Chatting to i cycle before the start we mentioned puntures, the first time we rode together he had two and his front lights failed, and he has had his fair share recently. I was thinking it was March the last time I punctured, when I hit a crater in the dark first time out with the Gatorskins, and they could not save me. This seems to have incurred the wrath of the Puncture Fairy who exacted revenge later.
It seemed a bit quiet at the start, less groups of noisy gung-ho riders, and the early part of the ride was not the usual re-enactment of the chariot race in Ben-Hur. Perhaps they only ride in good weather. That is not to say that it was incident free, twice I called "car down" when cars approached on narrow roads, only for this to be taken as a signal to overtake in to the path of the car and then cut up the nearest rider. On the second occasion I did issue a few expletives, more out of shock than anything, suggesting that the rider slows down and learns how to ride safely. Unusually these were riders of no known affiliation, so maybe club riders are getting the message, certainly my club, Team Milton Keynes, has an official Audax section which I represent and promote within the club.
So into the hilly lanes passing one or two roadside repairs, then passed by Wilkyboy as he has done many times this year. At that precise moment I punctured halfway up the hill, and walked to the top were Wilkyboy was waiting. I was looking forward to our first chat since Market Rasen on LEL, and to congratulate him on his achievements. He rode on so we hoped that we would catch up at a control. The Puncture Fairy had other ideas, having found the embedded flint I changed the tube, then the top of the valve snapped so I had to use my last spare tube and pull the Gatorskin Hardshell over the rim again. by then the " Broom Persons " arrived to sweep up the back of the field, so I rode with two nice ladies for a while before putting my foot down, reaching Hare Street on the time limit. Quick turnaround, arranged the loan of a spare tube and off to Saffron Walden.
The Mocha Cafe was fairly empty, and knowing the drag to Gt Chishill was into the wind I took on some refreshment, half the menu off limits because of my gout diagnosis. No real problems with the next section, being built like a German tank has some advantages so the wind was hardly noticable, save for the section from Gt Chishill to Barkway where it met you at the top of each steep climb. On to Therfield where the ladies of the WI were taking a well earned rest after a busy afternoon. This was my game plan anyway to spend time there, so after some playful banter and second helpings of cake it was onto the last section.
The rains came as I reached Weston, and found the bus shelter occupied by a group of young riders, waiting for their friends who had punctured. Clearly learning about Audax hotels at a young age. So on to Stevenage, stayed off the cycle pass for most of the time because of the leaves, throughout the ride I had to be cautious about putting the power down on slippery roads. Got back for tea and toasted teacake, then home to my youngest son who had come to visit, just time to give him a lift home to his wife and then return for the roast chicken dinner waiting in the fridge.
A good day out as always, and I shall return for the Start of Summertime 200, visting my favourite place Lavenham.
