• So I went and did my first ever TT. Planning is everything and so I, of course got stupidly lost on the ride in, ensuring that I rode 20 miles for a 14 mile journey to get there, and then arrived slightly late, making sure that there was no chance of a practice lap. I pinned on my number, felt slightly intimidated by the number of skinsuits in use and got a cup of coffee and some malt loaf from the excellent clubhouse, picked up a transponder, and got in line for the start. I asked someone if there was anything I should know before I started my first TT and they suggested "keep to the racing line, you'll be fine. We'll try and shout you when you are finished, but can't guarantee it, so count your laps, you need 11". and off I went. The course is nice. Not pan flat and a nice shape. It seemed very windy. By lap 7 bits of me were starting to say that they would rather be watching Masterchef, but I was having a whale of a time. I finished my 11th lap, came off the course and I could see the chap keeping time squinting to see my number "Oh no, I've come off a lap early@ I thought. "I didn't notice your number come up" he said. We tested it and it turned out that the transponder was dead. I was slightly gutted to not have an official time, but reaally it matters not a jot. My garmin says 10.4 miles in 26 minutes 20 seconds, which I am happy with. It is both better than I thought I could do and also something I think I can improve on. Now, where can I get some dimpled wheels :-)

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