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@andy.w
2012 IoM end 2 end challenge.
Very windy, boats cancelled. Wind blowing 30-40 Mph from the south. We were riding From the north, and heading south. Very tough day out.
The first 10 miles or so are on road, I got in with a very fast group, I kept up for a while before I decided that I would never make it to the end if I tried to stay with them. I dropeed off the back and left them to it. Time for food before the first offroad sections and a couple of pretty steep climbs.
This first section was all new this year due to some serious errosion on the usual route. They worked, steep climbs spread out the field before it was back down some very technical single track. Ear to ear grin, even after going over the bars trying to avoid the crash in front of me. No damage done, not even hurt pride, back to thr grinning and to the bottom beforethings got vertical, again. Tough fire road climb, very warm. That was short lived af we climbed out of the trees and back into that headwind.
The next section undulates on a pretty ropey fire road through the open moorland, heavy going.
The rest of the course varis slighly in places from year to year, considening the volume of rain this year it was relatively dry for the most part. Some fantastic support through out the event keeps aching legs from taking over your thoughts.
Down through some farm land, very fast and very slippy in the fields and into St Johns to mark the half way point. bask in the glory of cheering spectators before The slog that is Slieau Whallian. Things start to get wet, its a tricky (for me) climb and is quite steep in places, the river running down the trail wasn't helping, time for a quick walk.
Up to the top and then down through another plantation, mainy fire road with some very wet and rooty singletrack. More grinning, not for others. Some pretty full on rider tree collissions. Got to hurt, lots.
More climbing very rocky, a quick gear change and stop. Ffffuuuuuu. I've never seen a chain wrap itself round a BB shell like that. No play in it so out came the tools. Couldn't reach the split link so cahin tool out and after a bit of faffing I was away, briefly. Through a stream and a quick hop up the other side, apply pressure to pedals, snap. Another faff and a split link added, praying it holds. I was feeling good and despite watching various riders disappear into the now very thick mist I was spinning back up the hill. Another tricky rooty plantation. 100's of mushrooms, may go back tomorrow when I have more time t collect o few for the pot.
More fire road climbing and back out into that bloody wind. A little bit more climbing and then it's pretty much all downhill until just before the finish. Nice riding, visibility was very poor, my sunglasses didn't help. Had to leave them on though to stop the wind blowing my contacts out.
More fast singletrack and then into the fields, over zealous going over an old wall, squeaky bum time. I held it, just.
Last section, road and them the funal climb (bastards) to the finish.
Mrs.w and Nancy were at the bottom to chear me on, It helps. Up the hill and over the line. Most times are a bit down.
Not mine, Official time 5:18. 15 minutes quicker than last year. I'll take that. Tired but happy. A quick ride down to Port Erin to meet the family and my lift home. Had to ride back to get the car. The heavens opened. 5 minutes riding and I was soaked.
A very tiring but fun day out
45 miles, 5272 foot of climbing. I may feel that tomorrow.
http://app.strava.com/rides/21390021
http://app.strava.com/rides/21390021