samuri.co.uk

Well that was interesting, especially in high winds. Because of work I couldn’t make Westmead so went local to High Leigh instead.

Nice array of characters there. Old guys with handlebar moustaches, little people, blokes in aero suits on TT bikes with a huge massive fixed gear, me.

I warmed up nicely and then people seemed to start leaving to the start, no mention, just sort of drifted out. I liked that. You had to nip down the road a mile or so but no-one told me, cool.

So it’s 8.75 miles, not a full 10. I’m number 8.

Bloke holds me upright, timer counts down, GO! Power power power! Into a full on million mile and hour headwind but I’ve been clever see? Tight top, lycra shorts, even took the peak off my helmet. I am flying! 22mph!

No-one will ever catch me at this rate, I am a cycling god, I rule the world, I could beat that one bollocked chap…oh, someone just passed me. That’s OK, he’s probably the world champion or something, gives me someone to catch. But he’s shit hot quick. I simply can’t keep up with him. Steroids I’ll bet. The pain is immense! the world becomes one little window of tarmac that needs to be eaten. Except I cocked up.

My target was 22mph average, so I looked at the gps screen and when it said 22mph or more, I was happy and backed off. I could have gone way faster, maybe 50mph or so.

I got passed by two guys.  With aero helmets and TT bikes and big meaty thighs. GET A LIFE!

23mph average over 9 miles. That’s good for my first one but it’s clear there’s a real big mental component involved. You have to be really focussed to keep 100% power up all the way. Next time I’ll not watch my speed and see how I do.