I celebrated my second cycling event with audax in style – I got lost three times… The starting point was the aptly named Ugley (at least as far as the weather was concerned). The ‘bungalow’ was nice, warm and friendly, and I came well prepared for the cold and dump weather. Still, the wind was pretty fierce at times and I was working hard to make any progress. I did the (official) 106 Km in about 7 hours. In reality though I probably covered about 120. I don’t know exactly how far I went as I did not have a cycle computer (received one yesterday from Hong Kong – cost me about £4 and can even tell the temperature…). Luckily, I also took the Nuvi GPS with me, and it was invaluable when lost for the first two occasions. The third time, unfortunately, it run out of batteries so I could just look at it and despair.
Although just my second ride, I notice that the ‘cue sheet’ which tells me how to ride (where) is not always accurate – to put it mildly. So about 5 Km from the end, when the sun is clearly wary of keeping up appearances and is about to say goodbye for the naught I was supposed to turn left at the top of the hill to a place called … something. Anyway, I am there (top of the hill), the left turn is obviously there – but no sign whatsoever. Well, my only explanation was that there MUST be another top of the hill somewhere further down (up) the road and I am still to find it. Only after a steep descent it became clear that, in all likelihood, it WAS the right turn. Well, having already covered 110 Km in far from pleasant conditions I was not in the mood to climb back up just to get back on the track. I figured I’ll find my way back. Finally – I did, but I was much more lucky than clever. The moral is to use the GPS ONLY when needed (and not as a distance measuring device) and to activate it ONLY for guidance. Of course – i could take a map too – but maps are for wimps.
Having finished the course with about 15 minutes to spare from the official deadline, I was warmly congratulated by the organisers. I took special pride in finishing this one, as I have seen many riders during the mid-way break telling the organiser that they had enough and they are going to call it a day. I decided that I will keep going regardless of the spreading iciness feeling in my right foot. I put on my overshoes and departed swiftly.
Having experienced a mild panic attack when I lost my way so near the darkness time I have made even greater efforts to get myself decent lights. I decided that I will go for the best, which usually is the most expensive – but not always. I decided to get a new front wheel built with a dynohub. This marvel of technology is a far cry from the ‘bottle’ dynamo I used as a youngster which was quite pathetic – in many ways. The dynohub generates 3W of electricity with any noticeable drag. With the new light technology I am informed that I can get very bright lights indeed. Bright enough to allow me to cycle alone on a remote country side B road with total confidence. So I went for SON see here for some comparison in this article. I then decided to but a new LED system called Busch and Muller IQ Fly Senso Plus light which is described in detail here. Should arrive within few days. Finally, I decided to reduce as much as possible the chances of getting a puncture, and I bout a couple of Marathon Plus tyres reviewed here. So now I really should not need to worry about this messy thing of puncture mending in the middle of the road!
It’s late and I am getting tired. The wind sounds very strong outside and I wonder if I would use the bike tomorrow. We’ll see.
The certificate: