I did not submit my application to Andy before riding it. I truly had no idea whther I will be able to finish it and if I did – how long it will take me. So I played it safe, and just went on the ride.
The reason for my apprehension was the fact that I decided to do it on my FIXIE (look ma – no gears!). I had a few weeks of riding experience on it doing my 25 km a day commuting, but that means I only did 12.5 at a go, hardly an indication for a 100 km. Also, I knew full well that the major obstacle I will be facing would be the hills on the way. The route indicated a total elevation of about 850m, which is very gentle over such a distance, but I had no idea what it would look like in real life.
Well – I do now. And it’s just FINE!!! I had to walk only four times up the steeper hills, but, obvioulsy, I managed to do 99.9% of the way riding on the saddle. I also managed an impressive 19.1 km/h average speed so I even got back home while there was some light outside.
So, where was I? – here is the route.
OK – some more highlights from that journey. First – it was COLD – very cold. I think about 5C and obviously less if you factor in the wind chill factor. I was overall quite well protected – but not enough. I am buying more winter clothing. Second – it felt bizarely …. short. I don’t fancy doing a night ride soon, so that’s more or less what I can cover in a day, but it just was over quickly. Third, I think I managed to do the Maswell Hill (which is the last ‘real’ obstacle before the home straight section) at an astonishingly fast pace. I was wondering if I should attribute it to me munching a super duper Mars Bar minutes before tackling that hill. I shall experiment some more.
Am pleased.