Another early start , up at 5.30, bike on the car, Mrs S. took me to MUFC ground at Old Trafford Manchester for this years Bike Events cycle. Having enjoyed this so much last year, I registered early to make sure I was going to be there again. However with the recent biblical weather it was looking like a swim rather than a cycle.The forecast was good and on the morning itself it looked like the cycle gods were in a good mood.
This year I was joined by family, friends and colleagues, although we would all string out along the way. I'd plumped for an earlier start time to avoid the congestion of last years start, which seemed to work. Setting off at 07:30 we rode at a steady pace for 5 miles before my nephew and I rode on ahead of our friends. The weather was perfect, not too cold or hot and little wind. Lots of different kinds of cyclists again. This is why I love this event, from your semi-pro with a bike worth more than my car, to your "look what I found in the garage" riders. Guys and girls in one piece lycra with teardrop time trial helmets, to people in jeans, trainers and baseball caps. There's a real mix.here and I think it's great.
At the halfway point around Chorley / Charnock Richard we stopped for and snack and drink. This made all the difference as we left feeling refreshed. The competitive nature of my nephew took over here, as we left he stopped with a problem with his saddle bag. I waited for him to sort it and then the bugger left me with a "Manx Missile" sprint out of the blocks. I'm far too long in the tooth to play those games so I didn't even bother trying to catch him. He had his goal to beat 4 hours, so I rode at my usual steady but progressive pace and watched him disappear.
I took in the sights as we neared Preston , which is always a bit tricky given the number of riders competing for tarmac space with frustrated motorists out for their Sunday drive. Getting through Preston unscathed, I rode on toward Lytham. The sun was out and it was getting quite warm, but as last year proved, this is where the wind is and it's always in your face. I tried to slip stream other riders to protect myself , but they were either too fast or too slow. No one was riding at my pace here, so I stuck my head down and rode on.
Counting down the mile boards to the finish was the only time I lifted my head and at 1 mile out I looked up to see the Pleasure Beach at Blackpool . I wondered about doing a "Le Tour" finish again but decided it was a bad idea, without doubt I'd have ended up in a pile underneath the bike in front of hundreds, so my finish was one of a relieved escapee having made it home.
I'd finished about 15 minutes behind my nephew, given that he's less than half my age, I was pleased with that. We had to hang around for Mrs. S to arrive and find us, so watched the finishers arrive. Would you believe it someone did crash at the finish. My decision was vindicated, I think they were okay, more embarrassed than hurt I'd suggest.
Our friends and colleagues arrived a couple of hours after us, a great achievement for all concerned.
Once again it had been a great day and if you ride a bike this is a great event to participate in.
