Yes great write up & pics Iddu.
The event was sooo wet = torrential rain each day and it was cold too. Anyhow, organisation scores a 10/10 from me, from the pre event admin from Sabine to the "night afore" pasta party to the route/routesheet and support on the event itself. Witness Pingu being looked after so well after his unfortunate fall, it was top class. The event had the feel of a very socialble club ride and there was a sense of togetherness between participants and helpers.
My ride? Well I clearly pushed too hard on Saturday (10 hrs to the Nauen control at 272k = stupid boy) and my right knee started complaining not long after. Strong painkillers partially helped but by the time myself and maverick rolled into messinghausen at midnight Sunday my knee was very sore and honking was out the question. A side effect of the painkillers was a queasy feeling and I noticed I wanst shoveeling in the grub in the way that would normally do and I was feeling a bit iffy generally as a result.
On Monday I set off very slowly into the cold and rain and watched valkyrie, maverick and co. head off into the distance. After 30k or so I tried honking up a very steep section and while I got to the top, the pain was enough to convince me that it was proably wise to go back, especially as it wasnt quite half way overall yet. Ive had problems with this knee in a previous life in another sport when overdoing it put me out of action for months, so I bailed out.
A rest day on Monday was beneficial and myself, eck and bodach rode 2 easy 200k's Tue/Wed back to Hamburg. Valkyrie and maverick caught up with us by Weds early morning at Lindern and we rode pretty much together to the finish.
Twas enjoyable despite the weather and not finishing the full 1527k. I'd contemplate going back and having another go but would definitely try A N Other event of this distance before then, probably LEL which before now hasnt interested me at all.
Trying to read a wet routesheet in the middle of the night has convinced me of the merits of a GPS, I really noticed a difference when riding with maverick or valkyrie with their gadgets, so that'll be on my christmas list.
Well done to all the finishers, especially our own maverick, valyrie and of course the legend george.
An unexpected positive for me was the performance of my new bibshorts (assos mille). After 1200k in the same pair (I know, thats minging) I had absolutely no discomfort in the saddle area at all and I know now that they are good for PBP next year. I had the option of clean shorts in my bagdrop but they werent required. Probably the best cycling purchase I have made recently & fully justifying the cost.
My most vivid memories -
- the lentil soup with a whole sausage sticking out either side of it at Nauen (only in Germany)
- bodachs "see you jimmy" hat (thank f**k he gave that away as a present to Heino).
- arriving in messinghausen Sunday night to find that I had develpoed trench hand.
- beers and dinner and more beers in Messinghassen with jack and sabine on Monday night.
- crossing the elbe on the final day
- George's heroes arrival in the sunshine at Grosshandsorf on Thursday.
Graeme
