Early season update

2012 season off to an earlier start than usual with a couple of sportives knocked off already - First up was the on the Rivett reliability ride from Burgess Hill a few weeks ago. Sensibly opted for the shorter 80 km option, which was just as well as it was freezing with icy roads to contend with. A fairly flat course too, so a good way to start off. Then the weekend before last it was up to Biggin Hill for the Hell of the Ashdown event, a much more serious affair over a 110 km distance but with many iconic climbs of the area including Cudham Test Hill, Toys Hill, Goat, The Wall, Col de Groombridge, Bayley's Hill and Star Hill (the sting in the tail). Despite being on my lighter Planet X bike I found the early hills harder than I should have - probably caused by a few excess pounds. Strangely enough I seemed to be better on the final couple of climbs when alot of others were seriously flagging! 4 and half hours or so as a ride time was about what I was expecting. Next up is the Burgess Hill Spring time classic on 18 March - normally my season opener!