Book-ended the weekend with a 200 k ride on Friday and Monday. I wanted to get these in early for the two concurrent RRtY series I’m completing. This weekend coming is busy. The following week I’m off cycle touring in Europe till the end of the month. It’s possible I could complete a qualifying ride over there. I may still do.
Both of the 200s followed nearly the exact same roads. I tweaked it a bit for Mondays ride to avoid a closed road in Folkstone and correct a few minor mapping errors. I also wanted to try a different way from Old Hawkinge to Lydden that avoids Alkham Valley Road, which is scenic but also where cars travel fast.
Turned out the alternative I chose through Hawkinge and Densole was not much better until the turn towards Swingfield. I’ve tweaked it again having seen some quiet country lanes I’d overlooked before. Think I might have it right this time.
| Category | Metric | Ride 1 (Friday) | Ride 2 (Monday) | Difference (Ride 2 − Ride 1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | Distance | 203.4 km | 201.2 km | −2.2 km |
| Climbing | Elevation gain | 2,081 m | 2,014 m | −67 m |
| Climbing | Elevation loss | 2,063 m | 2,026 m | −37 m |
| Climbing | Max grade | 14.0% | 12.8% | −1.2 percentage points |
| Climbing | Avg grade | 0.8% | 0.9% | +0.1 percentage points |
| Time | Total duration | 10:54:42 | 10:04:02 | −50:40 (Ride 2 shorter) |
| Time | Moving time | 09:26:42 | 08:54:30 | −32:12 |
| Time | Stopped time | 01:28:00 | 01:09:32 | −18:28 |
| Speed | Max speed | 48.3 kph | 54.5 kph | +6.2 kph |
| Speed | Avg speed | 21.5 kph | 22.6 kph | +1.1 kph |
Between the two I did a 50 k on Saturday. No ride on Sunday but only a few hours sleep since we went to a dance (Aba Shanti) in Tottenham and got home soon after 1 am.
I was not expecting Mondays ride to be faster and more efficient than Fridays on what was very nearly the same route. It just felt like I had more to give.
I’ve noticed over the years that I take a while to properly warm up. Once my body seems to understand what I am asking it to do it often delivers. I think that might be something called “fatigue resistance” kicking in. Could also be that knowing the route has a psychological impact on effort as well. Whatever the cause I like it.
💬 Any thoughts? I’d be happy to hear from you via LetterBird. 💬