DAY 1

Well it's the day we have all been waiting for, the start of the Rapha Festive 500. It was not going to be a to early start for me as its been a little bit to cold up here early doors. So it was a 9.30 start in -3 conditions. My route was going to take me from my home in Gomersal into Huddersfield then on to Honley into New Mill then on to Jackson bridge were i would atempt to climb the Huddersfield Star Wheelers open hill climb course and take some video footage. Then back into New Mill over to Holmfirth then the final leg to Waterloo then back home.

The first hour was the worst as i could not feel my hands and i thought that if it carried on like this then i wouldn't make 2hours. My water had frozen after 20 mins so there would be no fluid until i stopped at my mums after 2 and half hours.

70 mins in i hit the hardest climb of the day which is the climb used by Huddersfield Star Wheelers for their open event hill climb. I wouldn't normally attempt this climb in this weather as it is unlikley to have been treated and i haven't been up it since the hill climb event on the 9th october which was won by Mike Cuming of team Raleigh so it was going to be a gamble if i would get up it. It was very icey in sections but i got to the top if a little slow. See video clip.

It was an amazing view from the top and for me this is what cycling is about. When you have been out on your own and just take a minute to reflect on your ride so far. From here i dropped into Holmfirth then out to Holme Bridge. It had warmed up by this time so my hands had started to get a bit of life back in them so the ride was getting better the longer i was out. As i had not had anything to drink for some time i thought i trip to my mum's was called for so i could take on some food and get a cup of tea and get some hot water into my drink's bottle. After a flying visit of 10 mins it was onto the homewood leg of the journey.

As i have not really done anything on the bike for 2 months my legs were starting to feel it a bit and the last 25minute slog from Cooper Bridge to home in Gomersal was tough but i made it.

My figures for the day are as follows
Heart rate Max 187bpm Ave 154bpm
Kcal 2909
Distance 74.3km
Average Speed 21.9km/h
Ride Time 3hr 23.26mins

So just from my heart rates you can tell i am out of shape at the moment. Roll on tomorrow and the final 425.7km.