That was a gruesome ride today, went with the A group and didn't feel too good from the start. The pace up the Reigate steps was a bit lively, thankfully the lights were red at Reigate so I managed to catch back up with Mark Bayliss (who trumped my 'I am doing the Ballbuster ' with 'I am doing Marathon des Sables).
Into the lanes and I was feeling a bit better and then the legs seemed to just turn off, what had actually happened was that I had a slow puncture and looking back I could see my backwheel was now running a flat. Unfortunately the group was long gone up the road so I was on my own. I had a horrible piece of glass wedged into the tyre and with very cold hands it was really hard to get it shifted. A few groups went by. Then pumping up the tyre and taking off the pump it kept unscrewing the stupid valve top each time and letting all the air out. Thankfully Marcus saved my butt by coming along and pumping up my tyre with his non screw pump. By this time I was freezing, my hands were painfully cold. I got going and caught up with Monty's group and had to go past to go a bit faster to try and warm myself up. Got into Partridge lane and I had to stop to take off my gloves and rub some life back into my hands as I was in agony.
Got going again after the group had gone past me, managed to catch them up just before the alternative Charlwood sprint sign. A quick coffee and then home. Have to admit really suffered with the cold today and it took the edge off the ride. Skiing gloves will be out next week.
Cheers
Marek....