We awoke to a cold and frosty morning – with very little wind to make our racing hard – and all the predicted precipitation was noticable by its absence. Our customary preparation of Thai curry and Singha beer was having side effects as we set off for the race HQ in Cheddington, but once we gained entry to the hall, we quickly got ourselves and our bikes sorted, and set off to the start. Gerry had decided to use his Xentis wheels, and left the H3s in the car as reserve. As you’ll see, this is significant.
To reach the start, riders need to cross two narrow bridges with traffic lights – it was just after the second of these that our plans unravelled. Hearing a muffled exclamation, I looked behind me, to see my erstwhile team mate doing a U-turn. Surmising (correctly as it turned out) that he was having a technical problem, I did the same, only to get stuck at red lights on both bridges. By the time I got far enough that I was worried about missing our start, Gerry was nowhere to be seen. I returned to the start with about 2 minutes in hand, and anxiously looked back along the road. With Gerry absent at our appointed start time, I somewhat reluctantly decided to ride solo.
The event went pretty smoothly. The climb up Billington Hill was as usual difficult, and there were a few occasions where I got a bit held up by traffic. I finished in 49:34, still unaware of what had happened to Gerry. On returning to the race HQ, I discovered he’d had three (!) punctures and had eventually ridden solo in #39′s slot – h finished with 49:16. For a bit more detail, see the Team Grumpy blog.
Since we didn’t finish (or even start) as a 2-up team, I won’t bother posting the results. Suffice it to say we were a little disappointed, particularly given the distance Gerry had come to ride the event. At least we got a decent ride round the course.
Course decription – Start on B488 at Gateway opening to Grove Farm, near overhead cable pylon, about 100 yards from the Village Sign of. Great Gap proceed in a southerly direction to Ivinghoe. Turn Left, (care, give way sign) by Kings Head PH onto the B489 pass Church on right Turm left onto B489 up an over hill to Travellers Rest double R.JB junction with A4146 Take first exit onto the A4146, through Edlesborough, Northall and Billington to RAB junction with A505,take first exit onto A505,over next 2. R.A.B to RAB junction with A418, take first left onto A418, thorough Wing, {care in village} to Wingrave Cross Roads. Turn left through village to duck pond. Turn left on unclassified road to Mentmore Cross Road Turn right (care) follow road up to Mentmore, down through Mentmore Park to Finish at a point by concrete telephone manhole cover on grass verge marked 192 this is about 800 yards before the double RAB at entry to Cheddington Village, Distance 30Km