A good day (and night) out for me. Getting rained on cycling to the event and stopping in Chipping Norton to put on my waterproof socks, only to discover I’d left them in the garage, didn’t help. Neither did the discovery my garage stop (introduced to me by TG) was closed for a refurb. Took it steadyish but arrived at 6:30, and was soon feeling the cold, waiting for the doors to open.
I decided to start behind the field (partly to avoid ‘guardless bikes), giving me time to enjoy a few coffees, let the quorn sausage sarnie settle, and recharge the Garmin. I hadn’t done this ride before, so the early steep Malvern hills were a shock. All the cafe stops were new, and I enjoyed the flapjack, macaroni cheese, and ginormous carrot cake I had on the way round, whilst chatting with some familiar faces. I believe that was the first time I used the other cycle path on the bridge, and it was the first time using the flatter route afterwards (got the Thornbury route to not enjoy on the Dean). Teamed up for a fast ride into Gloucester and out on the A38, and this time I actually ate food with my pint at the finish, enjoying the veggie pizza.
I left around 8:40 in drizzle, which vanished as the winds picked up all around me. No hassle from the drivers chasing me up the long hill after Toddington, and I felt better than after the Jan Sale ride. Tried not to overdo myself, as I have Stages power sessions at the gym on Mondays, and we’re supposed to arrive with fresh legs. The wind died by Stow on the Wold, and I counted down the steep climbs (some must be worth AAA points) culminating with the one upto Aynho. Got home at 2am (only five mins longer than the outward leg). Texted Mark (he’s such a worrier).
Thanks Mark.