So first day down. 5hrs17mins in the saddle and covered a distance of 72.14 miles.
Found out what my biggest adversary is going to be during this ride - cramp! I had the first onset whilst attempting the first really big hill I tackled today. Got about two thirds up and it hit me, in both thighs, caused my legs to be stuck straight for about 15 mins! Couldn't bend them at all, & it was immensely painful. Had to stop and massage them until I could bend them again. After that every time I stood up in the saddle when tackling a hill I could feel it coming on again. Meant I had to do the hills sat down, so going was slower & harder than I'd of liked.
I'm hoping it's just going to be first day teething problems & once my body gets used to the demands I'm putting it through it should be ok. Probably just in shock at the moment! Going to keep my salts & drink electrolyte type drinks to help out, plus got some stuff called 'Tiger Balm' that I picked up in Thailand, which works wonders.
Anyways, apart from that the going was good, first third & final third were fairly flat & I motored along nicely.
Was immense to be starting the cycle with someone like Cerys (GB cyclist) and we chatted for about 4 miles until she couldn't keep up... I mean had to go! Lol.
The send off prior to departure was also great, & was really good to see so many people attend the opening. Was especially pleased that Stacy, her folks & my folks all made it up to see me off, even if I was being pulled in a hundred different directions & didn't get much time to spend with them. From what I heard the day seems like it was a great success, & I hope it gave a chance for everybody to see what amazing progress the Foundation has made to date. Made all the more meaningful given the current economic climate.
Right, think I've said my piece. I'm staying in mates place in Oxford tonight, so am going to retire to a nice comfortable bed. 80 plus miles to do tomorrow, gonna be a hard slog, but my ferry doesn't leave until gone 11pm so I've got the whole day to do it.
Over and out!
Chris x