After battling home into a headwind on Friday night, and being trodden on by a horse on Saturday, I got to Winchester in perfect time for the Watership Down 100km Brevet Populaire on Sunday morning. It was fairly cold, but the rain stayed away and at times there were clear blue skies.
The good field of about 100 at the start revealed the usual suspects: the fast boys on their carbon frames vs. the randonneurs with their Carradice saddlebags.
It was a good route taking in some lovely countryside. High points (literally and scenery wise) was the Chute Causeway, with fantastic views to the south, and Walbury Hill, which had the descent on the north side and was icy. The views from the top were worth the climb. At the Kintbury control people were talking about skidding off, or being overtaken by their rear wheels on the descent! Luckily this was the only really icy section.
The climb up Watership Down was not as severe and had a great descent, then it was mainly flat home, but with a few little pulls just to keep me awake and remind me I hadn't been out enough due to the snow and ice in December.
All-in-all, a good season opener and a little reminder of what it's all about. Avreage speed was about the same as my commute which I was pleased about as I tend to push that a bit more than I did today. Riding in company certainly helps, as although I was not in a group there is always someone ahead to keep the legs turning in an attempt not to lose them completely.
No comments:
Post a Comment