Its taken me around a decade to finally enter the 24hr, Im not a racer and don't have quick genes. Also, more important, my lifestyle dosen't always support sporting performance. Have always wanted to see how my Audax experience would translate with a bit of preparation.
Despite the brutal attritional conditions and the restrictions from the COVID pandemic it met all my romanticised expectations.
I achieved a distance that I would have been happy with before I started, ticking off 600km which has history within the realms of AUK and PBP qualification. Then the next benchmark of the 400 mile barrier. However, even now Im contemplating another go as I think I have more miles in me next time
Chapeau to all the riders.
T.J - You had an amazing ride and well done for coming through that rough patch. I would never have known, you looked solid every time you passed me. I was riding the Mercian and we exchanged a few words.
Cygnet - Well done for digging in and scooping that team prize finally. You did look cooked on the A41 but turned it around on the Industrially hot finishing circuit.
ZigZag - Looked incredible on the bike from start to finish. Next level.
T0by - Looked incredibly strong on the bike from start to finish. Had the additional enjoyment of anecdotes after the event from my support crew of your unique nutritional demands
Its not just the riders. So grateful to all the marshals, organisers and supporters. It is a really special experience. Thanks Karla for your night stint at Pree's, and the slowly depreciating ferocity of your cowbell on each lap of the finishing circuit.
Im going to put together some reflections in a potentially boring ride report with numbers for my own benefit. May post it.
Thanks for all the advice offered in the build up