Great Manchester Cycle (13 miles)

This is the first serious ride I have done since Blenheim in 2011.   I have done a couple of Breeze rides, mostly gentle and cycled to work a couple of time.  That is the full extent of my training.  I signed up for this but wasn't sure I could do it.  I got my bike out of the cupboard yesterday; where it has been gathering dust for nearly two years.  It looked okay pumped up the tyres and gave it a quick dust down.

I cycled to Central Station which wasn't brilliant and I started to think oops should I be doing this.  The train was packed and I literally just got on with my bike and stood by the door as there was nowhere to go.  There were people sitting in the bike area and luggage everywhere.  A lot of people off on their holidays by the looks of it.  Got off at Piccadilly and cycled to the venue, I was hot and tired when I finally got there, the sun had come out and I didn't need my jogging bottoms or heavy rain jacket.  I was early and just had to hang around and wait for the start.  I got a bag from a nice man and left my jacket and leggings in the baggage area.

As I was representing Breeze and British Cycling I got to go off first with the elite riders (me elite lol).  As I was there early I was right on the start line at the front.  The actor who played Carl King in Emmerdale was there with his little boy.  He was in the same ride as me.  Up close he is very tall, if I had a camera with me I could have got my picture with him :(.

We set off, me at the front, yes a few people did pass me, but not as many as I suspected.  I put my head down and went for it.  Its the only time you can cycle on the motorway as it was closed for the ride.  The wind was against on the out leg and it was pretty tough.  When it came to the feeding station I was just in my stride and didn't want to stop so just sailed on by.  I am very pleased with my ride, I did it in about 50 minutes but will check my time when its published.  The only thing that upset me was the man at the finish line, who announced that I must be one of the slow ones from the previous race!! grrr.  Carl King saw me as we passed and said to his son, there's the lady from the front.

 

I really enjoyed it and I am very pleased with my performance.  I need to do more long rides over the winter ready for the triathlon season next year.