The Imperial Century A Month Challenge Chatzone

[Aravis]

I battled my way round a 104.7 mile circuit today, mainly in Herefordshire. When my alarm woke me this morning, and I suddenly remembered what I was planning to do, my first thought was "Oh no!".

There was a lot of water in all the major rivers, as in this picture at Moreton on Lugg snapped while I was waiting for the level crossing. But fortunately not enough to flood my route.

The train came quicker than expected and in my haste to beat the next one I forgot to eat, which may have contributed to a few problems later, particularly cramp.

Just one Strava flyby today, from someone called Tony Martin. No, I don't think so!

It looks as though there will be over a hour more daylight by the end of this month, and up to 11 hours by the end of February. That's a nice thought, isn't it?

 

[StuAff]

January done. Not quite as tough as last month, but rather more walking (the route involved rather a lot of Sustains paths, the kind that get waterlogged, churned up with mud, hopeless surfaces…should have stuck to the A259). Original plan was, as wind was NW, get train 100 miles or so east & ride home. With that in mind, I got a return ticket to Ashford Itsnotinternational, with a view to heading west from Rye or Winchelsea (Southern's barmy ticket prices mean that a single to Brighton is £10.55 with Network Railcard or equivalent discount, a return is 10p extra, and a train to Ashford, or all stations between there and Brighton is still £10.55/£10.65!!!). I got the 5am London train, rode from Hove to Brighton in plenty of time for the 6.32 Ashford service, and it left on time…Unfortunately, there was a problem with the level crossing barriers at Pevensey (not sorted till 10am, apparently) and the service was cancelled at Eastbourne. Not far enough east to ride straight home. On to Bexhill it was, and a quick photo of the lovely De La Warr Pavillion before heading back towards Brighton. As it turns out, very slowly…not-quite-tailwind wasn't very beneficial, and all the off-roading really hurt the speed. Bloomin' Sustains rubbish… Left Eastbourne at 7.20, got to Madeira Drive at 1.30 or so (!!!). Thankfully, the usual route home was rather quicker than the first half, though the damage was done. Back home at about 6.30, and almost as knackered as last month…

 

[rb58]

And we're off. A ride of two halves. Headwind for the outward leg had me cursing my bike, but at least I had the benefit of a slight tailwind for the return. I had a slow-ish puncture two miles from home, but kept topping it up with gas as I couldn't face changing a tube in the cold and dark at that stage. Beer, curry and pub quiz now.......

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I'm in again. Got my January qualifier done today. Write up here for anyone interested. Great conditions for the time of year. Light winds, sunny (apart from a bit of fog) and not too cold (apart from where the fog was).

 

[ianrauk]

I'm in again. Got my January qualifier done today. Write up here for anyone interested. Great conditions for the time of year. Light winds, sunny (apart from a bit of fog) and not too cold (apart from where the fog was).

Nice one Phil. Glad to have you back in the running again this year.
You are the 9th entrant for this years challenge

 

[Lilliburlero]

Well, I`v been thinking off having a crack at this and looks like i`m in after getting one in today

50 miles with a couple of pals and the rest solo. Cold out, but dry and only light winds

 

[13 rider]

Well, I`v been thinking off having a crack at this and looks like i`m in after getting one in today

50 miles with a couple of pals and the rest solo. Cold out, but dry and only light winds

Welcome to the challenge we talked you into it then . Only 11 more to do

 

[Lilliburlero]

Welcome to the challenge we talked you into it then . Only 11 more to do

Yes... You and @Supersuperleeds have a lot to answer for

 

[13 rider]

Yes... You and @Supersuperleeds have a lot to answer for

It's all @Supersuperleeds fault he bullied me into just for some company and someone to drag him round

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Yes... You and @Supersuperleeds have a lot to answer for

You're welcome

Myself and @13 rider are looking at doing our February one on the second Saturday if you want to join us.

 

[Lilliburlero]

You're welcome

Myself and @13 rider are looking at doing our February one on the second Saturday if you want to join us.

10th of Feb? I`m off work that day so should be ok

 

[ianrauk]

Well, I`v been thinking off having a crack at this and looks like i`m in after getting one in today

50 miles with a couple of pals and the rest solo. Cold out, but dry and only light winds

Always great to have new members join the challenge. Welcome aboard.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

10th of Feb? I`m off work that day so should be ok

It's a date.

I'll sketch a route out on Strava and you can both amend it if you wish

 

[cosmicbike]

Well that was fun. First ever imperial century done today. The last 10 miles or so were mentally challenging, but I survived and have only been asleep for 2 hours on the sofa this afternoon, I have an understanding Mrs CB who is even getting dinner ready.
Whoever prompted me into doing this alongside the other 2 challenges has some explaining to do, @13 rider

 

[Supersuperleeds]

It's all @Supersuperleeds fault he bullied me into just for some company and someone to drag him round

You made last years challenge so much easier for me