Hemel Hempstead 25 mile time trial F13/25, 6/7/08

Slightly more than 12h after the Herts Wh 10, I lined up at the start of the Hemel Hempstead 25 on the F13/25 course, which runs from Launton to Aylesbury and back.  It's an undulating course, that I've always found a little hard. This event was no exception, while the wind had abated slightly from the previous evening, some horrible showers were passing through.

At the time I started, the rain had stopped, and for the most part I only had the wind and drizzle to cope with.  The course isn't particularly quick at the best of times, but with the strong wind coming from the side (but enough of a head wind on the way out to make the return leg a little more pleasant) it was made even hard.  Coupled with this, I don't think my legs had recovered particularly well from the previous evening's event!

I got clobbered by a heavy shower for the last 10 minutes or so.  After making my way back to the HQ in Launton, I discivered why the hall had foam mats laid down: they'd inadvertantly double-booked the hall with a group of small children doing judo!

I ended up with 59:31 for 5th place.  At least I beat the tandem!  Tony did 57:42 for second place, while our club mates brought up the rear, with new member David Skeggs pipping Dave Garrard for Lanterne Rouge (and a bottle of wine!) while setting a PB for 25 miles (it was his first 25!).

RESULTS