Spyvelo Pearl 10 Mile TT – Richard G

What can I say, I saw the final reminder for this (part of the IW Cycle Fest activities) so thought I would have a go, assuming that other WWW club members would have entered. Surprise, surprise – just me!!!  I asked for early start so I was back before dark and they had all gone home.

Never having done a TT before, I estimated my time at a generous 30 minutes, assuming top riders would do around 18- 21 minutes for a 10 mile course.  With only 2 days notice, there was not long to train or to worry about it.  I could not have had a better day for it – so out to IOW Pearl I went, resplendent in my CTT authorised WWW jersey (thanks to Rich B)!

I fully intended taking it seriously and giving it my best but decided against any leg shaving or a pointy hat or inserting a dustbin lid in my rear wheel.

Yipes – I was first off – I didn’t even know how this would be done.  It turns out you are supported on your bike already clipped in – and away I went trying not to overcook it early on.  Starts were at 1 minute intervals but no one passed me until after the llamas at Chale. 

The bottom half of Blackgang was the usual grind.  Turning back down the hill, I found myself flying and did the whole thing in 30 mins 18 seconds.  The winner did it in 22.23 and I was only about 18 seconds off 19th place.

Well-chuffed with my time even if I was last, but I was also the oldest by at least 20 years! How did I end up in same Veterans category as Clint???

This does, however, make me club champion (for the moment at least) and I am always willing to talk to anyone who was not there to witness this folly, through the whole race as long as they buy my beer!

A never to be repeated event for me I think !!!!