A late response to previous posts and assistance. Thanks for the advice chaps. I've been doing various rides over the last few months, and took part in my first 'official' event today, the Haydon Bridge sportive. The weather was a bit challenging - rain most of the morning, and strong wind. So was the route, a lot of climbing but at least there were three options (60k, 2,500' of climbing; 100k, 5,000' feet climbing; 140k, 8,000' climbing). In view of the weather, I took the easiest option and did the 60k route. I wasn't sure how I would cope with some seriously steep climbs. On balance:
- climbs were slightly slower than the upright
- head / side winds a lot less difficult, especially across Plenmeller Common where the rain was going sideways
- downhills fantastic, only problem was controlling my speed in the wet conditions
- slower than the fast lads on their carbon racing bikes, but then again I am on the upright as well
Finished the ride at an average of 11.5mph, quite fast by my standards and well within audax limits, although obviously not long enough for a calendar event.