BBR Bail Out!

Today was the long awaited day of the Mad jack audax. This is easily the hardest of the local audaxes with  a distance of 77 miles and almost 8,000 feet of climbing. While loading up my mpv I gave the weather forecast one more glance and was reassured to see it was dry and sunny. On a whim, just as I was leaving the house I decided it might be prudent to bring a water proof as well as a wind-proof. I picked up Malc D and we had a phone call from Gary to say he would see us  there, we also knew that JV,Jon S, Nick and Nigel T would be on their way.

We were unconcerned by a little bit of rain on the way up, just a passing shower we thought. Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse and by the time we got to the A22 it was mix of sleet, snow and cold rain. This was not the weather we had been promised!.

Arriving at Hailsham leisure centre we spotted JV and Nick sheltering from the sleet and strong winds  under an open hatchback. This did not look good at all. Gary spotted us and climbed onto the back seat of my nice warm mpv while we studied the radar pictures on our mobiles. A large blue blob of rain was parked over the south east and it would still be there at 11:00. We quickly decided we would bail, perhaps JV and co should do the same?

Nick And JV Seek Shelter From the Wind And Sleet!

Despite having no rain coats JV and Nigel (who had cycled over in the sleet) were determined to press ahead and thought we were mad to give up. Jon S  was also  dismayed that we could bail so easily but our minds were made up. It wasn't just the cold that bothered me it was the thought of negotiating all those wet descents in such terrible weather. Nick looked absolutely frozen, he was wearing a sleeveless gillet and no tights , just bare legs sticking out into the cold wind . Nick asked if he could borrow my waterproof, I was happy to do this and straight away he started to feel a bit warmer.

After wishing the boys good luck and reminding them to take care, our minds turned to the BBR. If we headed straight for Bexhill we could get to Di Paulos in time for coffee. (Gary was supposed to meet us there but in the end he bailed from the BBR as well)

It was so comforting to meet up with Chris and the others in the warm cosy surroundings of the cafe. Soon we were joined by Pete Buss,Malc C Findlay, Pete Eames and an acquaintance of Matt's  that I had never met before called Toby field. Like myself and Malc D , Toby is a bit of a mountain biker so hopefully we have gained another recruit for the 'dark side' .

Nobody was in a rush to head back out into the wind and rain but eventually , ten minutes late, it was time to get moving. I no longer had a waterproof but was wearing two wind-proofs . The extra layer proved very effective at keeping out both the cold and rain out although they were flapping around like sails and slowing me down.

Thirty Cold And Wet  BBR Miles Is More bearable Than Seventy Seven  Audax Ones!

Chris was a bit off the pace due to his sore shoulder and was grateful to Pete E for helping to look after Findlay . Findlay was riding well due to all the solo training he has done lately. The youngster has been growing slowly but steadily and is looking a bit big for his bike now but a new one has been ordered from Evans and should be ready within the next two weeks. This should be his last child size as the next size up would be a small adult's .

By the time we reached the Pevenesey cafe the sun had come out and the sky was a lovely shade of blue. I was feeling guilty that I had bailed from the audax but pleased that at least JV and co would have an easier time of it now.

After a cold but uneventful ride home myself Chris and both Malcs popped into the 'Standard' for a couple of beers. A great way to round off a BBR

Next week will be a BBR special as Chris is going to take us around the Hard Riders TT route to remind us where the turns are.

Steve C