(photo copyright phil o'connor, photo bought but not arrived yet)Did second Dragon ride last Sunday. No rooms near to the event, so I had decided to drive down in the morning. Mrs M convinced me to do otherwise so ended up at a farm near Merthyr Tydfll, about 40 miles from event.
Turned out to be good choice, a: because I ended up with a whole house to myself and got some provisions for breakfast along with friendly welcome and b: because massive queues for the event. Had I driven up in the morning think it would have turned into a very long day.
Got sorted out in double quick time and headed for start. First tryout for new Zipp 303 front wheel (back still on the way). Very smooth, very nice. Met fellow Newburyer at start but no sign of others so we joined the (very) long queue and set off.
Weather perfect, bright but not sunny and no sign of threatened (by crap BBC forecast) rain. Cycled with fellow clubby unti traffic light which split us up. First climb shortly after and I got into serious mode.
Plan was to ride all climbs at or above threshold, taking rest of run as it comes.
9 climbs in all and pretty much managed to hit goal. First 2 where quite big, 4.6 and 6.2k and did each over 300W. Next 3 were a bit difficult to pace as had descents as well as climbs did in a range of 260-280W. Next couple over 300W again. Final couple I took a bit easier at 240 and 260W as by then riding with group.
Met couple of fellow clubbies on the way and ended up haring to line. Final ride time was 5:47, again over 30kph average which again wasnt bad as not really going for speed.
Took time at finish then headed home. Great day, nice climbs, great views, fast descents and good weather.
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