The Big Ride Cambridge Gold Route July 8th.

tony_farrelly wrote:Glad the

tony_farrelly wrote:

Glad the weather wasn’t too bad Alan and the plus side is that with luck next year it should be better and you’ll be faster too… especially without the lock.

I think I was virtually the only person who had one but I was thinking of stopping off in a pub at one point, but in the end I went round without any big stops. It becomes almost like a race even though we didn’t even have chips (of the electronic variety).

First part certainly. Started
First part certainly. Started in the last group to miss the early rain and at least start out dry and that worked. I don’t think there was much rain up to St Ives and I found a nice guy to go along with at a nice opening pace. We all got cheered by Olympic crowds out for the torch at St Ives. Then it got a bit nasty and it was pretty bad up to Doddington, rain and against the wind but still doing a better average than normal. Had a short break there then down to Huntingdon which was mixed weather but still going well. Had a good break in Huntingdon. I ate and drank more than usual to be on the safe side. Then a bit of an uphill stretch with some more rain. Went fast at first then had a chat with a guy on a heavier bike so I slowed down a bit and we went over some rough paths together at a steady pace. Luckily I didn’t get a puncture, although a lot of people did. I saw at least 10. Had a decent amount of food in Stilton, malt loaf for a change instead of bananas, but no Stilton alas to go with it. There I took off my wet clothes and as it was clearing didn’t put them back on. My undershirt was dry so I set off hoping for good weather and it came. No rain on the way back and did well. Last 15 I was by myself for the only time along roads I know well and so I slowed a fraction and enjoyed the countryside. Got back after 8h 45 total time; 8h 11m cycling for about 128 miles, much better than I anticipated and I wasn’t too tired. Enjoyed the French market on Parker’s Piece with my wife who met me and scoffed some delicious food. Went home to some lovely food cooked by my daughters. Great day in the end and I’d do it again if it’s on although I’d try to go in the first group and break 8 hrs, which shouldn’t be difficult if I leave my 1kg lock at home (and I forgot my keys so it was useless) and the new cape I bought that I didn’t use (too windy). Longest ride I’ve ever done, previous was 105 the weekend before, 28 of which was on a front flat, and 70 the week before that. I think I might have caught the bug of long riding. Now I’ll have to do it over some hills.