So I needed one more test before deciding that I am ready for the ‘big one’, and I did the London Bikeathon. That’s the only charity ride I joined this year so far, and I don’t think I’ll join any other… To make it more interesting than the ‘meager’ 52 miles, so called the challenging route (my my how times change) I also rode from home and back – another 16 miles. Altogether a respectable 105 Km.
It WAS good fun, and some of the routes – especially via richmond park – were spectacular. It’s also nice NOT to look at a cue sheet and NOT to worry about ‘controls’ – and being given bananas and other goodies as much as you wish.
I decided that I AM ready – and notified anyone with ears and a willingness to listen to me that I am going to do the 300Km.
The knee was not too hurting and I felt that given few days of no cycling I’ll be OK.
As a last item of preparation I acquired a really cool (and somewhat alien) looking head light, like miners used to use, as I certainly needed something to be able to light my map, cue sheet or GPS… That would be my first ever serious ride in total darkness and that kind of light was the missing piece. It cost few pounds from ebay (all the way from Hong Kong and proved immensely valuable during the ride.