"It's all a bit pedestrian this, let's rip it up a bit" I said as we rolled out through the streets of Cheshunt with 1400km ahead of us. I was talking to Mark or Jim, I don't remember which, both from Derby Mercury. I'd met them before and was pleased to see them at the registration the previous day. We had same start times and agreed to meet at the start to wave some earlier starters off. Our time came and we rolled out together.
Once the group thinned out we were riding alone nicely with some Australians for extra company. Tailwind, sunny and warm. Perfect. Gamlingay came and we ate cakes. We discussed our respective ride plans and realised that we had similar objectives, I suppose this is where we agreed to stick together though no formal decisions where made, that's how it happens. We were aiming to get to my friend Nigels house just beyond Middleton Tyas, 470km thus were not too keen on hanging around. The weather forecast was for rain further north and I expected to get wet after Thorne at 300km. But that was far ahead, first we had to ride through Thurlby, Washingborough and the check at Wragby. We were going well catching people who had probably spent less time at the controls. They all caught us up though when we were held at a level crossing for about 10 minutes while 5 trains came past.
At some point our quartet was swelled to 6 when Ed and Andy joined us. It was a good group and we more or less held together for the entire ride. We had a lot of laughs, we were all quite evenly matched as riders and no one was showing off much. After Washingbrough were were 6 riders alone, pressing onto Thorne. It rained. It rained for a long time, not heavy but wet. Darkness fell and the roads in this area are grim at the best of times. Flat and low, no features on the landscape, few habitats, dull and depressing. We took a direct route from Keadby Bridge to Thorne on my least favourite road of all time, the A18. It wasn't too bad in the dark and wet, no really. It was the company of the others that distracted me from the tedium of the straight road with no turns. We made it to Thorne. Alan was there with some supplies for me and a cake that Marj had sent especially for me. We shared it with the group and packed some for Dean who was 140km away at Middleton Tyas.
Into the night we rode. Abandoning the recommended route in favour of the main roads which I know well saving us about 14km. There was very little traffic at 11pm on a Sunday and the towns we passed through, Selby and York, gave a interesting distraction. Navigation was easier with signs to follow and all together a less stresful ride. Mark punctured but it was fixed carefully and we were on our way. Back on route we picked up some foreign riders who were leaving Thorne as we were arriving there, our detour had saved us some considerable time.
Arriving at Coxwold we were greeted by Lynn H. The place was busy-ish with tired and damp riders, some sleeping. Andy C was just leaving as we arrived, Bob was still there sleeping. I was surprised that we'd caught these guys up. The Mercury boys inquired about sleeping here but there was no room at the inn so they switched to our plan and once fed and watered we all set off for Middleton Tyas only 54km away, all but one, Ed slept at Coxwold. We dropped Andy off at his house and arranged for him to meet the other two at Middleton Tyas. It got light by the time we arrived. The control was very quiet, Andy C was finishing up and preparing to leave, Bob arrived a few minutes after us. The Mercury boys retired to the sleeping quarters, Andrew and I had some quick food not before making an arrangement to meet the others after some sleep. I felt a bit feint here. Lack of sleep, going from cold to hot and a toothache contributed. I sat outside for 5 minutes and was fine. This has happened before. We had about 7km to ride to Nigels where we had proper beds, a change of kit and a shower. Nigel was up and about to welcome us, it was about 07:00.
Our arrangement was to meet the others at Caldwell at 11:30. It was 12:00 by the time they arrived. A few riders passed us while we waited. We applied sunblock. It was a lovely sunny day, quite warm. I was hungry, needed some food as we didn't eat at Nigels so we had a quick stop at Barnard Castle, I could have eaten more but didn't want to delay us any longer. It started to rain as we left Middleton In Teesdale, heavily. This climb is grim in the rain, it gets cold and the descent is fast in places. Cold hands on brakes is not good. I was prepared. I had packed my waterproof gloves and overshoes in the bag at Nigels especially for this possibility. We were fine as it turned out. We rode out of the worst rain and the climb and descent wasn't too bad at all. We passed many riders and few passed us. Food at Alston, I felt feint again, quickly removed some layers and drank cold water, recovering OK. My tooth was playing up so some more Ibuprofen was taken. Thankfully this was the last episode like this, more by chance than good management I managed to crack the temperature regulation issue.
