When I first said I was going to do this ride, one of the girls from work said "you don't believe in setting easy targets do you?" I wasn't sure I would be able to do it, probably a bit much as I have only just started cycling, but hey, let's give it a go. Got up at 5:30 having got everything ready the night before and set off about 6:15. Not knowing where to park I just drove towards the tunnel (which was the start) and thought I would find somewhere when I got there. As it happens I struck lucky, managed to park just around the corner from the entrance, however, it cost me £5! It was a small car park and filled up really fast, I had plenty of time to wait, so just chilled for a while, set my bike up and made my way to the start.
I crossed to start at approx 8:10, into the tunnel, it was easy going down hill, but had to keep breaking to stop from going too fast, like some lunatics who incidently were not even wearing helmets. Coming out the other side, nightmare...it seemed to go on forever, finally saw the sunlight but the nightmare wasn't over. Whoever told me the Wirral is flat is lying, we just seemed to climb for ever. I got my head down and did my best. We went through a farmyard road and I got cow poo all over my bike and my water bottle, couldn't drink it anymore. At one point I passed a church, ringing its bells, the clock said 9:30, I thought flipping heck, I have been going for the best part of an hour and a half and not even reached the quarter way refreshment point. So I tried to put a spurt on. It turns out that it hadn't even opened and I was nearly at the half way point. Finally got there, no queue for the loos, had my sandwiches, a drink rested for half an hour, then set off on the return journey.
Coming back was hard, up and down, up and down. I did get off at one point and walk up the end of the hill, but only about 5 yards. When we finally got into Birkenhead, the heavens opened and it threw it down, I was drenched, but I liked it, it was so refreshing. I was still moving at a good pace, one chap said he couldn't catch me as I was doing 22 mph on the last stretch! A car breaked suddenly in front of me and I breaked, skidded sideways and hurt my leg on the back of his car. I thought I also buckled my front wheel as it was making a horrible noise. The chap who couldn't catch me went flying past. Eventually got to the tunnel entrance, I stopped to get my breath, I was determined I was going to ride out the other side and not end up walking. I took it easy on the down slope, but when it came to the uphill climb, it was crucifying..but..head down.. keep breathing and whoppeee, I did it.
Total time just over 4 hours including my half hour break. All I got at the end was a bottle of water and a general certificate, you have to write your own name on - lol. I don't care, I did it.
No comments:
Post a Comment