Big big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me and my friends in raising money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. You all helped us surpass our donation target. Donations are still being accepted via https://justgiving/TeamIWantToRideMyBicycle Just an quick rundown of the day...Didnt start too well as I was mis-informed about train times and had to cycle 7miles to the start, on top of the 3miles to get to my planned station. Fortunately, it didnt take as long as I thought and managed to get there with plenty of time to spare. Waited over an hour in drizzle before crossing the start at 8.12am. Decent first sector coming into Richmond Park but the heavens opened and the deluge meant we had to walk through the park. Watching the rivers of rainwater flowing around us and you can understand that safety was priority. Weather improved as we came out of London and into Surrey. Sun was out but storm had left its mark...lots of big puddles covering this section of the route. At points we were cycling in water pedal deep, thats 8-12inches of water. Suppose that can be fun but not if there is a pothole underneath. This was also the most hilly section, lots of small hills but due to the weather we were diverted around the 2 main climbs at Box Hill and Leith Hill. Going up wasnt the problem, it was probably safety concerns on the way down. I managed to power up each hill but the constant change in gradient took its toll and I was feeling the burn in the legs. Coming out of Surrey and coming back into London I felt like the end was in sight but still 30miles out. Cheering and support of folk who braved the weather really helped to find that extra drive to push on through. On the last hill I remember my legs burning and hearing someone in the crowd shout its the last hill, and then no more to the finish. I didnt dare believe them but they werent lying...big push and I was tearing up miles towards the finish. Coming along the Kings Road in Chelsea and I knew it wasnt far. Chelsea embankment, Battersea power station, MI6 building, Big Ben, Whitehall...turned the corner at Trafalgar square and I can see the finish. Crowds lined both sides of The Mall (some screaming my name Im sure), my wet clothes were now pretty much dry and cruising up to the finish feeling like a champ when.....yep, it absolutely poured down with rain I can only describe as tropical monsoon. It didnt last long but I guess was a fitting way to finish a wet ride. Weather caught up with me at home as I was snotty and sneezing but my lovely wife took our son and let me have a whopping 10hour sleep before work the next day. Muscles sore, knees feel clicky but worth it for the challenge I completed and support you gave. Until next year! Thanks again
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 23:29:19 +0000