Wet behind the ears on the OTP

YHC is staring down a tortuous path towards being fit enough to attack and conquer the Etape du Tour, so it is becoming clear some actual pedalling has to take place, not a reduced “recovery” from the 3 peaks…but some real ball chaffing effort which TSS has neatly set out on “the spreadsheet”.  Looking into the radar scope this morning and seeing a clear sky with the odd purple patch to the south and east, it was “on”…rain jacket to hand..but “on”

Driving over to Gordon…a light refreshing shower blowing in from the south…and strapping  on the all the gear in the car park while the HMOTN rolled up for the second best way. The mood was rather grim, but that was just me, the rest were all chomping on the bit to get into ride…Bullet(le) , RTG, Phantom, Chris, Jim,Stealth, Schleck, Falsh, Admin, YHC , ( there were a couple more but fading memory is just one of my many failings)  rolled out on a slightly early call…not wanting to stand around in the rain, and so onto the one true path.

Every morning there is a car dropping off kids at the pedestrian crossing and this morning was no exception, having just rolled out and then slamming on the brakes to avoid this hazard reminds one that white lines and metal grates are not to be messed with when covered in a mil or two of the wet stuff. The brakes feeling a little less effective too…but then YHC avoids these conditions when common sense takes hold.

Over the hills of death down the Col de Lindfield conditions improved which made for near perfect pedal commuting, an easy pace, plenty of banter, cool but pleasant under all the plastic wrapping, and keeping up with Schleck who was resplendent as usual in the full Rapha regalia.

Regroups were brief and punctuated by RTG shouting for a rolling start as he swept past, Lantern Rouge usually being the hindmost but today he was happy to ride amidships..the lights along Archer being quite kind this morning meant no delays to worry about and RTG got a running start at the KOM…1/4 of course and Schleck barging to the front looking for a jersey, conditions not being ideal for a stouch. KOM from my perspective started after they had finished, but I am now building capability by seated climb and big ringing it, I will be a contender I tell myself ..but not today.

Meanwhile storm clouds were gathering….

Crossing the bridge and using it as another opportunity to ratchet up the heart rate to near fatal  levels it was a swift transfer to the B&T amid a small but persistent shower…once of course the coffee was served outside, the heavens opened and a curtain of rain closed across the door of our watering hole…so for the first time in ER history coffees were consumed in the air conditioned comfort of the cafe. WBA and DLHK rolled in ahead of the front, both exceedingly well equipped for the conditions…it seems there is both style and panache to be had in wet weather gear.

YHC had to make an early departure, stepping into the wall of water and thence onto York St dodging busses and cars, a small river forming along the gutter making for a wet left foot at the lights…hmmm I am still not convinced this is a fun and essential experience, but the 4 peaks are looming large and I have finished all my HTFUs…

Tickets all a bit damp but on sale for the usual returns, looking forward to it already.

Have a good one all

BT