by I was pretty busy all of last week but I managed a couple of rides – one was just my usual 24km route but the other was much longer at 62km. If I had been fitter and not completely broken I would have tried to extend the route to get to 64km but it wasn’t going to happen!
I’d set off with the idea of getting to the reservoir and back, and I seemed to be making good time. I had never actually succeeded in doing a loop of the reservoir – last time I tried I took a wrong turn and ended up in Chelmsford! But I didn’t think it would take too long. I was mistaken!
I also don’t remember the terrain around the reservoir being up and down – the headwind probably didn’t help! It took me much longer than anticipated and my legs were starting to complain. At least I know I wasn’t imagining it as MyWindsock demonstrates:
I had a tailwind on the way back thankfully so I wasn’t too slow, but I did crawl to a halt going up London Hill which touches 11% near the top. I used to do a paper round around there and remember Sundays being particularly difficult, but not as difficult as I found it yesterday! I made it to the top though.
Goodbye Alberto
I was really pleased to see Contador get his stage win on the Angliru. It’s a shame he had his off day in Andorra as he might have been a threat in GC otherwise. Hats off to Froome – it’s an awesome achievement which should see him knighted and nominated for Sports Personality of the Year, but it wouldn’t surprise me if neither happens. I hope he goes for the Giro to complete the set of Grand Tours.
The Tour of Britain wasn’t quite as exciting – Cav was obviously working for Boasson Hagen as he regains fitness, and Ewan/Gaviria seemed to be missing something. I hope they have a better parcours next year.