WINDY or what?
There were probably about 35 at the station today maybe a few more on what seemed at first a grey day, however once underway the sun broke thru and stayed for the entire ride. I guess it was a bit quiet because there is race training tomorrow and a few early season sessions around the various race tracks.I dont know why i did it but i suggested a hilly ride today
, what with having the best part of 2 weeks with no training as i have had a bit of tendonitis. So off we went with i guess about half the group coming with me, straight up to the first hill which is just around the corner so you hit that one "cold"- quite a few compliments about the hill were soon finding there way over to me-Sean was most impressed
, it does go on a bit and there was still snow at the top!
A nice descent down castle road thru the hairpins keeps you on your toes then back out to the chipstead road. I managed to keep the groups apart ( with extra slow hill climb stylee) as the sportive secretary and his evil sidekick Graham upped the pace and cars were able to pass with ease. Continual regrouping at all junctions kept the pace at a reasonable 16mph
.The sportive secretary then showed his prowess
and became "cartographer man"- choosing a route which enabled us to lose every piece of altitude we had so far gained and plunged us down to about 100m below sea level- just so we had more climbing
.
A couple of riders took the usual route to box hill which in itself has a few long "ups" on the way.
Up the zigzags at a leisurely pace ( why do i do this?) and over to the top of pebble hill- where i sat behind Huws flatmate-Simon - who was doing the route on a fixed! It really is a joy to descend behind someone on a fixed -16% gradient means a new fastest rpm PB
(I just love watching the marching motion) Still he was just as quick up box, or so i was told. Onwards to the cafe thru the lanes and i only got dropped the once( but it was for a long time). Absolute gale on the way home and i was pretty tired by now, at times the wind just stopped you in your tracks- so i took the brave
descision to just ease meself home, absolutely shafted by the time i got in any later and i would have needed lights. Good day out with a good bunch of guys- 3 1/2 hours ride time for me. Lovely