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Prudential Ride London
Ride100

After worrying about the heat the weekend of the ride 100 the weather
forecast was for a day of rain. Mick dropped me off at the Emirates Airway
to meet a friend. This worked really well with staff knowing what to do and
putting one of the seats up so 2 bikes and 2 passengers could get in each
cabin.

We rode to the start in the dry and dropped our bag of in the lorry. My start
time was 8:08 at 7:45 the rain arrived. It was miserable waiting to start. I
said to my friend that I would only do 46 miles and not to wait for me. She
is a much stronger rider than me. I didn't like the idea of riding 100 miles
hours in rain. Last year the beginning of the ride was surprisingly fast and
this year it wasn't.

The miles just dragged and you couldn't sit on any wheels with the rain. I got
to the 46 mile split too quickly and it wasn't open,oh well it looks like I am
doing the 100. I stopped at every feed station just to get my thoughts
together .I had passed several people wrapped in foil blankets and there were
a lot of punctures.

At the top of Newlands Hill the wind and rain was coming down like a hurricane.
People huddling together,bikes, notice boards and branches being blown about.
I decided I was not going to do Leith Hill as I know the descent can be a bit
tricky. It was the right decision as shortly after I reached the split it was
closed because of an accident. I did do Box Hill as there isn't really a descent
from it. The rain just continued and I was just glad to finish. I did 92 miles
plus miles getting there and back so it made the 100. I got a train back to
Bromley and everyone was kind on the train saying well done. Looking back I
must of looked like a soggy mess.

When I got back Mick was back from Malcolm's BBQ and asked if I wanted a
cup of tea or bath,my reply was both. I had a shower and Mick made my tea
.sitting drinking my tea Mick asked if I was going to wash to which I replied

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