My first really challenging ride since my crash. I find to my consternation that this is the 8th time in 9 years that I have done a day of the Tour of Wessex. I am a full hour slower than at my peak in 2009 but actually not all that much slower than last year. The real difference is that in earlier years I would have chatted to my riding companions in a relatively relaxed manner whereas this year I was hanging on for all my worth and only doing turns at the front (though quite long turns on occasion) when going up hill. Strava can be a cruel tool as it shows my reduced form over virtually every segment. Psychologically as well as physically I am struggling to ride in the wheels; I was either hanging off the back or in the front; my trust of fellow riders has taken a knock which will take some time to restore. I think my performance indicates that for the etape this year I will at least survive and stay ahead of the broom wagon though without doing anything spectacular.
It is a fantastic ride through absolutely stunning countryside. Every year there are more and more participants. It is a truly great day out whether you are in top form or not. Again I am in awe of those who do all three days.
116 miles in 6h41m with 7,054 feet of climbing.
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