This 4th ride of my festive 500 challenge was
dominated by wind, wind and more wind (and not Brussels sprouts induced). With
only 125km achieved towards the Festive 500 challenge I knew that this ride
would have to be very big to get me back on course to be able to achieve the
target. Looking out of the window in the morning on contemplating whether to
actually kit up and go out in to the gloominess the wind was swaying the trees,
plants and blasting the occasional piece of Christmas litter past my eye line
at some speed. Having committed to this festive challenge I knew in real terms
I had no choice but to go for it. The first thing to though before my ride was
to fit my brand new Christmas present to my bike. Spanner, lube and muscles at
the ready and a little bit of straining meant these lovely new shoes (below) were
able to click in to my newly fitted SPD’s. I feel the need……..the need
for……SPD’s (see what I did there).
The last element of
preparation was to fill the camelbak to the full 2 litre capacity, mix my
energy drink in my bottle and fill my bag with energy bars, gels, bananas,
energy jelly shots etc. So off I set North with the only thing in my mind that
I need to complete my biggest cycle I have ever had if I had any chance of
completing this 500km challenge.
Once on the road all my fears
about the weather were justified as I tackled hills with plastic bags and
rubbish hurtling past me at force. Over 10 miles in and a section that should
provide respite that is usual a nice steep downhill cruise had winds gusting
against me and saw me pedalling hard at only 10mph to get down it (this is a
very steep hill!).
Having made it to Aylesbury
in just over 20 miles
I thought I would take on the challenge of reaching Bicester. A big ask in
these conditions and a big ask actually in any conditions……Head down and plugging
away saw me get to Waddesdon which is a village I have covered in early posts
(strange place) but then another 10 miles of good work saw me enter a new
county. I have never left Herts, Beds or Bucks starting from my house but today
was the day. I entered Oxfordshire for the first time. More revolutions and
good work saw me finally get to Bicester. My computer read 37 miles achieved.
This was bad news considering I still needed to get home. I flipped the bike around
and the first sign I see is Hemel Hempstead 33, Watford 45. London 60…………so
this is where the real work begins. A little salute to the Bicester MOD on the
way back and it was head down and pedal for home.
Having gnawed on my numerous
energy replacements and drinks throughout the cycle I started getting very low on
resource at about 50 miles. At 60 miles in I started to worry more as the dark and
cold was setting in. Extremely cold feet, tired legs and a killer last hill and I was
home......gasp.
I completed an epic (personal
best) 75 miles and over 5 hours on bike without dismounting. Here is the ride
for all to view – http://www.strava.com/activities/102185996
One absolute result of the
SPD’s and without really pushing it I moved up to second in my “only” KOM challenge
knocking 2 seconds off me previous best. I am still after you Mr Dicker for the
number one spot. IT WILL BE MINE!
In conclusion all this riding
is really helping me see a lot of my county and the surrounding counties. I
think I may have unearthed some real gems to go for a Sunday lunch too. Lots of
nice looking restaurants, pubs and farm houses to explore now……….
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