We are now officially at the half way point of the week! We have covered over 250 miles in these last 3 days with 3 mixed days of riding. After the first 2 days covering a long ride and a hilly day. Today saw us hit a massive climb that was on our minds all last night and today. The pics show how quick the hill comes up on you. Big congratulations to Chris who managed to win the Polka dot jersey for this climb. Only to later lose out to a joint climb win by Richard M and Sam. Birgit was chuffed to reach the top of the big climb and enjoyed a nice dance and shout! Earning a well deserved dip in the pool upon arrival at the hotel.
So we worked out today that not only has Sam “rear 25” Rutherford got the wrong setup for hill climbing with a small rear cassette and larger group set at the front. Sam also has aero wheels that don’t do cross winds! Nearly losing control on a few hairy windy moments across the first 20 miles! Although saying this he did manage to get through the big climb keeping 2 gears in the locker! This was after a morning of LGD (low gear disorder) where he was constantly checking to see if there was anything bigger to make life easier.
The wind was so bad today that everyone felt nervous coming down the hills. Gary confirming that he was actually scared! Richard M confirming that he was clinching so much he thought some of the chamois cream may have gone places that it’s not supposed to. Fetching is clearly not illegal in Croatia!
Today saw our first signs of some trouble mechanically within the team. 4 chain issues all coming from the Loves! Richard clocking up 3 of these yet confirming at dinner that it’s all sorted now! We also had 3 punctures between the group today, 2 of these from our guide and the other from Fiona. Luckily Fiona’s was at a coffee stop and was fixed in good time. How many people do you think it takes to change a puncture. Answer is in the picture above 10!
We also had a member of the other team try and overtake us today. Making a comment of “I didn’t want to go past and embarrass you guys”. This came back to haunt him and in a break away attempt he was closed down by Richard L, Duncan and Gary! Cocky Canadian/American!
After lots of food to fuel up all the Raiders are tucked up in bed by 21:30 looking forward to the next day.
Below highlights some of the stats from today’s ride!
Riding Time 5:45:53
Miles 84.3
Average mph 14.6
On a personal note today saw me hit a top speed of 37.6mph. I’ve consumed xx litres of water and burnt 5226 calories!
That’s all folks
Raiders Media Man
I Just Felt Like Cycling 