Having loaded up my self made saddlebag with my secret 1lb batter loaf (selfraising flour and soya milk bake at gas mark 4 for 45minutes), a bag of fruit jellies, banana loaf and a big bottle of tesco energy pop, I left home at 0600, pedalling the 30k or so to the start, because I'm too tight for the train.
It was pretty apparent that it was going to be a scorcher. I'd drunk both my water bottles by the time I'd got to Maidenhead.
My lazy report reads like adamski's from last year with a couple of changes - only me on fixed today, and the shade offered no respite from the heat. It was seriously warm today. Certainly at least one succumbed to the heat at the end. (He finished) A good rider who's path has crossed with mine on The Shark and GMC, whos name embarrisingy I can't recall. I hope you are well soon and got home safe.
It was nice to bump into Keith and Eddie, two local riders, with whom I spent most of the day, both this year and last.
Unfortunately I witnessed a poor lady (not on the Struggle) really hurt her arm crashing over a tree root just before Kingsley. Whipping along on her e bike under the shade, not seeing it untill far too late. Nice couple. I hope she's not in plaster too long.
All in all, another great day, no riders run over by horses, or shoulders dislocated by Tesco vans this year. Almost ruined by the dickhead in the red peugeout near Colnbrook. If I can elbow(!!!) your car, simply put, you are too close.
Hope all riders still out made it back safe.
Cheers, Ian. Hopefully it runs next year. If it does, rest assured I'll be their. Its a deceivingly tough in places ride, with some right stinkers of climbs. Quality!
