I suppose that it would be fitting on the night of England’s first world cup game to use an old footballing cliché but our ride today was truly a “game of two halves”. We set out from the hotel at 06.30am into the remnants of the overnight weather. The sky had cleared but it was still cold and very windy. The start was well organised and it turns out that there were over 600 people starting the event. The whole group was split into four starts of 150 a piece and these went off in waves of 30 every three mins. It hardly gets dark at all in JOG this time of year and we left in soft morning light through the start line and down into the harbour where a small group of bagpipe players were` playing us out. Then the hard work began as we cycled into a very strong (25knt +) headwind. We probably were a little over enthusiastic as we departed with a fast group and kept the pace up through to the first stop art 30 miles. The next 45 section was tough. It was hilly windy and we were soaked from the frequent, cold, squally showers. The last section of the ride was much easier as we rode down the line of a river and then a lock into the Kyle of Sutherland. We cycled 105 miles in 7 hrs 18 mins and this slow time was a reflection on just how tough the conditions were today.
The RAB team had built another village in a field which had all the bases covered including a vast tent showing the English football game. I have had ice packs on my knee all evening and although I will be OK to cycle tomorrow I am a little concerned. Fingers crossed.
Tomorrow we do it all again.
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