dickyknees
Guru
- Location
- Anglesey
Pre-ride logistics were ok, and my fears of standing for 90 mins in the rain were unfounded as it started to rain about 30 secs after we started at 0744. Luckily I had my light but effective rain jacket. Utterly drenched fairly soon, but at least warm and damp. Really not as wet air could have been, but certainly at least 1000 punctures at a guess.
Flat down the A12 and into the city though tunnels, and along the Embankment into Trafalgar Sq, Pall Mall and Piccadilly and out west to Chiswick and Surrey. Really fantastic atmosphere and pockets of great support for the many charity riders.
Through Richmond Park and then out into Surrey hills. Only two significant climbs: Leith Hill (loads of people walking) and Box Hill (beautiful) but perfectly do-able for an average to poor climber like me.
The wind was very strong and gusty, but eventually we got some tailwind as we headed back into town and I picked up speed in a huge peleton of 200+ riders. Finish was down the Mall and a great atmosphere. I was really pleased to be finishing strong and fast.
What was lovely was seeing the wide range of different cyclists showing friends and family that getting on a bike and cycling a long way is a normal and healthy way to spend a Sunday. And a lot of women, which again is good for the sport, as many of the male riders (OK, a small percentage) were cycling like utter bell ends. Screaming ON YOUR RIGHT does not allow you to shoulder barge another rider on a road crammed with cyclists.
And it really felt like a pro race. Great support in Dorking, Richmond and Kingston with loads of supporters.
Final official time 6:44, and 6:34 on my Garmin which pauses at stops.
This post reflected my day to a tee, although the riders wanting to pass on the right were very polite with me and well behaved. Both Leith and Box hills were clear, managed to get away without any punctures or mechanical failures. Horrid conditions but strangely enjoyable.
Well done to all.