Wow what a ride. Once again a really well organised event.
I will admit, i was having second thoughts at the start of the ride. Getting ready to ride in the rain isn’t too much fun but Dave and I figured we were here, so lets just do it. (A waste of the entry fee otherwise!)
As we arrived at the school to sign on. Peter and his fellow Forest Row Rutters were already setting off. At about 9am we started. Apart from the rain, everything felt fine. With my weekly track racing and having not smoked a cigarette in a couple of weeks i was feeling pretty fit.
Within about half hour, Dave and i had caught up with the Rutters, who had already stopped to repair one puncture. In my past sportives, i had a habit of wearing myself out too quickly. Going really well for the first half, but then suffering on the last. This time round i was determined not to let this happen. So for a few miles i stuck with the pack as we pedaled our way along the quiet roads of mid sussex. During the down hill sections, the newly found track rider in myself got the better of me. I tucked into an Aero position, chose my stiffest gear and pedaled myself down the hill. Hoping Dave and the Rutters would follow suit, i was suddenly by myself.
It was freezing and wet, so i needed to keep on moving, even at the feed stop i only stood sill for a few minutes, enough time to grab a banana and water. I was starting to enjoy spinning up the hills rather than coming down. Hitting rain at 50kmph isn’t too much fun!
All was well until 10km from the end when disaster struck. I had got a puncture. The worst thing that could have happened, especially so close to the end. With a new tube in, i was struggling to work the mini pump. Struggling to control the shakes. Up until this point, i was still doing pretty well. Trying to average around 25-28kmph. Back on the bike, gloveless. They were far too wet to put back on, my hands were too numb to fight themselves in.
For the last part of it, i was just spinning. Not pushing any hard gears, just doing my best to finish.
Got there in the end! With a total time of 4hours and 17minutes for the 104km. Placed me about 10th overall.
Apart from the numb hands, punctures and freezing rain. I had a great time. Extremely happy with how i pushed myself. Looking forward to the ones to come!
