The First 100 Miles

Rode my first 100 mile ride today, in aid of The Christie cancer care and research charity.  It was a loop from Wythenshawe around the Cheshire countryside called the Manchester 100.



Here are the facts and figures:

Distance: 100 miles
Riding time: 6 hrs 20 minutes
Elapsed time: 7 hrs 10 minutes
Weather: a few very light showers with strong gusts of wind









The data from the bike computer:

Distance

Time

Approaching the lunch break

Thanks for the support today and during my training rides from Lisa, Kathryn and Callum










So my first 100 in the bag - and I chose a pretty flat event on which to do it.  The climbs that there are on the route are short and sharp and don't really cause much of a problem.
This event is a biggy - about 3000 riders taking part and choosing between a 62 mile (100 km) or 100 mile route.

Traffic getting into the start venue at Wythenshawe park was horrendous and although I was within 1 mile of the start line at 06:50 I missed my 07:20 start time by about 40 mins.  There's not much in the park, just an informal set off through a gazebo and off you go.
First half was pretty good - no problems, no stops, just a good steady rythmn and lots off snacking (I carried my own snacks but rest stops are provided where you can buy some grub) and drinking.  Tucked in behind a group of 3 bikes for about 5 miles, the front bike being a tandem, so it didn't feel too bad to be taking advantage of the hole in the wind.  About 8 miles from the lunch break I informally joined a group of 8 riders which included a couple of Bianchis and whilst willing to take my turn at the front, they seemed to be working with only 4 of the guys taking the lead, so again I enjoyed the group ride and the easier pedalling.  After about 5 miles we did a short climb and the group pulled away from me and I never "closed the gap back to the peloton" after that - makes you realise just how much effort the pros must put in when they make those solo breaks out of the peloton to bridge across to the breakaway group.
Lunch is at a big school in Nantwich and you have to take a compulsary minimum 20 minute break.  This isn't formally timed although I did appreciate the rest.  Arrived to see Lisa, Kathryn and Callum waiting to greet me and that was a big lift to the spirits.  Sarnies, cake and fruit on sale at ultra low prices so I tucked in.  By the time I'd quened and got some food and queued and filled the bottles I think it all took about 30 mins.
The afternoon section, with 45 miles to go, was a bit harder with the head wind.  The peloton must have had a longer lunch as they caught up with me after about 5 miles and I spent a further 5 miles in their company before they "gapped" me again.  Thanks lads, whoever you are.
At the finish it felt a bit good, but not full of elation as there wasn't much of a carnival atmosphere going on.  Picked up my certificate and a bottle of water which seemed a bit on the tight side, given the entry fees that must have been collected.
I must say that the route, the fact that there were marshals at every junction, the number of refreshment points and the cover for mechanicals and from motorcycle patrols along the route were very good and the organisers and marshals deserve praise for that.  Not sure about value for money though.

Most of all I have to thank all those who sponsored my efforts, and with the support of Lloyds Banking Group just under £700 was raised for The Christie.  Marvellous!