Cynthia Spencer Charity

Yesterday I took part in a 50 mile charity bike ride in aid of the Cynthia Spencer Trust. The route was around Northamptonshire. To say there were a lot of people taking part would be an understatement, there were hundreds. First let me congratulate everyone who rode, whether it was the 5, 25 or 50 mile route, as you will all know the first two thirds were dry and relativity benign conditions but the final third when the clouds deposited their wetness upon us was some of the worst conditions I have ever ridden in and to quote a fellow rider " I was as wet as a otters pocket". At times the rain was running into my eyes so much that it is was difficult to see.
There is a always a satisfaction in completing an event ride and a masochistic pride in riding in adverse conditions. The camaraderie in the company of fellow cyclists is charming, of course we were all trying to achieve the same distance and understood each others endeavours but cyclists look after each other and most importantly encourage others to keep going. In the company of many bike riders one finds all ages and all abilities, you may be passed by riders and you may pass others but no one minds, everybody understands that is the way of the road. 
You have periods where your legs seem to struggle to turn the pedals often followed by burst of speed. The sensation of speeding along in a high gear with a steady rhythmic cadence is a wonderful feeling, terrain allowing. I have often said that when that happens and you flow along,  you feel as though you could tap out that rhythm forever!  I did find that consuming a protein bar, when I was finding it tough, did give me a burst of energy and drove me onward.  
I completed the ride in  just under four and a half hours, which considering the final conditions and a lengthy stop to repair a cleat on on of my shoes, was not too bad.
I enjoyed it and in spite of every piece of my clothing being soaked, would do it again next year.