Dunsfold Sportive

My last event of the year, based at the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold aerodrome. The weather was cold, very cold. My car thermometer was showing -1 as I approached the venue, much colder than I had anticipated but fortunately I had packed a light base layer, arm and leg warmers, and a gilet. Unfortunately I had overlooked winter gloves.

I met up with my ride buddies for the day, Ed and Darren, and we headed off towards the end of the long route queue. We were soon passing people and I was feeling good. I was working hard though, and HR was bouncing around above 160bpm for a large proportion of the time. After about 70km I mentioned to Darren that it felt like I was riding through treacle (not a very pleasant experience!) and I was clearly holding Ed and Darren back. At the last feed stop, with 40km to go, I decided to change to the mid-route and let them ride the final 18km loop without an anchor. I reached the finished, packed the car and enjoyed a nice hot cup of tea.

I had about 40 minutes before Darren and Ed appeared at the finish line that gave me time to take stock of my season. If I'm honest, I reckon I peaked at the New Forest Rattler towards the end of August; this was certainly my best ride. After that it was a struggle to maintain motivation with domestic matters taking a priority and some cumulative fatigue from training for an A race in October. C'est la vie.

Looking ahead, we will hopefully be in our own house by Christmas that will bring plenty of opportunity for practising riding hills. I plan to ride the bike less between now and Christmas and focus on swimming, jog/walking, and SCSF (strength, core, stretch and flex). It will be interesting to see how 2011 pans out.

Rest well folks.