Ignominy!

This weeks weigh in:

Weight 102.1kg
Loss 1.3kg

Miles last week 108
Longest ride 67 miles

The shame of it. I have been overtaken.........
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by a jogger!

In my defence, the hill was a 12% pitch, she (yes, it was a lady jogger) was going very well, and the 20+mph wind was in my face but, lets face it, it's not the best preparation ever for an Etape is it?

That said, the ride was good, despite the howling wind. Edge Hill was ridden without stopping (1.3km @ 10%, max 14%).

Ilmington Hill followed, and was similarly despatched. This was pleasing as it did for me last June about 2/3 of the way up. I had to stop, and on restarting popped a spoke which then spoiled most of the day. (1km @ 9%, max 14% with another 1km at 2%-7% afterwards)

Down the other side, and up the south of Fish Hill above Broadway (a long way at far too much, max 14%). Again no stopping, but not much speed either.

Finally! Tourmalet descending practice on Fish Hill proper.

Lines through corners were chosen, and kept. Weight was distributed, corners were made easily, brakes were left largely alone. 42mph (71kmh) ensued. Brilliant!!

Then, to cap it all, back to Stratford on Avon, with the wind finally behind. I've never done 27mph on the flat before (not sitting upright with my hands on the flats, holding a conversation, anyway)

All-in-all a pleasing training ride for this time of year, despite the high winds. 67 miles and a Tourmalet's-worth of climbing in 5 hours dead (average 13.4mph). All we have to do now is throw in another 36 miles, and sufficient climbing for the Hautacam, and the incidental bits in between.