Twice Round The Isle of Wight

Yesterday I ticked off the first of my 2012 Objectives: to ride two laps of the Isle of Wight Randonnee route.

It was a very enjoyable ride, with winter sunshine all day and a welcome tailwind down the west coast of the Island.

[ROUTE MAP AVAILABLE HERE (link)]

The Ride Stats:

• 110.6 Miles
• 06:47hrs Riding Time
• 16.2mph Average
• 4472Kcals Burnt (that's a few mince-pies)
• Estimated 2268m Ascent Elevation

We set off early just as the sun came up at 0800, and rode the first lap in 03:12 hours riding time. Stopping off at home for a quick bowl of pasta and a cup of coffee, we then began the second lap at about 1300. 

By the time we had reached Blackgang on the second lap the sun was setting over the Channel. The ominous storm clouds that brought today's F10 winds were building; it was quite a sight. Headtorches on, and tapping away, we completed the second lap in 03:35 hours riding time. Considering it was only a year and a half ago that 03:20 was a record for me for once round, both those times were pretty respectable.

I don't want to make it sound like it was easy, but I actually found the 110 miles surprisingly manageable. OK, so the pace wasn't that high, and the wind was in our favour; but I did have to physically push my riding partner up a few of the substantial climbs on the second lap and along the long military road.
I reckon it could become a "regular" training route in the summer, if I have a whole day to kill!

So it seems that the winter training is paying off; I'm looking forward to seeing how it translates into racing results in the coming months!