The Imperial Century A Month Challenge Chatzone

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Back from the Mere 200.

Very wet, windy and cold. I was going fine though until about 70k and then punctured x 2 in quick succession. By the time I set off again I was chilled to the core and not enjoying it all. I decided to DNF and turned east for Nantwich and the train back to Cheadle. No train for 4 hrs so I carried on to Crewe and caught one to Stockport. In the end I did 100k but at least the last 30 were not into a headwind and the rain was on my back for a change. Must try to do my DIY 200 before end of Jan to start my challenge and RRtY. I still have Tuesday and possibly Wednesday (if I cancel the GP appointment!).

Oh dear, that's unlucky. I'm not surprised you DNF-ed, chilled to core sucks. Yep the weather was awful yesterday and if I had other days available I'd have gone home at 3 miles when I got soaked feet.
Good luck with the DIY!

 

[Norry1]

Not yet....fingers crossed he managed it.
Haven't heard from @sittingbull or @Norry1 this year either,

Afraid I won't get a January ton in this year. I was ill for the first two weeks of the year, and did my 2 first ever Cat 4 races the last 2 Saturdays. I'm away this weekend for my Wife's birthday - so whilst I'll probably get a ton done each of the remaining months of the year, Jan is a no go.

 

[middleagecyclist]

No attempt today but I'm seriously considering doing my DIY 200km Bridges and Beach themed audax tomorrow after my GP appointment. Maybe...

 

[martint235]

I'm actually glad I failed January now. My role at work is changing and I'll be on call more often. It would have been much worse to fail December.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I'm out. Couldn't get motivated to ride 100+ miles today and this was my last chance. I plan to console myself by starting an RRtY next month. Good luck to all still in.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I don't blame you MAC, this was the hardest 100 miler for me motivation wise. Good luck for the RRTY.

 

[sittingbull]

I'm out. Couldn't get motivated to ride 100+ miles today and this was my last chance.

Fully understand where you're coming from on this. Some of my 100s last year were fantastic rides, but a couple were less than fun, but I guess that's what makes it a challenge.

I've decided to slash my mileage this year and return to some light running. However I'm still keeping my options open for the ICAMC, with opportunity/weather being very limiting factors........

EDIT: Just popping out for a ride

 

[sittingbull]

Well...........in light of recent weather, last night was simply perfect. Conditions were best described as dry and crisp with occasional damp sections which I treated as possibly ice. The gritters were out and I was glad of my glasses when one passed and shrouded me in a cloud of salt. The gritted surfaces were crackling and popping as I rode along.

I picked a route with street lamps all the way and enjoyed the (largely) deserted roads. I saw numerous bunny rabbits, a couple of foxes and an owl. Strangely there were birds chirping all along the route yet I was home before dawn. I just managed to avoid joining the M56 on more than one occasion - the intersections around Manchester Airport are confusing when you're from outside the area.

So that was a very pleasant 102 miles heading due east to South Manchester and a little beyond.

 

[Trickedem]

http://app.strava.com/activities/110711088
Cracking weather today. I set off at 6.30am, although I had hoped to start by 6am. After 30 minutes I had a visitation from the P*nctu*e fairy. The worst type, rear wheel and I couldn't find the cause. But after fixing it and a couple of nervous miles, it held for the rest of the ride. The roads were soaking wet, so I was glad I took my Yukon which has mudguards. I also had to make some last minute adjustments, as I planned to go through Yalding, which unfortunately had flooded again. The halfway stop was at the tea room in Bodiam Castle, where I had some nice cake and coffee. I think I have found a way to feel young again, visit a National Trust tea room. The other customers must have had an average age approaching 70! I returned using the same route until I got to Trottiscliffe, where I wimped out of climbing the dreaded Vigo Hill and took a slightly less hilly route home.

 

[StuAff]

http://app.strava.com/activities/110711088
Cracking weather today. I set off at 6.30am, although I had hoped to start by 6am. After 30 minutes I had a visitation from the P*nctu*e fairy. The worst type, rear wheel and I couldn't find the cause. But after fixing it and a couple of nervous miles, it held for the rest of the ride. The roads were soaking wet, so I was glad I took my Yukon which has mudguards. I also had to make some last minute adjustments, as I planned to go through Yalding, which unfortunately had flooded again. The halfway stop was at the tea room in Bodiam Castle, where I had some nice cake and coffee. I think I have found a way to feel young again, visit a National Trust tea room. The other customers must have had an average age approaching 70! I returned using the same route until I got to Trottiscliffe, where I wimped out of climbing the dreaded Vigo Hill and took a slightly less hilly route home.

Bravo. Just settled for 20-odd miles today- the ton might have to wait a few weeks...

 

[BigGee]

http://app.strava.com/activities/110711088
Cracking weather today. I set off at 6.30am, although I had hoped to start by 6am. After 30 minutes I had a visitation from the P*nctu*e fairy. The worst type, rear wheel and I couldn't find the cause. But after fixing it and a couple of nervous miles, it held for the rest of the ride. The roads were soaking wet, so I was glad I took my Yukon which has mudguards. I also had to make some last minute adjustments, as I planned to go through Yalding, which unfortunately had flooded again. The halfway stop was at the tea room in Bodiam Castle, where I had some nice cake and coffee. I think I have found a way to feel young again, visit a National Trust tea room. The other customers must have had an average age approaching 70! I returned using the same route until I got to Trottiscliffe, where I wimped out of climbing the dreaded Vigo Hill and took a slightly less hilly route home.

It was nice today. I went out and did 40 miles but had Scotland v Ireland in the diary for the afternoon, which did not prove to be a good investment in my time. I should clearly have done the ton myself!

I am going to try and go on Thursday, weather permitting. If I don't get it done then I will only have one or two more days as opportunities at the end of the month, so it is going to be tight. Is it not always that way.

Well done on the ride and getting it in early!

 

[HLaB]

It was a beautiful day indeed, when I saw the forecast I decided to ride out to meet folk to get some extra miles and I led a fast ride in to the cafe. The ride after was more relaxed and even more relaxed when we picked up somebody who had been dropped by another club. It did hot up on the last 5miles. I then went for another 50miles to make the ton.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/439457413

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Did my February 100 miler today so I have put my Jan and Feb details in the challenge page, I'm officially in. Was very hard work, stupidly windy. Headed out at around 5:45 and got back about 13:00. Please tell me it gets easier, at just shy of 60 miles I was cursing as I was pedalling like mad against the wind. going the wrong way I was lucky to do 10mph, turn around and it was 25mph with no effort, oh well, at least I've done it.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Did my February 100 miler today so I have put my Jan and Feb details in the challenge page, I'm officially in. Was very hard work, stupidly windy. Headed out at around 5:45 and got back about 13:00. Please tell me it gets easier, at just shy of 60 miles I was cursing as I was pedalling like mad against the wind. going the wrong way I was lucky to do 10mph, turn around and it was 25mph with no effort, oh well, at least I've done it.

That's what my Jan one was like, the closest I've been to bailing. It's unbelievable how wind that strong sap energy and demoralise you isn't it? Well done.

 

[Trickedem]

Did my February 100 miler today so I have put my Jan and Feb details in the challenge page, I'm officially in. Was very hard work, stupidly windy. Headed out at around 5:45 and got back about 13:00. Please tell me it gets easier, at just shy of 60 miles I was cursing as I was pedalling like mad against the wind. going the wrong way I was lucky to do 10mph, turn around and it was 25mph with no effort, oh well, at least I've done it.

Well done. I was out walking today and couldn't believe how strong the wind was. Very glad that I did my ride last Sunday