I'm a little surprised that this years edition hasn't been mentioned, unless I've missed the thread?
The 2017 edition was my first calendar 200 last year, so as soon as entries opened, I booked my place.
Last year was near perfect cycling weather, with wall to wall sunshine all day long, but with the last few weeks being they way they have been, typically the forecast wasn't great, but at least it was going to be warm. And with the proper grown up mudguards I've fitted in place of the " to let" sign and duck tape specials, I was looking forward to it. As it turned out, it did only rain for little over half of the ten and a bit hours I was riding, most of which was with the favourable tailwind, so no real biggy. Absolutely lashed it down on the ascent into Crowborough and beyond, but cleared for the ascent of Toys, intothe low lying cloud.
The ride started really well. I got off quickly and within 1.8km I was by the side of the road changing the front tube after it decided to explode. The noise was akin to gunfire, and the poor pedestrian next to me at the time ducked for cover. I felt genuinely bad for him as we shared a short laugh together. I can only summise that the new tyre wasn't seated correctly and after topping up on air in the car park 20minutes prior, I had inadvertantly cocked the hammer on the loaded pistol that was my 28mm Durano.
Spirits dampened, my clothes soon followed with the slow and steady precipitation, I set off into the breeze feeling as if I was on a perm. I've done a lot of practise around some of these hills over winter though, so fancied I'd see some company soon enough.
It felt like a constant climb all the way to Cudham and by the time I'd scaled the 25%, using every inch of the road, I'd seen a few people. Quick breather and a small chat with one of the Dean spartans, I set off again. Had a lovely chat with Tim(?) about swimming strokes untill after the descent down Brasted, then set about the climb up to Ide.
Legs were feeling good at this point, but I throttled back a bit knowing what was coming from last year. From here the weather settled, and I caught a tow from a couple of Dulwich Paragon chaps I recognised from GMC, then had a game of leap frog with a chap untill the descent down from Crowborough. ( A chap I wouldn't see again untill just before Toys)
Up and down, up and down. Rode for a short while with a couple of lads from Greenhithe (very close to where I grew up) untill the first control, where I had a very welcome bowl of Ivan's legendary stew and a cup of black coffee.
From here it started going wrong. For reasons unknown, I had a strange knocking noise from my BB every single pedal stroke. A few grinds here and there, I thiugh it was shot and morale plummeted. I hammered along as quick as I could, taking full advantage of this section, knowing it aas pan flat, thinking that if it goes it goes, and I just quick time to the nearest station and chalk up my third month of DNFRTY. The constant worry actually took my mind of of the deluge that had begun, and I plugged away looking forward to the ascent of High and Over. The masochist in me loves this hill and I succesfully crested it with the gaps in traffic perfectly enabling me to tack where necessary. Info at Seaford - no ice lollies this year - and back to Mayfield.
This was a horrible part for me. BB was really getting me down. Rain was really coming down. But I plugged along. Bumped into another GMC rider who I was with most of the way untill just before Cow Lane. (I dind't see him again, so hope he finished.)
Just before Mayfield, my chain came off, and I thiught that was it.
Had a quick drink, had a couple of fruit jellies and remounted my chain and pedalled off. Hallelujah! The noise had gone. The sugar kicked in. My morale could have blasted man into to space. I was a man possessed. Pedalled in to Mayfield, and my favourite Mace shop control. Vege samosa, bottle of red coke and a quick call to my wife, and i was off again.
Bumped into GMC man2 again and we leap frogged untill cow lane. I was feeling really good on the ascents, but was my typical poor self descending. Romain Bardet I am not.
Nothing really to report from here onwards other than a big cheers to the two guys up Toys whose wheels I caught. Without them, I probably would have broken out the 24. (which was used for the first and only time all day up HogTrough - I love my spd sandals for walking in).
A massive thankyou to Ivan and co for a splendid day awheel, despite the weather. Rest assured I'll be back next year if its run.