It was sunny as we left, Heather told us of some rider who was 3km in Alston town asking for directions to the control. As we left we saw Pete Turnbull coming up the hill !! The ride was really starting now, soon we'd be in Scotland and on back roads which I was looking forward to. The others moaned about the A7 but I managed to block it out, I was in suspended animation or something as it seemed to pass quickly for me. The alternative back roads were harder. Left in Langholm and into the roads to Eskdalemuir. I think it was around here that Scottish John joined our group, maybe after Eskdalemuir. The control was good, quiet again, were were ahead of the bulge as I'd hoped to be, our plan was working. Superb chili con carne but the rice was a little over done, plenty of it though. Ready for the night we rolled out at about 21:00 for the hilly ride to the turn at Dalkeith.
This section was fantastic, it got dark, lights were illuminated, we kept together and climbed the hills. Spirits were high and we joked and pulled each others legs. Descents were fast, my borrowed lamp was superb allowing me to ride fast with confidence. I preferred to follow another rider still and Jim was descending faster than me so I just chased him. A shooting star fell out of the sky to our left, fantastic.
What the hell is that on the road. Lot's of flashing lights, people in reflective jackets. A crash ? No, it was people telling us of the secret control at Traquair. Turned out to be quite special. Scotch whiskey, porridge, cake and coffee at midnight. What more can I say ? So welcome after a long tough stage. 30km to go to sleep. This stop was mandatory on the way out but optional on the way back. Now Dalkeith, even before we'd got into the building the people told us there was nowhere to sleep. Welcome to Dalkeith. This was not unexpected, it was the same four years ago which is why I'd packed a blanket in my bag drop bag. We ate and decided when we'd leave, I found a long seat to lie on, donned my eye mask, ear plugs and crashed out.
Showered. The showers seems to be only half finished four years ago, they still were. Scottish rugby is in a bad way. So off we go, London here we come. Rush hour traffic, weaving through queues is OK for a lone rider but not everyone likes doing it and in my opinion with a group the lead rider should not do it. I wasn't prepared to do it and two os where left behind. At this point my rear lamp bracket broke, Andy and I fixed it with tie wraps which lasted the rest of the ride. Electically it was in tact. The other 6 didn't wait until the next turn about 12km away. There were earlier opportunities but I suspect the didn't bother to check that the group was together. Group riding takes cooperation, a glance over the shoulder, some communication. But not today it seems. I was not happy when we caught them up. The hills gave me a chance to express myself, the die was cast, the first move had been made, the rulebook had been written. I was floating. A second breakfast at Traquair, more coffee, whiskey, cake and porridge. I was glad we stopped here again as we met some other riders still heading north, Damon, Greenbank, GeraldC, Hummers. Nice to have a joke with them.
More hills, I don't think it rained on us in the ride back to Eskdakemuir, splendid ride again. More chili before heading out for some rather dull and difficult roads to Alston. It did rain on us, spirits seemed to be flagging, mine were for sure. Someone road away and split the group into individuals, this pissed me off. I know they almost certainly wanted to just get there but being part of a group is about, well, being part of a group and helping each other. Some riders can do it, some just think they can. Three or four of us regrouped in Alston town, visited the shop ate sweet cakes and generally grumped for a few minutes before tackling the climb to the control. It was early evening, the wind that had been in our faces all day was gaining strength as we gained height. We are brave souls, we ate and headed out in to the teeth of the gail. It was drizzling and cold, oh so cold. A couple of riders just rode off, never to be seen of again until the next day. I stayed with Mercury Mark who was complaining of a sore knee. I wouldn't leave anyone behind on this hill in these conditions. It was wet, though the rain wasn't heavy, just lots of it, strong winds. Little traffic though, thankfully. Over the top, but there is no real top on this hill, a couple of false summits before the descent proper. We pedaled down to keep warm and very slowly we got lower and dryer, finally able to remove some layers to try to dry out. It was dark by now and we were well behind our estimated time of arrival at Nigels house. I let him know by text. Some riders were struggling, it had been a tough old day, about 250km in total, it a headwind, wet and hilly. With about 2km to where we'd part company I arranged to meet the others at Middleton Tyas and Andrew and made our way to Nigels house. I was anxious to get there. I didn't want to keep Nigel up too late waiting for us, I was sleeping but didn't want to take any drugs to keep me awake and compromise my sleep later. We missed a turn in the villages but finally made it for about 00:30. We didn't bother to shower or eat just crashed out.
