London to Windsor

It started all so innocently, as most things do, “Who would like to compete in the London to Windsor?” 40 mile bike run along the Thames. A fish and chip supper was the wager to be bought by the loser and handicaps were negotiated. Being a year or two older than the other two racers, I requested and was given rather a good handicap.

My competitors had only seen me ride once, a 60 mile run to Southend. I borrowed a bike, the chain came off three times and I carried no fluids or food so I took another three stops. I came in an hour behind one friend and three quarters of an hour behind the other. I enjoyed myself drinking cider and eating fish and chips by the seaside, so ‘Yes’ was the answer when asked if I would like join them again.

Four weeks later saw the three of us at 10.15am in Richmond on the start line. That was the last I saw of my two friends, still it was a nice morning. A great run along tow paths for 10 miles, there seemed to be a sailing regatta on the Thames. A run through a few picturesque villages, along through a wood and on to Windsor, with a great view of the castle and the river. One of the nicer summer routes it must be said.

There I sat taking it all in and waiting for my friends to arrive basking in my glory. Who needed a 30min and 20min handicap? Young wiper snappers, I showed them! Tim turned up 10mins later stunned to find me waiting, together we found a text message from Nick saying he had a puncture and turned in an hour after me.

A fine victory, keep the money because bragging rights go to the Adventurer!

Now a 40 mile run on a Sunday morning is hardly the breakfast of champions, it took me a respectable 2hrs 15mins to complete. Various reasons have been muted for my victory and here are some
a) I stayed in the night before.
b) I trained.
c) I took supplements to boost my energy.
d) I took the short route i.e. the 27 mile and not the 40 mile run.

Some of the above are true!

However as I sat there with my friends supping on local ale, trying hard not to look so smug, along came a couple of girls on skates! They had a couple of blisters, being a gentlemen I offered them my friends seats, who gave them up graciously, and sent them off to buy the girls drinks (there are some benefits to being older).

These two girls had skated the entire route! That’s 40 miles, 64 km from Richmond to Windsor! Congratulations girls, Gill and Esther a fantastic effort. Puts our fun and frolics on a Sunday morning into perspective, and the organisers had refused a give them meddles upon completion. Not on chaps!

We did the only descent thing possible and gave the girls our meddles.
Then it was back to the bragging, it’s so much more fun with an audience …. and a few more beers …. and fish and chips on the way home. What a great way to spend a Sunday! Thanks Nick and Tim!

To victory!