Just finished my first Sportive Event. It was a lovely, sunny day, but the wind was fierce - never cycled in wind like that before! It was a 57 mile event and I felt good overall.
Dave (hubby) went round with me and kept telling me to keep drinking and eating - however, I just wasn't hungry, but did manage to eat some - but not enough, apparantly! I hit a wall at mile 48 - no energy in my legs - had to stop and drink more carb drink and take a gel, then I was better. The wind just made me feel I was going nowhere at times! There was also more traffic than I had anticipated on the narrow roads - had to slow down several times because of it, which was frustrating! One more thing - the half way stop only had two port-a-loos and the queue took forever, which didn't help my time. Oh yeah - there was also a 25% hill to climb!!!
Now for the good bits!!!:
The memorable bits of the event were seeing wild horses along the way - It was in the New Forest where they let wild horses roam by the road - it was so lovely and picturesque. There were also some other wild animals and once I had to stop to let a white long-haired cow cross the road - and once there was a wild pig that ventured it's way into the middle of the road!!!! I wanted to take pics, but also wanted to finish with a good time!!! It was a very beautiful route - really enjoyed it and glad to have accomplished it!!! Will definitely enter this again next year!!!!
http://j.mp/ILZOdl.