After 4 years of unsuccessful ballot entries, 2018 was finally the year I got to take on the Prudential Ride 100 London.
With a start wave shortly after 6am, alarms were set for a super early wake-up call. A quick warm-up ride to the Olympic Park, bags dropped and we were on the line ready to roll.
A few riding buddies who had done the ride before warned of going full-gas over the first few miles, only for fatigue to strike back like a coiled cobra not too far down the road. So the plan was to take it easy and avoid the temptation. Needless to say, the inevitable happened…
The novelty of closed roads, plenty of energy in the tank and a close-knit, fast peloton meant by the time we left Richmond Park, we were averaging well over 22mph. Time to take it easy before we blew up…
We were also absolutely drenched by the time we left central and about to take on some brutal headwinds as we ventured out into Surrey. In hindsight, guess it was a blessing in disguise, even after the months of wall-to-wall sunshine leading up to the day. Heat stroke vs a bit of wind & rain? Retrospectively (definitely not at the time), think I’d take the latter…
Despite the weather, it didn’t dampen any spirits on or off the bikes. The marshals, volunteers and supporters were all incredible. Showing their support the whole way around and providing some much needed encouragement at times. He’s most likely never going to read this, but a massive thanks and kudos to the guy with a track pump standing out in the pouring rain at his house just after Newlands Corner. You saved my bacon post-puncture at mile 47.
Box Hill lived up to its reputation of being a bit of a brute, especially 70 odd miles in. Leith Hill, a.k.a. Surrey’s highest point, however is the real climb. Ramping up to 12.5% gradient and no wider than a corridor, it’s a real leg punisher!
With both of the major climbs out the way, it was relatively flat all the way into town as we made our way back towards the Mall. Buckingham Palace is a stunning sight every other day of the year but I’ve got to be honest, I was a very happy chappy to see it after 100miles in the saddle.
All in all, it’s a stunner of a fully closed road route through some of Surrey’s finest lanes coupled with great vibes from every rider. If you’re even remotely thinking about signing up to ride a 100 mile sportive, Ride 100 is your perfect chance and best of all, the ballot is now open for next year! Maybe see you on the start line in 2019…
