juliet

So, last year I tried to ride twice the length of Wales in a weekend. And packed at 470k (3/4 of the way).

This year it was back again for another bash. But this time with the company of the lovely uon.

( Cut for those not interested in long ride reports )

My that was long.

Anyway: I did it! I am still a bit shellshocked, tbh. Massive credit to uon, who kept me going for a full 30 hours, plus the next 12 hours in absentia by sending frequent texts. He did a fantastic job himself - made it to 470k in the end, which is 170k further than he's ever ridden before, on a much hillier ride than he's ever done before. A bloody impressive effort. And chapeau to all who rode, especially the ever-marvellous Charlotte and Liz.

Also: I love my bike very much!

Last Saturday was my last audax of the season - the 200k Anfractuous from Chalfont St Peter. After the previous weekend's 600k extravaganza, I'd have been sorely tempted to bail on it, had it not also been uon's first 200k, thus making me feel obliged to turn out so he would!

( Ride report )

I really enjoyed the day - was surprised at how well I felt given that I'm clearly still recovering from the Middle Road. A splendid end to the season :-)

So, last May I tried to ride 600k and packed at 470k; this weekend I had another go.

And got in last night with 5 min to spare!

Ride report to follow, but I am feeling very pleased with myself (& also rather like I've been beated up - everything aches, & I'm exhausted). I rode much stronger than I expected myself to, which is always nice. Also I didn't cry once, which is rare :)

So that's my SR (Super Randonneur) series (200k, 300k, 400k, 600k) in my first year of audaxing.

Everyone else finished too: Liz got her first SR, as well (with a knee injury that would have undoubtedly caused me to pack - I am v impressed!) & Charlotte finished on fixed. Rich finished his first 600k, Matt (who was riding 2 200s rather than a 600) finished fine, & obv Steve A got in to continue his epic stab at the points record :-)

Further to my ride report of the Brian Chapman (619k bike ride the length of Wales & back, or 470k bike ride + v expensive taxi if you're me): photos!. Featuring me looking v silly in bike kit, & lots of pictures of Wales being pretty.

Things I would never have seen without audaxing: Welsh hills at sunrise.

Executive summary of my weekend: attempted to ride the length of Wales, twice (619km); packed in the end at 470km due to exhaustion. Bah.

( Longer version... )

ETA: photos.

So this weekend I spent 26h20min cycling 400km in the Sussex area. Started from Hailsham at 13.30 on Saturday; finished also in Hailsham at 15.50 on Sunday. Within time (by 40 min) which is the important bit :-) Summary of ride: tough (for me); hillier than expected.

( Ride report for anyone interested... )

I am getting a bit faster uphill (still pretty slow though!). Quite a lot faster on the flat; and I've lost my fear of descending so am getting some pretty good speeds in there as well :) Psytrance is good music for getting the legs going; bouncy indie is better for cheering the head. 1 x flapjack every 50k is about right; and I really need to drink more water.

Three down (1 x 200, 1 x 300, 1 x 400). One to go (1 x 600, the Brian Chapman, next weekend. Notoriously very hilly. Far from sure that I will make it within time, but We Shall See.) Pleased with myself today, anyway :-)

Last Sunday I rode 300k for the first time - and got back within time, so that's another tick in the PBP qualifying box...

( ride report )