0 - 100 in 6 Months - Part 3

A shower proof hiviz jacket gives little protection from a heavy downpour and so it was not long before I, like many of my fellow riders on the AVP 100 miler, were feeling very damp with 50 miles of our ride still to complete.

Before leaving Dulverton, a group photo captured us taking shelter under trees but there was no escaping the fact that we had to get back on the road else at our current rate of travel, we'd be riding home in the dark!

Back on the bikes we started on our way south along the A396 Exe Valley road at a good pace in spite of the rain. The level of chat reduced and there was a feeling of urgency in the peloton as we pressed on attempting to keep warm and get as much distance between us and the now heavy showers falling on the Exmoor hills behind. This strategy seemed to work as after around ten or so miles, we found ourselves breaking free of the darkest clouds and the rain eased to a drizzle. The peloton split on a series of steady down hill sections and Andy became the second of our group to puncture. Without Clive and his CO2 gizmo, who was out front with myself, Bobble, Gillian, Compass and a couple of other riders, Buster came to the rescue with brute strength and a traditional pump. 

We turned off the Exe Valley road early at Bolham to avoid the busy A396 / A361 roundabout and passed the entrance to Knightshayes, the large Victorian country house of which I have had many a pleasant Sunday visit to, during sunnier times and when not clad in lycra! With 30 miles to go, the rain then returned with vengeance. I only have vague memory of passing through Tiverton, Willand, Uffclme and Culmstock (again). And by the time we got to Hemyock, we were all so soaked through that no one was even up for our final 25 mile food stop, we pressed on. The Broad Street 4 mile climb out of Hemyock provided much needed warmth for our bodies and saw me finish off my last energy bar. The only fuel now left in my pockets were a few emergency and probably equally soggy Jelly Babies! The final climb was between Upottery and the A30, Bobble and Andy shot up this like rockets but I was happy to remain partially sheltered in the body of the peloton; feeling like one of those Emperor Penguins huddled together, sheltering from the storms. 

Prior to the ride, Clive had posted on the club's Facebook page "Here is the profile of the last 13miles of the AVP 100 miler, once you get 87th mile you are almost home and dry!" We had now entered this phase but were far from dry!

Here is the profile of the last 13miles of the AVP 100 miler

The rain by now was being driven into us by ever increasing winds. I found that extended riding in rain brings about a strange sensation. Water filled shoes become warm and pleasant when freewheeling but cold and squelchy when pedalling. The taste of salt from the rain and stinging eyes confused me for a while, until I realised that the air holes in the helmet which are normally such a blessing were filling with water to be then cascaded down my face. I've seen this week how the Tour of Britain riders have waterproof covers over their shoes and helmets while riding through such weather, now I know why!

We finally rolled into Seaton together at 6 pm, twelve hours after we had left. Surprisingly we were all in good spirits, I think mainly with the euphoria of completing the event together under such challenging conditions. It was a nice touch for all to be handed a laminated "AVP Certificate of Achievement" and a final group photo was taken.

Final group photo

This was by no means a quick ride, and I believe that without all the rain, the head winds and slow meandering we could have taken as much as an hour off the ride time, however, for a first 100 miler it was the perfect combination of good riding, socialising and adventure and I can't wait to do the next one ... but perhaps, I can wait until it warms up again next year! 

While writing up this final blog entry, I caught a snippet of the sport news this morning when it was announced that the former US heavyweight boxing champion Ken Norton, who beat Muhammad Ali, has died at the age of 70. I admit I did not know much of Ken Norton but the presenter went on to say that in later life he became well respected as a positive thinker and known for the saying "What the mind can conceive the body can perform". I conceived the idea that I could do a 100 mile ride a few months into my 'tour' but it was only in the last few weeks that I believed it could be possible.

Stats: 103.1 mi, 8hr 29m, Avg 11.7 mph, Max 31.7 mph, 5,121 kcal

0 - 100 in 6 Months - Part 2

At 06:15, fifteen riders headed out from Seaton TIC up Castle Hill and towards Beer. It is amazing how the sun can rise so quickly and how in just a few minutes darkness is replaced by a beautiful orange glow. The sun rise, as we climbed up out of Beer along Stovar Long Lane, was spectacular.

Our first challenging hill came after 18 miles; a 5 mile, 890 ft climb from Feniton, up through Penscombe Wood to Hembury Fort at the summit. After a much needed breather, we headed on and down through Blackborough to our first 25 mile cafe stop at Culmstock. The time was 09:00.

Handbag's cycle in AVP colours

The owners of the little Strand Cafe were kind enough to open early this Sunday morning and applied us with tea, coffee and cake in portions that many riders were able to keep themselves fuelled on for most of the morning. Having packed sufficient energy bars and a banana I was in need of no further fuel, although the strong black coffee was most welcomed.

Refuelled after our first cafe stop

Service was swift and we were back on the road before our legs totally cooled down and just as locals started arriving; perfect timing as we had previously taken up every table and square space available.

Continuing north, we crossed the M5 and rode following the course of the Grand Western Canal. This was a very picturesque and quiet route with next to no traffic. Although we did abruptly come upon a lady astride a horse, stopped side on in the road on a blind shaded corner which required me to slide, throwing my back wheel out, in order to bring myself to a halt before colliding with both the horse, Andy and Clive centimetres ahead of me! Much to the lady's distress, Clive called out to the remaining 12 yet to make the bend and was aghast to hear that there were still this number to descend on her! My new tyres now had a flat spot. I also think I had picked up a few stone shards as a further 5 miles down the road I became the first of our number to puncture.

Clive shows off his new gizmo while I attempt to store away the punctured inner tube 

Luckily,  I was carrying my spare inner tubes and was surrounded by seasoned cyclists who knew the drill as well as any F1 pit crew. Clive also got to use his new CO2 inflating gizmo to bring my tyre pressure up to 100 psi in a matter of seconds; much better than any hand pump would ever achieve in either time or firmness. Another purchase to consider!

A leisurely amble through Bampton

After the impromptu pitstop we had a leisurely amble through Bampton and remained on the quiet and free running National Cycle Route #3, heading further north via Morebath and Brushforth towards the Exmoor National Park, our intended halfway lunch stop.

While rain had been threatening as the morning had progressed, we were feeling luck was on our side as it always seemed to be falling out on the horizon and not on us. We reached our 50 mile marker at around midday, as we entered the National Park and the outskirts of Dulverton. This was where we had an extended stop for lunch. Some had loaded cake and sandwiches onto the support car, others went to a local cafe for what looked to me to be a full sunday dinner and I munched on another energy bar and shared cake.

It was during our lunch stop that the inevitable happened, the heavens opened!

More to follow in part 3 ....