Thanks for the generous comments.
I haven't done any speedwork yet, apart from a couple od SL's, just putting in lots of steady miles, so it came as a bit of shock when we set off with Marek alongside, cruising at 22mph (uphill
).
They kindly didn't mention that I got distanced on the first climb over Gatton!! Fortunately as the weather warmed up so did I and began to adapt the speed, although missed a right turn as we sped by with George at the helm.
Down through Capel and the lanes to Rudgwick were very pleasant, and towards Horsham. George towed us along on a steady downhill stretch at a steadt 32mph, which was badly needed as my average had dipped below 21mph (thanks George for pushing it back up again).
Turned off to Colgate and the 3 mile climb to Pease Pottage into the wind. Fortunately, not too steep. I started to feel strong here. Dominic was suffering a bit and George was getting hungry, so they stopped and got Custard tarts - sorry guys but pastry and creamy custard are not on my "allowed list" so Marek had 2!!
On to Turners Hill, Marek left us and headed home. We pottered along up to Godstone, where Dom turned off. George decided that he'd had enough of riding slowly, so off we went again, but doing about 50/50 work as I was feeling better now. Then we didn't drop below 25 mph til back in Croydon. Thanks again George.
Thanks to all 3 of you for an epic ride. 90 miles. 4:23 minutes. 20.5mph.
Did an extra 5 mile loop to warm down, then got in and fell asleep til Ruth came in, then spent 3 hours digging the garden.
Hope I'll survive tomorrow. I'll be there at 8:00am, to do an extra loop to get back to meet the clubrun if anyone cares to join me? Hopefully at an easier pace....
Regards
Paul
PS Good luck to Adam in Day 1 of the Surrey League 3-day. See you tomorrow, and Stuart