Roll forward a few days to 2014, more rain and another Strava challenge. The wet December has been followed by an even wetter January, in fact the wettest January since records began. Since my New Years Eve ride I'd not used the bike, a new garden fence has taken most of my spare time. DIY mixed with the weather, I'd not thought about entering any of the Strava challenges and quite a challenge (for me) it is. The Gran Fondo tasks you with riding 130km in a single ride; motivated by a dry day off work, excessive competiveness (one of mates completed it on Wednesday) and a rush of blood to the brain, I thought I'd give it a go!
I maybe foolish, but I'm not stupid, well not entirely! I made sure I put some extra psi in the Nobbly Nics and picked a fairly flat route. I based it on the 96km route I'd used previously.
Back on the saddle and time to weave my way past the people walking on the seafront cycle track, though been midweek and the cold wind meant for much quieter route than my previous weekend loop. Turning off the seafront, I headed up the disused railway line in Clyne, my target was the Loughor Estuary. As with most railway cycle tracks, it wasn't steep, just a steady uphill gradient, but at this point I really wasn't feeling my 'mojo'. Passing the Railway Inn, I was down to a snail's pace, thankfully the gradient was levelling and the going was getting easier. Soon I was heading downhill and left the trees and emerged into a housing estate. At this point I got lost and ended up in some playing fields in Gorseinon. The pleasant downhill section of cycle track, also meant a long drag uphill for the return leg. I decided that rather than trying to find the Estuary, it was time to head back to the seafront, but first, time for some Mule bar to boost the energy for the climb. Choc Orange, it was okay, but I prefer (I really like) the Apple Strudel version.
Four hours and 45 miles in and to steal a phrase - I was in a dark place! Shattered, hungry and a rear puncture, despite the incredibly wet weather, I couldn't find any standing water to try and find the puncture. I finished the mule bar and pushed up to the crest of the Briton Ferry bridge. From there I rolled down to McDonald's, I could feel the carcass of the wheel flexing, most off putting! A quick McD's and a hot coffee and I was feeling better. Time was getting short, so I drank the coffee on the move (when they warn you its hot liquid, they're not lying!) With some more air in the tyre I set off once again, I hoped that the puncture was slow enough that I wouldn't have to deal with it on route. However, I was wrong, I had to stop a 2nd time to add more air, so decided that the best course of action was to get into Port Talbot and the Tesco petrol station. I could change the inner tube in a safer spot and use the air compressor there to inflate it. Amid calls of 'puncture is it?', I started to change the inner tube. Wheel stripped down, I got the spare out of my bag, only to find it was from a road bike?! WTF! I've never owned a road bike, so how/why did I have a spare inner tube for one. Ho hum, I guess I'd have to make the best of a bad situation, I knew at this point the 130km was not reachable, but maybe the 100k was possible.
I was 50 miles in to my route, cold, a puncture (very possible two now, as I couldn't find the cause of it and unless I was incredibly fortunate to put the wheel back together in exactly the same position, it could puncture again) and really, really tired. Choice, head home or keep going? Home was 6 miles away, I needed 14 miles for the 100k. 8 miles from somewhere. To fall short so close to completing the 100k for a second time didn't appeal.
I set off once again, the saddle wasn't a friend! Another disused railway line and I was going slow again, but finally I got to Rhyslyn. In the carpark, some other riders were fitting their lights and heading off. Time for me to do the same, lights fitted and tyre inflated again (and would need to be done another four or five times before I'd get home). By the time I was in Cymmer, it was properly dark and cold, I was really thankful I had the Hope Vision with me. I was surprised how busy the trails were, the glow of the lights weaving through the forest was quite eerie!
Home, and oh boy was I tired, but I'd done it, a 104km on my full sus.
Could I have done the 130km without the puncture or if I'd used more XC orientated tyres? (most of the route was on tarmac) I don't know, but I guess there's only one way to find out!
