This was a great historic tour through some fine countryside and challenging climbs, although I missed Tara.  Well organised by Ronnie – I particularly appreciated distinctive features description, such as “at galv. gates” or “sign is turned the wrong way” really helped.

Nice to see a few new faces on the ride, hope they weren’t put off by the weather and I’m sure they fared better than me – who was a bit “over rested”.

Will be back next year to finish it off!

Ride description - http://www.audaxireland.org/calendar/gazetteer/five-megaliths-300/

My track - http://runkeeper.com/user/stuartm9999/activity/238602629?&tripIdBase36=3y22yt

Lessons Learnt

 

• Switch to folding tyres and Carry a spare tyre
• Never underestimate the weather.
• Test new shoes.

Every rides a school day!

 

The start

The day started badly.  Even though I’d basically been packed since Tuesday, 15 minutes down the road and I realised I’d not got my helmet.  Probably could have lived without this, but my hat was in it and I didn’t want to ride without a hat.  So I went back for it. 

Floored the car to try and make the start.  Unfortunately flooring a Land Rover just makes it louder and burn more fuel.  It was ten past six when I rolled into Whitehall church car park, narrowly missing the gathered cyclists.

Eddie got a route sheet from his van and I pulled the bike out and set off.  There were some familiar faces and some new and I was looking forward to a catch up and chat.  But it was not to be.

I guess the last few rides have gone fairly smoothly so I was due a few problems.

A hole in one

About an hour in or so I hit a pothole (to be a recurring theme) and my phone holder sheered its bolts and jumped off the bike.  Although Noel had dropped off, I didn’t want to rely on him a second time so I went back to get it.  Figured this would be a good time to fit my route sheet too, as I had not had time to at the start. 

Rode with Noel to the control at Stanmullen with nice views up the coast and ate my third breakfast and much needed coffee.

Bad knees

Was pretty much last  out of Stamullen but was in touch with the group.  Was pretty sleepy still from the early start and also had had a 4am trip to England on Thursday.  Around 80k I started getting sharp pains in my left knee.  Noel, who had stopped for food, passed me somewhere around Newgrange.  I have never had any knee issues before but it gradually got worse.  Then I had a brainwave.  I had changed my shoes (after attacking the last ones with a knife) and wondered if it was an issue with the cleats.  I stopped and adjusted them and the relief was instant.  I rolled into Tullyallan just as Ronnie and Noel were leaving.  Lasagne.

Let the rain begin

I made good progress to Kells, where I rode around looking for a Café – but found none.  So I sat on a wall in the rain and ate my sarnie.

Disaster Strikes

Not sure how they managed to get a Lough on the top of a hill – but it was certainly a great ride up there – despite the headwind and rain.

My knee started to give me grief on the way up so stopped and adjusted my cleat again and kitted up for the night. 

With a following wind, I started to make good progress but then about 220km, I hit a pothole very hard.  I was not moving too fast, having just crossed a junction and was looking at the route sheet.  With a hiss, my front went flat.  It took me about half an hour to change the tube.  Unsurprisingly, as my hands were numb with cold, I could not find the hole in the tube and inspection of the tyre, as best I could, did not reveal the cause.

So I put the tyre back on, which was a real struggle with no strength in my hands.  From experience, I new the chances of the new tube holding were not good.  It took me an age to put my soaking gloves back on (double layer).  Normally I have some under gloves which I could have put on with my fingerless but I had not bought them with me.

By the time I had finished I was suffering badly – shivering.  Still, I knew I would warm up if I could get going.

I fitted my bright IQ to give me more chance of avoiding the holes – but about 10 metres up the road I hit a minor hole and the tyre went flat again.

My luck changes

Without hesitation I decided to quit.  I doubted I could do another 20 minute tube change in the cold and new that I would not be able to find the cause anyway.  I walked to the nearest house and knocked on the door, asking if they would ring me a taxi for Kells.  The man offered me a lift in his van and to the stop and said if there is no bus then I’ll take you to my parents B&B – perfect.

As I looked at the timetable in Kells, a bus for Dublin Airport pulled in and I was away.  I warmed up and snoozed on the bus and got a taxi back to my car for the drive home.

Vuelta a Espana 2013: Basso out with hypothermia

So back at home @2am I opened a beer and watched the highlights of the Vuelta – Basso and a few others out with hyperthermia.  No body fat apparently.  That must have been my problem.  Must get some.

No regrets

I thought I would wake up with a lifetime of hurt.  But I didn’t.  I also checked the brevet and, if I’d managed another change in 20 minutes or so, I would have had just over an hour do 30k which would have been a tall order in the dark with poor road surfaces and whatever hills Ronnie had decided to throw at me.

Can’t make the 4 towers See you on the dying light with a spare tyre!