Verenti Dragon Ride 2010

For my last big cycling test before the Ironman I choose the 190Km Gran Fondo route of the Dragon Ride. I’ve done the Medio before and knew it would be a hard day in the saddle.

Joining me on my 7:23 jaunt through the Welsh valleys were Mark and Loz. We choose to ride as a group as company is preferable to a time on a long ride like this, plus it was Loz’s first 100+ miler.

We set out and maintained steady speed, moving from group to group but mainly breaking our own wind. It wasn’t until the first major climb that we found a group going at a similar pace. Amongst the crowd was a fellow Ironman Nice competitor. Some shared storied passed the time and the climb quickly.

I knew most of the route from my previous entry and for the bulk of the ride had one of those rare times where you just zone out. Up until the final climb I rode with Mark and Loz but feeling like I had a set of second legs opted to push to the finish alone. I ramped up the speed off a hairpin and finished the last big climb in top cog. At the top I felt good, put my head down and hammered the legs.

I surprised myself, and some people I overtook, at the speed I managed to keep up to the end. I finished feeling like I could run. We’ll have to see if that feeling is good enough to last me through a marathon though.

I put the success of the ride down to riding at pace with Mark and Loz early on and having the tri bars. The tri bars benefited me by providing a stable, and extra, position to rest. I had non of the shoulder or neck ache that I am accustomed to in long rides. Will definitely be keeping them on for Nice.