Ride London - July 2018

Another epic result for Carlos, fresh from intensive pre-season training on a new turbo-trainer and modest 382km charity ride (!) earlier in the month. 
This time the 'Ride London' closed road 100-mile sportive, ridden in wet and windy conditions.

Spot the time: 5h 23m for 161km (100 miles), an average speed of 29.7km/m (18.6 mph). 

Look at the Strava Effort Rating: 472 = 'Historic.' And look at the finish on The Mall, pumping over 400W and reaching 49km/h on the flat. Carlos was the eighth fastest on the final 300m on the day (until the Pro race arrived).

Ah, the benefit of youth...

In an exclusive interview with our rising star, Carlos said 'the plan was always to go hard at the start, lead some massive trains early and pretend we were professional, then suffer on the hills and try to go harder at the end.' And, commenting on his performance on The Mall, 'the last 300m took me 24 seconds. Andre Greipl took 18 seconds, about 40 mph. So I've a long way to go before I turn Pro.'

But we think this lad is too good to be in normal employment. We've already sent an application into Team Sky for him ;-)

Chapeau Carlos, a July to remember.

Tempest Sportive, Warwickshire - July 2018

A low turnout for this one, just two of the Club old guard, The Prez and Jan, setting off in hazy sunshine from Warwick Racecourse to ride this Wiggle-organised sportive into rural Warwickshire.

A fine ride, taking beautiful winding lanes southwards to Shipston-on-Stour, passing through pretty villages of thatched and timber-beamed cottages, and noting many a fine country mansion too.

It was a 'lumpy' ride, one notable slope punishing us all with a short section of 22% incline, but a good workout nonetheless – 111km and 1182m of climbing.

A good day out, two grumpy old men smiling more than grumping ;-)

Now for a beer or two...

Miles for Smiles. A Big, no HUGE, Charity Ride for Carlos!

Leaving his office in Pinewood, Surrey at midnight, Carlos set off for Leeds, yes, Leeds, on one of the longest one day charity rides ever attempted. 

With a total peloton of 58 colleagues, after four hours of intense concentration on dark roads out of the South-East, they welcomed the sunrise as they reached the Midlands. A much-needed breakfast stop south of Melton Mowbray, then onwards through rolling countryside in increasingly hot and sunny conditions.

Well disciplined riders split into six or seven groups, with periodic drink and snack stops from their support vehicle. The Prez was privileged to be able to ride with the group for a stage through Nottinghamshire. 
The team finally arrived in Leeds early evening, a total of 382km and 3161m of ascent under their belt, aching from top to toe, but delighted in the knowledge that they'd raised funds for Operation Smile, a charity that funds operations to correct cleft lips/palates in children all over the world.

Grin or grimace?

And here are the stats to prove this awesome achievement...

Well done all!