Met up with Michiel & 'Beau' in the Car park in the chilly sun. As the ride progressed the North wind caused the temperature to drop & skies to become more grey.
Several hundred riders headaed out throught Duston & across the Althorp Estate - looks like the Earl is having some work done on the house. I thought of the young Diana playing in the magnificent grounds & it felt strange leaving through the entrance through which her coffin passed on it's final journey.
There were a few testing climbs up to Naseby - then across to the half-way point at Cold Ashby (which was bleeding c-c-cold). Shortly after we climbed to the highest point in Northamptonshire!
So with the height we'd attained & wind behind us we raced south for some fantastic & thrilling miles.
A sharp unexpected left turn and some nasty gravel (I HATE ROAD GRAVEL) caused Michiel to go into a dangerous skid! Fortunately the rear wheel gripped again and all was well.
Still feelling pretty fresh the last 10 miles were cold, grey & into the wind but we flew past many of the 25 milers on their heavy mountain bikes. This was a totally different (& less painful) experience compare to 2 years ago on my cast iron Raleigh!
Close to the finish Michiel broke his '50 mile virginity' - never the same again!!
Back at the Saints ground we received our medals & a welcome cup of tea.
This is a ride to do again, and again - especially for such a great cause.
51.09m 3h24m @ 15mph 2969ft climb
