12/04/15
Survived the climb out of Hebden Bridge with lots of others, descended into Oxenhope alone. At around 10 miles there was a fast, clear descent along a reservoir after which I heard a strange noise – rear mud guard had broken under the saddle bag and was resting on the tyre. The duck tape fix held until a couple of miles before the finish.
First checkpoint was a guy in his car stamping cards, boot full of bananas and cereal bars. It was pissing down by this point. Next control in Gargrave, two chaps in a bus shelter opposite the Dalesman cafe, which I then went in to warm/dry/eat.
A couple of info controls, gel and jelly beans required at the second before I fell over. Hard work climbing out of Keighley, and then the climb from Oxenhope was brutal, but ridable; a very long time in the little cog. Mutual photo taking with another audaxer at the top. Not sure where his mate had got to, who had been carrying a selfie stick around all day.
All downhill after this, cold hands permanently on the brakes. Felt a bit sick toward the end, there was a good spread on at the arrivée which I probably failed to appreciate, but the chocolate soy milk that I had with me went down well. A thoroughly soggy ride, the worst bit being trying to get wet gloves back on and being cold when starting again after a stop. And a new mud guard will be required.
115 km, 2.25 AA, 8 hours 39 minutes