On the road again by 0530 to meet the others for breakfast at Middleton Tyas for 6. It all worked well. We had plenty of time to eat, time to eat plenty. Relatively short leg to Coxwold picking up Andy on the way. No more rain. More breakfast. Coxwold was quiet and tidy and clean, as was Middleton actually. This pleased me. I find it quite stressful when the controls are busy and tired riders are getting in one anothers way. I don't need the stress, I need some calm to unwind from the ride and prepare for the next one. What a ride then next one turned out to be. 90km mostly in drizzle and headwind. The dullest roads ever, ones I know too well. Few turns, filthy roads, lots of surface water nothing to look at even in fine weather. We did see a steam train today though. The Lancashire Fusilier on the Scarborough Spa express. We also saw and heard a Vulcan Bomber on the runway at Elvington Air museum. Still a dire ride though. I made it through the rain and found myself respected by the others who got rained on too and made it through. I never thought I'd ever be pleased to get to Thorne. Danial welcomed us in and came over for a chat. The control was quiet and tidy and warm. My kit dried out and my spirits lifted, fed and watered. The timing of the rain was good, we rarely arrived at control in the rain. It usually stopped well before we got there, we dried out and were completely dry on leaving ready to start the cycle again.
Where are we going now ? Washingborough ? Our plan was for Thurlby but I conflabbed with Mark and Andrew to allow us to rethink once we got there. The rain and headwind was clearly getting to us all. We got rained on again. But were dry by the time we got there and on the run it decided to carry on regardless. Through Lincoln was a drag, traffic lights, stop start, stop start. Even with signs some dozy bugger up front took the wrong route. Never mind we got there. The control was gearing up for the night. Preparing beds. The staff were busy and the close attention that we'd got used to today was not here. The food was very nice though but I felt rushed, like there was someone more important than me due to arrive soon. We got ready to leave, it was pouring down, the heaviest we'd seen on the whole ride. It would surely stop soon. But no. For about 2 hours it rained. We sheltered in a garage forecourt for 5 minutes respite. the someone punctured and during the time it took to fix it the rain stopped. We chatted and joked as the steam rose from our wet clothes. It probably wasn't funny but sleep deprived we found Johns story hilarious. There were 6 of us stood on a road late at night in the dark howling with laughter. The restart was cold but slowly we warmed up. The lanes where filthy, gritty and narrow, difficult to navigate. I suggested the main road again, shorter and easier to navigate at night, less stressful. No beds at Thurlby but top notch service from the Shauns and the others. The fed us and found us places to sleep. I slept well on four chairs ! Shaun woke me, Julie fed us. Jim got a puncture before he'd left the carpark. We returned and ordered tea for 5 and sat in the sunshine watching Jim mend his bike. On the road again bound for Gamlingay. Maybe just maybe we could avoid getting wet today. The ride was heavy going, we were tired, crosswinds but at least it was bright and sunny. The cornfields were interesting compared to the nothingness of the previous day. I was being optimistic, we got caught in a couple of heavy showers before the control, that's wet everyday now. Gamlingay was quiet, Paul got the tea for us and we ate well. Jim got some sweets for the road, we were relaxed and looking forward to finishing. Plenty of time and pleased with ourselves so far.
The final leg was a drag but once I started to recognise places I perked up. A pint in a pub in the last 5km then finish at about 17:30.
A tough ride. I never felt like packing. We stuck to our plan even though our speed was slower than planned, we used the down time to take up the slack and restart the plan at the right times. I am pleased with the way I went, I am fitter than ever, I don't feel too beat up, slightly worse than after PBP but much better than after LEL 2005.
