Saturday 26th June
Stupidly hot day to do this, but the 90 miles to Lymington, round the Isle of Wight and back had to be done - we'd organised a babysitter! I had somehow persuaded Tracy that she wanted to do this challenge and that it would be a nice day out.
Stupidly hot day to do this, but the 90 miles to Lymington, round the Isle of Wight and back had to be done - we'd organised a babysitter! I had somehow persuaded Tracy that she wanted to do this challenge and that it would be a nice day out.
The ride to Lymington was beautiful, with birds seemingly racing us through the sunny hedgerows. We managed to catch an earlier ferry than we expected (result) and steeled ourselves for the Island and the dreaded military road.
Tiring stuff, but we generally made good progress to Ventnor. Tracy was desperate for a break by lunchtime in Bembridge - treating me to one of her "What have you made me do?" looks when her legs failed her on a tough hill. As we sat outside the deli eating baguettes I assured her that the North side of the Island is much flatter and wouldn't be all hills.
Now I have cycled round the island twice before. I really should have remembered that people say that the north side of the island is flat, but this is not really based in fact. Yes, there are fewer big hills, but instead you are treated to lots and lots of smaller ones - after 60 miles they hurt - especially if someone has just told you that they aren't going to be there.
However, we made it round, got lucky with the ferry once more and rewarded ourselves with a beer in the Croft garden. Tracy has decided not to divorce me just yet.
90 miles averaging 11.5mph. Pretty happy with my ability to cover the distance with all the kit, at least for one day...
Tiring stuff, but we generally made good progress to Ventnor. Tracy was desperate for a break by lunchtime in Bembridge - treating me to one of her "What have you made me do?" looks when her legs failed her on a tough hill. As we sat outside the deli eating baguettes I assured her that the North side of the Island is much flatter and wouldn't be all hills.
Now I have cycled round the island twice before. I really should have remembered that people say that the north side of the island is flat, but this is not really based in fact. Yes, there are fewer big hills, but instead you are treated to lots and lots of smaller ones - after 60 miles they hurt - especially if someone has just told you that they aren't going to be there.
However, we made it round, got lucky with the ferry once more and rewarded ourselves with a beer in the Croft garden. Tracy has decided not to divorce me just yet.
90 miles averaging 11.5mph. Pretty happy with my ability to cover the distance with all the kit, at least for one day...
I love the way you can see the road snaking off into the distance on the picture of Dan. It must have inched closer at a scarily slow rate!
ReplyDeleteTracy must be mad!! But glad you had a good ride!
ReplyDeleteActually Will, going down the hill that we're on at 35mph and halfway up the next one that bit seemed really fast. I did have a slight wobble as I hit a lump in the road and my panniers caused my back wheel to kick out. Worrying. I almost used the brakes. Almost.
ReplyDelete