Day 143 - Stockland Hill

Back in the saddle again for some serious mileage with the APV. 17 cyclists mounted up for a ride to Stockland Hill. As if finding hills along our journey was not enough, we were heading out to climb one. Stockland Hill is the site of the TV Transmitting Station serving East Devon and West Dorset, so not just a little bump in the road!

I'm a little light in cycling news and thoughts to share this week, office work has, for the second week in succession, dominated my waking hours. One muse which I've touched on over these past few months is the suitability of my Specialised Crosstrail Sport hybrid for my AVP circuits. Last night, there were the first mutterings from the group that, compared to their refined road bikes, my hybrid was the most versatile for ground we were covering. Low geared for the hills, rugged frame and suspension for the bumps and thicker tyres for stability over rough and loose shingle. I saw on the TDF that there was one hill that the organisers had to even sweep clean prior to the riders entering. I rest my case. That said, if I'm still this keen next year, I've not quite given up on the idea of acquiring a road bike for my stable, something to keep my my steed company, as a donkey is to a horse!

Back to the Stockland Hill circuit. It was, as expected a tough one but surprisingly, may be because of all the downhill sprints, a quick one with 2 new PBs. Not surprisingly, the peloton split very early into several breakaway groups and there were times when I found my self either out on my own or with another one or two riders. This was a very different ride from those which have gone before.

Stats: 24.01 mi, 1h:48m:24s , Avg 12.2 mph, Max 31.4, 1312 kcal

PBs:
One hour: 14.14 mi
20 km 51m:55s