25k Time Trial - Training Ride II

This past sunny spring Saturday, team members Gimson, Pearson and Davidson took to the picturesque roads of west and south Cambridge for a gruelling 25k time trial, in order to really kick start training on their magnificent new steeds. After a 45 minute session of intense carbohydrate loading in front of the Grand National, they headed out towards Grantchester - but disaster struck almost immediately. Not even 50 metres from home, the brake mechanism on Rory's bike (not one of the new bikes) sheared clean off. Accident investigators believe that the brutal power generated by his legs meant that the bike was just unable to cope.

Davidson, although clearly shaken by the incident, showed real mental strength in putting it behind him, and caught up almost immediately with the peloton (Gimson and Pearson). By the time they group reached Haslingfield, stopping only to pay homage at James van der Hoorn's house, they were into their stride. Gimson's enormous frame (see above image of him on a full-size motorbike) powered him up the hills, pulling the peloton along in his wake. Pearson's riding style exuded a confidence that bodes well for their upcoming endurance ride - he is Paula Radcliffe to Gimson's Raymond van Barneveld.

In a blink of an eye, the team were back where they started, having ridden 25k without really noticing it. Although the pace may have been leisurely, the three really looked like they enjoyed it, and they looked at home on the bikes. Now, if they can do that 5 times a day in 35 degree heat, for 28 days straight, they'll be in Casablanca no trouble - easy peasy?

Jeremy Ournalist