As this is my second Bostin' Peaks I knew to expect a lot of undulations.
Got up at 5.15 (ouch!) however I was really pleased as I had shockingly managed about 6 hours sleep! More than enough to get around the course.
Car packed and started driving at 6.15... arrived at Uttoxeter Racecourse at 7.35, a bit too early and was second car there however, the drive was quick and hassle free.
At 8.45 I got fed up of waiting around (my start time was 9.30) and didn't see the point waiting for the staggered start plus it wasn't a timed event anyway so.. switched my Bryton to record at 8.53 and casually rode off - 7 minutes before the 100 milers were starting. Glad I did as I recalled the immediate hill last year, was nice to ride up it on my own 😊
About 10 miles later I smiled at the photographer as I rode past, he must have thought I was going at rocket speed with no-one else around me.
It was at least 15 miles until I started to be passed by other riders (I did wonder if something had happened and the ride had been cancelled at one point!)
At feed stop no.1 (21 miles) I swear there were at least double the mount of riders than had passed me, maybe I wasn't the only one to sneak out early afterall?
A nice array of tea, cakes, biccies, maltloaf etc at the stop.
Within a mile of leaving feed stop no.1 the climbs into the beautiful Peak District start coming in, a slog of a climb to get right to the top the though! Overheard another rider moan 'You get up one and then they throw another one at you!'
I found myself in better condition for it than last year or maybe that was due to more sleep.
Brill riding along the top, to not stop and take photo's would be criminal!
Rewarded by a long downhill to the bottom again, had a silly grin on my face all ther way down - fabulous!
Whilst crossing the bridge over the ford I observed a small pack of cyclists going for it through the water (ok the leader blindly lead them all in gung ho!) Soon regretted it, resulted in the leader slipping and falling, one pedalling through deep water and one dismounting and wading through moaning about not taking the bridge. The guy at the back of their pack did the sensible thing and decided to chose the bridge with a comment of 'silly people' to me 😃.
I had more cakie goodness at feed stop no.2 with 19 miles to go. As remembered last year these final miles were not to be taken lightly. More undualtions afoot however I felt much stronger at this point compared to last year so got on with it.
Passed the JCB plant, memories of Alton Towers school trips came flooding back! There was also an ice cream van there... was very tempted but carried on past! Criminal!
Last 4-5 miles were rolling/downhill, bliss!
Arrived at the finish at around 3.30... rewarded with a medal and large hotdog yay!
Once again a most excellent day out around Staffordshire and the Peak District with 68.56 miles ridden and 4519 ft climbed.
Today's Fuel:
Belvita Baked Choc Chip and cuppa (Pre ride fuel)
Fig rolls x 2
Tea & cakes etc at the feed stops.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Clif Bar
Lemon card sarnie
1 Litre Sport drink mix
Recovery hotdog - yehaaaw!
I'll be back!
