White Horse Challenge 2008

Another fabulous edition of an event in only its second year.

The weather forecast had showers expected in the morning and a high of only 13ºC (55ºF) so I opted for a typical Spring kit:

• Windproof bib knickers
• Sleeveless base layer
• Short sleeve jersey and arm warmers
• Overshoes and thick socks
• Gilet and windproof gloves
• Cycling cap under helmet
• Lightweight clear rain jacket in a jersey pocket

I also had my cycling mitts in a jersey pocket just in case the weather improved and I’m glad I did.

We didn’t get a spot of rain and around four hours in the sun came out and it turned into a glorious day.

Throughout the ride I worked at keeping my heart rate around 80% of max on the flats and only letting it get up to around 85% on the hills.

This worked fabulously and at no time did I feel wrung out or over-extended.

The steepest hill hit 15% and I managed to stay seated, working comfortably and in control.

Not setting a cracking pace from the start meant Michael and I were overtaken by a handful of riders before the first feed stop but some had obviously gone out far too hard and were walking up the first hill.

By the last leg we were overtaking a lot of people and I did manage a wry grin on the last hill when I cruised past someone in full Assos kit with shaved legs on a Specialized S-Works Tarmac with Zipp wheels.

As someone who knew a thing or two about cycling once said, “It’s not about the bike.”

My official time was 5:50 which was good enough for a silver classification but was six minutes slower than last year.

To be honest, that wasn’t a great time and while I could have pushed it harder, I wanted to test my pacing strategy and it worked perfectly.

After a year of training I am certainly faster, fitter and lighter but this was more of a training event for next month’s Gran Fondo Cymru in Snowdonia which will be much tougher with much longer climbs.

Everything is now on track for a good day in the Welsh mountains, I just need to get the good weather booked.

Workout:

• Type: Cycle
• Date: 04/27/2008
• Time: 08:45:00
• Total Time: 5:25:29.00
• Average Heart rate: 142
• Calories: 6324
• Distance: 143.57 km
• Average Speed: 26.47 kmph
• Ascent: 1,470 m
• Average Cadence: 76