And just like that we loose an hours sleep but gain and hours useable daylight. Although to be honest I was using that hour at the start of the day. So as far as I'm concerned we could have left it like it was for a bit longer. Apparently, I'm in the minority there though, and as all the normal people don't like getting up early we've moved time again.
Personally, I think that they're missing a trick as the early mornings the best bit of the day. Whilst most people are still sleeping, the dawns breaking, the birds are singing and everything's tranquil and quiet. As the sun brightens the night sky, there's something magical about welcoming in the new day. Fresh legs, rested eye's and a whole day of experiences and adventures to look forward too. Surely that's better than aching limbs, tired eye's and just wanting to go to sleep? I'll take the mornings any day thank you. I suppose that now we've gone to all the trouble of moving time, I'd better make the most of that extra hour though, and what better way to do so than a day out on the bike for the Start Of Summer 200Km Audax.
Now, I've done this ride a couple of times before (it also runs as the End of Summer Audax) and if I'm honest it's not a route that I've ever really enjoyed. There's nothing really wrong with it, in fact it's a nice ride through some lovely countryside. My problems always been the idiot minority that seem to think screaming around the countryside at 100 miles an hour is a good way to spend their weekend.
You see, in order to maintain a passable route whatever the weather (it's more likely to snow in March than December), it makes use of some bigger B roads, and whilst that in itself is normally brilliant, it also passes through the South Downs and swings past Goodwood Motor Racing circuit on the South Coast. This in itself seems to attract a certain type of older "boy racer", who seem to enjoy using the same roads as a race track extension. Not the best experience when your on your bike I can tell you! This year though, that all changed, as we rode the route in the other direction, completing the South Downs Loop first (L/H side of the map). Not only did we tackle the biggest climbs on fresh legs, but it would appear that the "Boy racer" element don't like getting up early either. Good news all round then. Not only would I not have to put up with screaming motor cars trying to kill me, but I wouldn't be in their way either, win, win as they say! So, having made full use of my extra hour not in bed, I was ready and raring to go, on what was a bright but chilly morning, having had a good nights sleep in the van, a leisurely breakfast and even time for an extra brew. It didn't take long for the sun to start burning off the frost, whilst the climb up to the first checkpoint at Petersfield soon warmed up my legs and necessitated to removal of the first, of what would become many, layers of clothing as the day wore on. Through Petersfield and it's not long until the climb up Harting Down really gets the legs working and the temperature rising. It's a long steep climb this one, crossing the South Downs Way at the top, before a long, steady, fast descent the other side, which requires a re-zipping of jackets, for the run down to Chichester.
A brief pause to note down the answer to the Info control at Chichester and then it's back uphill again, regaining all that height lost on the way down to the coast, as we head back to Petworth for some much needed refreshments. Brevet card stamped, more layers stripped off as the morning sun continues to do it's magic, a much needed brew, and a very welcome serving of beans on toast. Is there a better way to spend your Sunday morning?
No time to sit around having fun though, I'm not even half way yet, so it's back in the saddle for the next leg down to Shoreham. Within a few miles I've got a right old sweat on, it's unseasonably warm for late March. But, in an unusual bit of pre planning, I'm prepared for this. Shorts and leg warmers had been a sensible decision instead of long leggings this morning. Whilst shorts, rolled down long socks and winter cycling boots probably isn't the dress choice of the discerning gentleman, feeling the cool air and sun on my legs for the first time in many months more than made up for any fashion disasters, and was far more comfortable to boot. Send the fashion police round if you will, I was happy and that's all that matters. Shoreham dispatched by early afternoon, and it's Northwards, heading for Pease Pottage services and the chance to replenish water bottles and grab a chocolate bar, as sustenance to see me through the final leg. One final push then and it's not long before I'm back where I started from 9 hours previously. This time though, there's home made cakes on offer, courtesy of todays ride organisers wife, along with a warm brew and the chance to sit down and compare stories with my fellow riders from the days adventures.
And as one final bonus, that extra hour of daylight did pay off in the end. Not in my case whilst riding, although there were plenty still out on the route long after I'd packed up and gone home. But by the most magnificent sunset as I headed back for home in the van. The sun slowly sinking through the clear blue sky to eventually disappear behind the hills, bought a fitting epitaph to another brilliant day out.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- As a postscript, I'd just like to add that it's almost impossible to give enough thanks to the people that volunteer their time to make these days out possible. Whilst I always try to make my thanks known at the time, it's not always easy to thank everyone individually. But, the efforts of every organiser, assistant, baker, tea brewer and general dogsbody is certainly massively appreciated and plays a significant part in making all of these days out the enjoyable adventures that they really are.
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Paul PerrattOld enough to know better, young enough to still feel invincible, stupid enough to keep on trying the same thing again and again. Cyclist, Gardener, Runner, Hiker, Cook, Woodworker, Engineer, Jack of all trades and master of none, Anti social old git and all round miserable bugger. Archives
March 2024
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