no one on the Embankment - but it was hard to enjoy the moment being wet to the skin. I passed a couple of people, and then I was in the Mall, alone.
I finished in 3:46 for the 86 or so miles
placeholder for some links - thought I'd done this.
http://speakthinkblog.speakmedia.co.uk/2014/08/12/ride-london-2014-rankings-and-average-times-did-you-beat-chris-boardman/
12th Woman was Anna Korbacz
Anna is expecting our baby, and is due in October, so cycling 100 miles wasn't really an option for her. On the night before the ride, the weather forecast for the day was looking really atrocious, so naturally, lots of people dropping out, so naturally I decided I'd go.
I got up at the usual unnaturally early time, packed up in the dark (this was my first mistake), and headed for my car for the drive to Kensington. I was meeting some friends from London Dynamo cycling club for a warmup 10 mile ride to the start line.
Got there in plenty of time, and it wasn't even raining. Unpacked the bike, got my shoes and the rest of my wet weather kit on, but where was my nutrition? Where were my cycle glasses and contact lenses? Oh yes, all packed nicely at home in a separate bag. Damn. I had water on the bike already, but no food for 100 miles is asking a bit much. I would also now be riding in my normal glasses - not a good look, but at least I'd be able to do it.
Uneventful ride to Olympic Park, except for the rain starting and getting steadily heavier. The organisation at the start wasn't as good as last year. Unlike there being a big central area where everyone could meet, we were corralled into zones, so there was little chance to buy food or meet other friends.
I'd estimated a fast time, so was in one of the first groups. We were also first to find out that Leith Hill and Box Hill wouldn't be included in the ride due to safety concerns; the rain had stopped again, but I guessed that that was temporary, things must be looking bad. Only 84 miles this year.
Saw my first crash after only 5 minutes, somone hit a plastic bollard. I got caught up behind it and lost the fast riders. It was very fast through the City, West End and along Embankment but a group formed and I joined it. No holding back this year.
The first food stop was at Hampton Court. I knew I'd have to stop somewhere, so decided to make it here. Second mistake. By the time I'd stuffed my pockets, the group I was riding with were gone - no one else stopped. I tried to ctach them, but it was impossible and so I spent a lonely time battling the elements at a much reduced speed.
I did find a few smaller groups and shared the load with them as the weather go worse. Going downhill after newlands Corner with rain pouring down, and spray pouring up into my face (with my small glasses which gave no protection) was tricky. I saw another crash at a wet corner, but it was just behind me this time.
I spent a lot of time riding alone - I tried to jump on the back of some riders who passed me but couldn't quite manage the increase in pace needed. I was feeling pretty tired and was quite glad the hills had been cancelled - I didn't even enjoy the climb out of Wimbledon. I made it to London and had a clear road - almost no one on the Embankment - but it was hard to enjoy the moment being wet to the skin. I passed a couple of people, and then I was in the Mall, alone.
I finished in 3:46 for the 86 or so miles
placeholder for some links - thought I'd done this.
http://speakthinkblog.speakmedia.co.uk/2014/08/12/ride-london-2014-rankings-and-average-times-did-you-beat-chris-boardman/
12th Woman was Anna Korbacz
