Riding the 12 hour

By Michael Church

Sunday morning, it's still dark raining and the weather forecast promises only more rain and wind. I am about to start on my attempt to join the long list of 45'ers who have ridden a 12 hour. I've been up since two, not sure I can even keep awake for another twelve hours.  The heavens opened as I was being pushed off, but my only concern was getting to the A11……would I find the way??? The A11 was probably the wettest part of the day and the spray from the lorries was daunting.  Throughout the day I realize you are only as good as your support team, Liz kept me supplied with drinks and food on the move so that I didn't have to stop. Later on Bob, Ron, Gordon and Cary were around the course with drinks and encouragement, a friendly face popping up around the corner can really spur you on.  But the one thing that kept me going through the day, every time I turned into the wind, it rained or the going got tough. I thought back to the previous Friday when Neil phoned from his hospital bed in Spain with his pain wracked drugged voice wished me luck. So really what had I got to worry about! The finishing circuit is exhilarating there is a real buzz and sense of excitement from both riders and supporters as everyone tries to get that little bit more. I was fine while riding but the moment I stopped I completely caved in. I have run almost 25 marathons but have never felt as weary as I did then, but a cup of tea, shower, more tea and food I was back in the land of the living. After all the sweet hi-carb drinks and food I craved fried food or anything that was bad for me. Whereas after a Marathon you are fit for nothing and could not consider racing for four to six weeks after a couple of days I got my legs back and time trialing the following Thursday.

Michael Church 215.1 miles