My off was 8.04 but number 2 on the road. I had Tim Stevens off behind which would spur me on. I had cycled to the event as it was local and a lovely morning. By the time I had collected my number and warmed up my computer was showing just over 20 miles.
I was off and I now realised that I probably started too fast. I had caught my minute man within the mile and was feeling like the dog's danglies. Tim Stevens caught me just before the Deepdene Roundabout (pretty much as I had expected).
This is where it all went a bit strange turned onto the A24 into a headwind. I could see Tim Stevens going up the hill infront of me and thought this is alright I am holding him level. I got to the top the hill and he was gone, very impressive. The A24 was a horrible grovel and I must admit that by the time I had got onto the single carriageway bit I was thinking of reasons to stop. No tri-bar problems this time, damn!!!
I managed to hold it together and it was onto A24 near Broadbridge Heath and then onto the country lanes up to Rusper. The little rise (Richard mentions this in another thread
) turned into a 10% grovel on 52x21 that I thought I wouldn't make and the photographer did not get a very composed me at this point.
This is where perception and reality go a little awry. Along the last bits through Rusper there were times when I felt like I was not going fast at all. However checking my gears 52x14/15, and speed 28mph tells me something different. Finished in 1.16.58. I was pleased especially since Tim Stevens only took five minutes out of me. Not so impressed when I heard him tell somebody that he has only been training for a month after having heart problems last year
Couldn't tell you where I came because I got a lift back from my wife and I spent the afternoon on the beach with the kids, very nice.
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so don't know how he did, anyone else know?
