Dragon Ride Report

[adrian]

I got through a similar (if slightly less impressive) nosebag in the Cotswolds and will be looking to cut this down next time out. Quite apart from the fact I felt sick with all the sugar and gloop sloshing around, lugging all this stuff around weighs you down considerably.

[mark mclaughlin]

Now that was an epic! great atmosphere at start with riders ready for the off and greated with warm sunshine. Set off with Alan, Mark L and Brian and soon mark L was blazing a trail, must have been all the Stella hydration the night before..
Soon we where settling into various groups and as you say that was the key to pacing the ride. Felt I rode well within myself and kept the powder dry for the last 2 hours especially not knowing what was lying in wait. Did manage to pair up with one rider for a while so we where T&O for some miles.
Also felt better for not hanging around at the feedstops especially on the passes as it was quite cool. Is was like watching an army off ants over those last two passes a real spectacle.
The last run in was a rewarding descent off the pass touching 45mph and TT the last 10 miles where I was joined with brian upping the pace some more.. then who put that last climb in! Had to drag myself over that one and we where home. looked on computer actual ride time was 5.57 just under 6 that will do me! (not sure of total time?)

Food Stats: 7 Bananas, 1 go bar, 2 small gels, 1 jam Tart, 4 bottles of Electrolyte

Big thanks for Alan for doing all the driving especially through the flash floods and Mark for organising the stop over... Hope you get your frame sorted.

[David Lombari]

Sorry to stick my oar in but, on the subject of food, don't forget that if you eat too much then more blood goes to your stomach in order to digest the food. This obviously means that there is less blood to supply your muscles, so eating more can hamper your performance.

Carbo loading 3 days before is the way to go (see Samuel Sanchez's advice in the new Real Peloton Monthly DVD).