by Phil H » Mon Jun 21, 2010 8:32 pm
Well, I did it officially - although I swore after last year I wouldn't do it again (they were asking at work and I said "if you're desperately short of people" - doh!).
The ride up to Clapham was nice. I left home at about 5:30 and apart from a few people also cycling up, there wasn't a lot of traffic about. I ended up on one of those new blue cycle lanes. They are blue, slightly wider (though not wide enough to overtake another bike safely) cost millions of pounds, but still have gaps, bus stops, parked cars and broken glass. But they are blue.
Setting off properly, it took 2 hours to cover the first 20 miles with the usual chaos. I'm sure it can be done faster if you want to ride down the wrong side of the road, dodging the oncoming traffic. I didn't. After that it opens out a bit taking about 1 hour 40 to cover the next 34 miles. Yes, the road is full of people weaving about on knackered MTBs/BSOs but then that's who the event is for. Saw another agreeable jersey so slowed to exchange a few words (Lucinda [?] who has very young kids so doesn't get out on the club run). Pretty uneventful down as far as the beacon. Managed to keep moving through the crowds fast enough to stay upright until the top. A bloke in a distinctive top who I'd been keeping tabs on passing/drafting/being drafted by since before Turners Hill got up slightly ahead of me. I followed him down the other side and kept him in sight until the finish straight where I was able to give it full beans and sprint past him. Turns out he'd been watching me too (ACC colours stand out) and saw the funny side. Also that he'd done the Dragon too but found the Beacon really hard. Strange chap.
Set off back after a short pause. Got a bit lost climbing out but Garmin to the rescue eventually. Got to the top of the South Downs and realised that the headwind was proper. Was wishing for a wheel to follow when around Wineham, the Tunnell Train rolled up. So, the choice is continue battling the headwind or try to stay with the train. Opted for the latter until just north of Gatwick when I made some lame excuse and turned off up the A217. Technically it is the shortest way home, but (IMO) Reigate Hill is a horrible climb with the traffic and everything. It does give you that rare sensation of being glad to see the M25 though.