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Thanks for the feedback, looks like the 4 season weather cycle struck again.
I found this one even harder than last year for some strange reason.
loads more punctures and different peloton cutting through cyclists
was also quite dangerous . All in all, it was a good experience but I'll probably call
it a day for now.
chokalateboywonder
I had initially registered in Aug/Sep, planning to do some proper training this time and improve my time…was wishful thinking as I then had a medical event in October that kept me off the bike all winter (through reluctance rather than inability) , and ended up with commitments to be away in Scotland that weekend. 3 weeks ago my Scotland weekend fell through and I was suddenly available for the ride again (and feeing confident to get back in bike by now) but with only short time to try and get fit. Did some laps of RP on a few occasions mostly to get my arse ready but was clearly not match fit for 100 miles.
Did it anyway, and despite severe cramp in one thigh at 50 mile rest stop which meant I could not walk back to my bike for about 30 minutes, I managed to complete. Second half much slower average speed than first half due to leg cramp still twinging.
Event atmosphere good, diverse population of riders (which is fine if you don’t mind dodging occasional recumbents, tandems, etc), not too many people riding like pricks.
Weather turned out pretty good. Got sunburnt. Seemed to be masses of punctures but luckily avoided that myself.
Last year, my total time was 6 hours, with 5:30 riding time and 1 stop,
This year, my total time was 8 hours, with 6:25 riding time and 3 stops but I was happy to have finished it.
I’ll probably register and do it again next year just to give me something to aim for in terms of demonstrating to myself that I can still do it (as I lack creativity, opportunity and motivation to get off my arse and do 100 miles without someone organising it all for me) and hopefully have better opportunity to train more completely over the winter and get a slightly better time.