From the conception of the one hit Coast to Coast attempt idea, I’ve been exceptionally (blindly?) optimistic. My planning has been meticulous and this breeds confidence. I’ve studied maps, reccyed the route, and planned my water stops. I’ve measured, weighed and counted my nutritional requirements and I’ve kitted out my bike with, (what I consider to be) the perfect mix of components for the ride. Oh, and I’ve been training hard and specifically.
Despite this preparation there is one variable that is completely beyond anyone’s control…. The good old British weather! We’ve had a great Spring so far; very little rainfall, gentle winds and dry trails. It was set to get even better; gradually becoming more conducive to the perfect conditions for a fast time. Mid May has been looking ideal for the last month or so.
And then a couple of days ago I looked at the BBC weather forecast…. Words like ‘settled’ ‘calm’ and ‘dry’ had, in the blink of an eye, changed to ‘unsettled’, ‘blustery’, and ‘wet’. Aaaargh! Surely they can’t do this? Are they not regulated or something? Why have a forecast at all?!?!
I’ve had the opinion from the start that a sub 24 hr time may only (just) be possible as a result of peak fitness, meticulous planning, luck (big dose of) and… firm ground! Soft ground could result in a huge ramping up of time. And then there is the possibility of dealing with bad weather on the day… Maybe I will have to rewrite that kit list… revise tyre choice… (or just get on with it I hear you say!).
Or I could just ignore the forecast and carry on wearing my rosey coloured glasses… After all, when have the BEEB ever got it right anyway?
I’ll be putting up a web link to our gps ‘Spot’ tracking device here just before the attempt; this will go live on the day of the ride which starts at 12 noon Saturday 16th May. If anyone is really desperate for something to do they can watch my ‘blip’ traverse the map… riveting stuff(!).
Anyways… when you get all cosy and tucked up in bed on Saturday night, spare a thought for me slipping silently through the deep, dark Yorkshire Dales. I’ll be roughly half way there…
Rich.
