The predicted rain held off but during both days it was very windy making certain legs of the course a misery. Always a great event though, made awesome by the spectators and the encouragement that they give. The first 12 hours went fairly quickly and I managed 197 miles which was slightly behind my target so I knew that the 400 wasn't going to happen. In the first half I was fuelled on Hammer nutrition Perpetuem, gels and Tower Nutrition Electrorights (kindly supplied by #towernutrition) The dreaded cramp stayed away and I was feeling good energy wise. Velo kindly got me a portion of chips in the night and I ate half of them and somewhere along the line a bag of wotsits and three small flapjack pieces. The rest of the ride was adlib Perpetuem and a couple more gels. Energy wise I felt good at all times and I didn't experience the normal low that I have around 3am.
Had a hairy moment in the night when my front light started going flat about a mile into a 20 mile ish lap. In hindsight I should have returned to the van and got a replacement (its an open road event so lights even more important) but with my foggy brain I decided not to waste the couple of miles. which wouldn't have counted. I pushed on desperately, hoping I would make it back safely - It was a tense 20 miles and I spent the whole time cursing my decision! Also I knew that I would be disqualified if I got caught with no lights so the race was on! Amazing how you can pull some extra energy/ speed out of the bag when the proverbial happens! Luckily I made it back just in time to get a spare, lesson learnt, I will carry a spare on my bike in future. I accidentally sent Lee back to HQ whilst I did the finishing laps (different route this year from the previous year that I did it) so I was without water but a very kind gentleman (supporting another rider) topped up my bottle so a disaster was adverted. As always I was greatful to see the finish line but sad that it was over for another year.... Lee behaved impeccably and didn't do any previously threatened social media 'expose' - Ill ALLOW him to crew for me again .... Seriously thought the crew are as much a part of the race as the rider. Its tougher to stay awake for 24 hours waiting for your rider to come in than it is cycling. He was spot on at every spot, providing me with the things I needed before I had even realised I needed them myself - so a huge thank you to the Velo. Also a huge thank you to Tower Nutrition for providing me with great products that kept me fuelled and pain free throughout, All First Aid Training for getting me to these events and Fit Your Bike for ensuring my bikes are comfy and well fitted. Without these guys none of this is possible! Also a big thank you for all the well wishes, encouraging comments and supports through out the race, in the deepest, darkest hours these really keep me going
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September 2019
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