Like everybody else, I wish to add my thanks to Simon for his leadership and organisation. The guys marking the roundabouts added a nice touch that made the ride feel 'gentler'. The other benefit of acting as sentry duty is that you get to use some of that excess energy that builds up when fast people cycle with normal riders.
I had some of that energy on Friday night, but I was not helping out. Instead of racing to the next cross roads and then stopping I decided to race one of the fixie fast-boys to the top of a hill. I was tailing him for most of the way up - not trying to give away that I was deep in the red zone - but then I blew.
On another occasion, I decided to draft behind a lorry. This was fun passing all the other riders, but then the driver started to decelerate followed by a quick acceleration. I heaved on the bars and pushed on the pedals; but one foot released. I knew that I had lost control of the bike and I made several efforts to keep it upright. I also knew that I was in the middle of the road and that there were cars behind me.
It was not a conscious effort to stop fighting - but I was aware that I was going to hit the ground. The previous couple of seconds took forever, but the next half second was over very quickly. I heard the smash of something on the road and looked around to see what was coming. Luckily, the car behind was far enough away for me to recover to the side of the road.
In the next couple of seconds, I checked my body - all ok.
Then I checked the bike. Chain off, the front wheel was at an awkward angle, but also ok.
So that meant the smash sound came from my lights. I was not looking forward to the damage to my £150 Solidlights. They were ok too.
The sound of broken glass had come from my helmet mounted lights. I had no recollection of my head making contact with the hard stuff - but it must have.
I mounted the bike with the assistance of Andrij and refitted the chain. After that, I went a bit slower. It was not for another 18hours before I noticed a small graze on my elbow. By that time I had finished the Golden Tints 200, and the graze was the least of my pains.
One of those days that will stand out for years to come. Thanks to all - especially Simon*.
*I left Rochester without paying for my Bacon buttie. This was very mean of Simon to give me credit, as I now have to do the November ride. He is a cunning fellow.
