Ride London 100

ok, so only managed 40 miles at 11mph average :/
we did this: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2864375

Box Hill actually is fine. I had to have a jelly baby pause at the bottom, but it was really ok. and the view at the top is A-mazing, and there is a NT cafe. since that's where TTM took off, I stopped for a pasty, a calippo and a slice of watermelon. I could've stayed there all day...

what I have learned:

1. I set off too quick. I don't have any real concept of how fast I'm going on the geared bike, I'm usually very steady-eddy on singlespeed. I'm going to commute on it to try and get used to it, and maybe borrow a speedometer.
   
2. I am really unfit. I've barely been on the bike for 3 or more months. 3 weeks to improve.
   
3. my expensive bike and expensive shoes are less comfortable than my regular kit. hmm. I am aching today.
   
4. I really do not appreciate suffering for sport. but I'll do it just this once.
   
5. If it's this hot in 3 weeks, I really doubt I'll finish.
   
   

Thank you for the company on Saturday. Wow that was hot!

Sorry if I pushed a bit hard at the beginning, but those roads out of Surbiton were grim and I was impatient to hit the lanes. Some of that countryside was very pretty and the tarmac was in good condition (thank you Olympics) so on closed roads I think it'll be a nice ride. As you mentioned, Box Hill is fine. It never got much above 6% I think and is nice and steady.

The good news is that I think I was a bit pessimistic regarding the average speed and actually the Garmin is saying 15/16mph average.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/341914805

Thanks again for the company and apologies for dashing off. I made it to LMNH on the Southbank for a few pints in the sun and the last hour of the tour, so a good end to a good day.

Have fun in France.