South Downs Way 2006 Day1
Miles ridden: 38. Average Speed: 7.7 mph. Average beers drunk: 2. Punctures: 3.
The first days riding from Winchester to Cocking. After a few chain problems for Sam and Rob, leaving Sam committed to 5 gears on lowest chain ring, we set off enthusiastically. We certainly got good at fixing punctures and putting chains back on after Rob, Andy and Mark all having a puncture and Sam, Rob and Andy loosing their chains on various occasions.
Progress was slow, but steady all day with a nice lunch stop at a pub, and many rests at the top of hills. Despite the riding being harder than anyone had expected, everyone kept going and the scenery and weather got better and better throughout the day. We only split up for the last few miles because Mark, Rob, Andy and Neil had gone off slightly ahead and missed a turning. Before they realised they had come to the bottom of a huge hill, and since there were only a few miles to go took the road to the days destination – Cocking. Meanwhile after nearly missing the same turning the others (by now struggling and walking up anything steeper than flat) came in half an hour or so later.
As soon as we had showered we hit the pub – and oh that was one of the most welcome mixed grill and beers ever! The 5 minute back to the B&B bus was a steep 1 pound 80 each – Neil was going to refuse till he realised that would mean walking. Although everyone had made it to the days destination, there were already murmurings about a split into two groups with one group taking an easier road based route the next day to try and recover in preparation for the final day.
