I joined Gary and Jared at the bottom of Streatley Hill, 15 miles into their 50-miler this morning...
I'd been worrying about the hill all week, and was feeling the fear as we started the ascent, but I made it to the top! Almost fell over when I got off my bike as my legs had gone, but Streatley Hill is no longer my nemesis - I ate it for breakfast!! :-D
We continued together for about 23 enjoyable miles before we went our separate ways - me to return home for a 45 mile round trip, them to finish off their 50.
As I cruised down the B4494 to Hamstead Norreys, I began to get concerned that my next destination was not mentioned on the signs, which all told me I was heading for Newbury... well as it happened, after 38 miles I did turn up in Newbury, 15 miles from home - I needed a turn-off I wasn't even looking for to follow my planned route! D'oh!!
I felt fine though (just the usual sore knee and foot), so set off for home in positive frame of mind, though admittedly wondering how I'd cope... I needn't have worried! I felt fine all the way, and when the torrential rain started 5 miles from home, I put my head down and upped the effort, loving every second! I made it home in one piece (despite coming down Streatley Hill in the rain, almost blind from the water and at 20mph despite having the brakes full on all the way!!!), very happy and very tired after 53 miles today, and 134 miles in the week!
This cycling lark is getting to be fun!
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