LEL2017 for me? Maybe not. I will continue with the IPA weekly series, where one can easily come thirst if racing and equally easily say 'I'm off foam', should the race not be to your taste. Even Andy Allsopp's book of 2009 'Barring Mechanicals' did not get me motivated for 2013. Actually, I bought two of the first copies when the book was published, which were duly delivered from Lulu. On the way out of town that evening, I went shopping in Camden Town Sainsburys and left them in a wire basket at the checkout. I trust that the finder + friend did the event last month...let me know. (Yes, I'm talking to you, Mikko!
)
Anyway. Morning Rimas. No point in saying good morning to Kristof - he's not there...gone for a Sunday Istanbul Ride and will meet under the Arch as usual...
Judging by the punishment tarrifs dished out in parts of the East, there may well be more than one café stop called 'Look Mum No Hands' I suppose, but seriously, can you imagine the satisfaction of completing that journey. Shall I say it again? P.H.E.N.O.M.E.N.A.L. Every rider is. Speed is one thing, but overall it is a test of spirit and endurance. As I look at the maps on screen, giving us the various rider positions more or less, I keep thinking 'oh they'll be ok as they are not far from each other and there will be a bit of bonhomie, mutual support on sight of a friendly face etc' but on closer inspection, "side by side" means 40kms apart...sigh.
First guesstimate today shows a gap of 280kms from RD to MW, who looks to be making good progress. Then 80kms behind him, EP, with a further 40kms to JJ. So that trio are still 'together'
CH has gone 'off the Zadar' and taken the ferry from Italy's hamstring across the Adrianatic. Nice to see the variations of route, and as Abs mentions, the write-ups will be illuminating to say the least. This week, the riders will be up against the clock, as well as themselves and the terrain, which may make things slightly more hectic!
So, our man Rimas has had a good nap, and is now underway, through the lower part of Romania, biting into his remaining 800 kms before planting the CycleChat flag on top of his personal Everest. (We're expecting a photo or two, Rimas..and you, Kristof!
) Rimas is still 'running parallel' with EJ...they are just about 200kms apart, that's all!
"Du-te, Rimas!" (That's Romanian for 'go'!)
