During the ride, I remembered why I hadn’t been to Tewkesbury for a few years: the road/lane conditions. The rain washing everything onto them on the down and ups didn’t help. I found it hard in places, due to being reduced to three gears after about 20 miles, and had doubts I’d finish in time, if at all, but I was spurred on by the thought that my only dnf was due to crank failure on Mark’s January Sale, and I didn’t want another. A rider in Kington said the route back was flatter, and I phoned Mark who said I’d done 90% of the climbs. I loosened the gear cable to use a higher gear cog and made my way to the garage control. Other riders were just leaving, but I knew there were a few behind, who arrived while I had my coffee. I was in a good mood on the flatter roads until I felt my front tyre softening on a dark road. I carried on a while, hoping for a streetlight or dry spot to change it. I found neither, so stopped when I could go no further. I felt demoralised again as I put on a new tyre and tube, watching riders go by. At least it wasn’t raining. I arrived back wth over half an hour to spare, enough time for a well earned pint, but not enough time (I felt) to order a pizza or burger and chips, enjoy it, and let it settle before the hilly ride home (in the rain again!).
Thanks Mark
