Wind, hail, sun, sleet, rain and more wind

What miserable weather! After the beautiful sun we had last week, it was very depressing to have a week of wind and rain.

Monday was supposed to be a 4 mile run whilst my daughter was swimming and I don't mind running in bad weather so that was fine. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were meant to be rides outside but I just couldn't be bothered to get all my cold weather gear out.

So, Tuesday was a rest day and Wednesday was a run and a spin class in the gym. On Thursday is was supposed to meet Stephen for a long ride but we both agreed that the weather so too foul so I went for a run instead.

Saturday was earmarked for a long ride and even though the weather was terrible, I knew I had to go out. I planned to go down to Box Hill and do the 65 mile route but I also had a route planned out for a century ride. I wanted to get one done as it was becoming an issue in my head. The Fred, Dave Lloyd, Dartmoor and Etape are all over 100 miles.

I was up at 7 and got all my gear on - base layer, bibbed shorts (padded), winter bibbed tights (unpadded), winter gloves and shower coat. I finally forced myself out at 8:15 and my parting words to my wife were "bloody hell its cold".

I made my way to Box Hill and in the first two hours I had everything the heavens had to offer apart from snow. The hail was particularly unpleasant. It hurt. I got to the National Trust cafe and stopped for a cup of tea to decided where to go. I was coping ok with most of the weather but the wind was making progress very slow. Every time I got some speed up, a big gust would slow me right down.

I decided that I had done 40 miles so I might as was press on. I went down to Westcott and towards Leith Hill only to take a wrong turning. I managed to get back on track but only after doing an extra hill. It was all hard work with the wind and constantly changing weather but I got back to Box Hill and had done 77 miles. I didn't stop this time and just headed home through a very heavy shower.

I was very pleased as I rode through Wandsworth as the cycle computer ticked over to 100 miles. That is my first century for 6 years and felt easier than it did then (but still tough). I am shattered now and I don't plan to do too much before I go away to Devon next week for 4 days hard riding.

Stats
Distance: 103.4 miles
Time: 7:01:10
Average: 14.7 mph (well, it was windy :-)
Food: Two bars, three bottles of SiS PSP22
Weather: Rubbish