All things Southern Sportive.

PostieJohn
PostieJohn Posts: 1,105
edited September 2007 in The bottom bracket
Job done, a great day, well organised, &, only 1 route marking grumble.

I scored my 1st (and the way I feel now, only, century), I'm shattered.
But was very happy with my time, 2 minutes over 6 hours, not bad for a fat lad, average speed over 16 mph & a top speed of 43.7 mph.

FORKING DRAFTERS :evil:
I have no idea how I finished the last 20 miles. I caught 1 guy, on a decent, he cheerily said only 7 miles to go, I just choked out "I'm done, completely spent", at this point the guy slightly slowed & dropped in behind me. He drafted me for about 3 miles then sped off. All the time he was coughing, spitting & snorting, if I could have lifted my arms I would have belted him one.

TOP CHAIN GANGING :D:D
After the 2nd climb I got attached to a 30 (ish) strong gang, through 1 of the easier sections, for a good 10-20 miles. We were hammering along well over 25 mph all that time, I even had a few turns on the front, (excited to get there then instantly realised I shouldn't be :lol: )

Once again a great day, shame I'm up for work @ 4am.
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/forums/vi ... t=12792776

Comments

  • pjm-84
    pjm-84 Posts: 819
    Great time for your first century.

    You get use to drafters after a while. I liken my situation to Sonic's mate (old Sega game) as I seem to collect a few. I end up just riding my own pace but do appreciate when they come through to give you hand. What I hate is when they sit on yout tail for kms on end and then try and make a break. I lost my dozen or so followers today on the short sharp climb out of West Marsden.
    Paul
  • PostieJohn
    PostieJohn Posts: 1,105
    West Marsden is what killed me off, I should have realised when the bloke, in front, was walking up quicker than I was riding. :lol:

    Luckily I'd riden that half of the route, with Wifey the week before, so at least I knew there was some decents to follow.
    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/forums/vi ... t=12792776
  • 007stucumber
    007stucumber Posts: 671
    Yeah - one road marking grumble that cost me a gold! Grrr! 158km in 5:42, in the face of crap road surfaces (anyone crack their forks?), and the level of boredom that only a British cyclosportive can provide.

    Gorgeous scenery, though.
  • popette
    popette Posts: 2,089
    did your wife do the century too?

    well done by the way
    http://www.2010etape.blogspot.com
  • PostieJohn
    PostieJohn Posts: 1,105
    Nope, Wifey did the 47 mile short course, but the climbs in that kept her 'honest'.

    Although not being the best person 1st thing, in the morning, & nervous about the ride she got up in a hell of a bad turettes mood, I even asked her if she wanted some EPO!. That's how easy it is to tempt elite athletes. :lol::lol::lol:
    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/forums/vi ... t=12792776
  • pjm-84
    pjm-84 Posts: 819
    Yep I saw a few riders getting lost around Harting and coming out in strange places. Luckily I've cycled the roads and route before so I had the benefit of area knowledge.
    I can imagine your annoyance as I was pretty piss*d to punctu*re just before the first checkpoint when I had the opportunity to start working with the Powerade lads. I ended up riding a 155km TT although I did take a 20 sec breather behind a team mate before Rowlands Castle

    The Marsden climb is nasty. Just a matter of going for it and hoping for the best. I think I spent 90% out of the saddle up here just going through the motions on a 39x25. I spotted a few guys walking..... and thought I 've been there.
    Paul
  • 12volt
    12volt Posts: 32
    pretty pleased myself did the long route total time 6hr 50mins

    spent a good 40miles on my own but really enjoyed it
    definately back next year !!!! :D

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