Today was a tough day in the saddle. We (Steve and Kev) headed out with the club following Pete's Garmin Sat Nav route. Took in Mawdsley, Eccleston, Coppul ect...and the top of Chorley (Botany Bay area). It was a tasty pace being set, so we jut sat in the pack until that point. I was aware of what was ahead (although I have not done it for a good while), so I stopped talking to preserve energy. Anglezarke is that big lump that sits in front of Winter Hill (see pic of Kev). Got to the foot of the climb and we started to split as a group as the gradient became steeper and steeper. I managed to get a good rhythm going and even managed to pass Kev on a steep part (who had messed up his gearing, that's what he says anyway!! LOL). He later got his own back by dropping me on the flat near the cafe. It was a great workout and all these tough miles will help our preparations for what is to come on the big ride.
It was a glorious day weatherwise, even though we encountered a headwind on the way back (don't remember a tailwind heading out).
Pete suffered a puncture on the way back, but other than that it was a superb ride.
Got to the cafe and H Middleton CC A and B rides met up to take over the place.
I'm off to stuff my face for a second time and replace what I certainly burnt today.
So next time you are driving and you look over and spot the TV transmitters, have a thought for our legs today. ps - that isn't a urine sample in Kev's water bottle!
