Big thanks to Dave for organising a great event. Great food and great route with some spectacular views.
Best section for me was the bumps between Kingscourt and Baileborough. Lovely scenery.
When I woke in the morning I was wondering what I was doing up at 5:30 on a Sunday morning with a ninety mile drive and two hundred kilometres of cycling ahead of me.
But when I walked out to the car all the sun was rising, it felt warm, the birds were singing and I knew it was going to be a great day – and it was.
By quarter to eight I’d had two coffees, a pecan slice and was signed on ready to go. With more than sixty entrants this was a large turnout for a Brevet.
So, the start was fast with a large group rattling away at unlawful speed.
Luckily a mechanical, rear gear cable just came out at the derailleur, saw me off the group.
I joined with some familiar riders but yet another mechanical just before the first control saw me off the back. This one was a bit more embarrassing. Post PBP I re-fitted a 50 chain ring on the front for winter club rides. I didn’t put any links back in the chain but knew not to use the 50/30 combination. Of course, I’d forgotten this and it pulled my wheel out and locked it!
Silly boy.
First stop at 50 km was well stocked. I cleaned my hands, ate, ate some more and then pushed on.
No major events on the next stretch. Was caught and joined a group of 8 or so and we pushed along pretty steadily. Aiden suggested my rear mudguard was rubbing so I stopped and had a look. Was my rear light wire. I was expecting issues around here as the bottom stay has become dethatched from the guard. Nothing to worry about though. Just requires yet another SKS mudguard – I seem to get through one a year.
Second stop was unmanned but plenty of garage forecourt!
Again I grouped up with six of us pushing hard (for me anyway) to the last control at 160km, with Dave providing yet more food.
For the last stretch I declined the group as I knew I’d not be able to sustain the pace and with Tara and its steeper successor on the path there was little likelihood of us staying together.
I think I’ve only been over Tara once before on the Carlingford 300 a few years back, and it was dark. So it was nice to be able to see some of the large potholes at the bottom of the descent.
I eventually got back to Ashbourne in OK state. I was happy with my first 200 of the year but a long way off my fitness of last year. The extra 3 bags of sugar, or more accurately pints of beer, around my waste aren’t helping either!
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