First a very large thank you to Tim & Joyce for running all the evening 10s, as well as yesterday's, along with all the other helpers who've lent a hand.
Decided to do this on fixed as it was my last stab at a TT this year and having seen little or no imrovement over the previous 7 thought I had nothing to lose. 8.30 at CSS for a warm up ride to Holwood. "Engine" Alan started towing us along at a brisk pace and I started worrying I'd be too knackered to start but soon got up to speed, the only slightly hairy moment was descending pebblecombe (?) with very heavy brake-riding and very manic leg spinning.
Marco got in to the spirit arriving in retro Addiscombe skinsuit
Unfortunately he then reversed towards me asking for help pinning his number on
and wearing cleated shoes I was unable to run away quick enough, much to the relieved amusement of others who had managed to dodge this task.
2nd bit of bad news - I was penultimate starter with only the tandem behind me. TT itself went okay as gear choice had been pure guess work and I hadn't had a chance to test it. Finished in 27.28 I think which was okayish as I'd had a bad 3rd quarter just after the turn with a slight head wind and struggling to keep the gear turning up the 2 rises. (had been passed by the tandem after 5mins, or 4 for them
)
Car park for times and awards - well done winners. Gavin hadn't got his rear wheel in time to ride fixed as intended but did ride a single-speed with freewheel to a 27 dead.
Back on to the bloody course to get to the cafe for a very nice coffee and sarnie before setting back through the lanes home.
All in 60 miles (beating my previous CRdistance pb on fixed) and I was very knackered, but had an enjoyable day.
- Just read Richard's account - 19.53. Somehow don't think I'll be challenging that.