Just returned from 2 days riding bits of the south downs way and meeting one of the most interesting people in the world - who is both the current 'South Downs Double' record holder AND the person being the most helpful in advising Rob on his attempt. He is fascinating. The whole experience has given me renewed vigour about cycling. The camp he comes from couldn't be more different to Rob's but the 2 of them are united in their basic love of bikes and beautiful places - and challenging themselves. And a friendship has been struck up which is wonderful.
At the end of the day it's about riding bikes - and things like the SDD just provide wonderful testament to human nature. We like competition and challenge and we have been attracted to the perfect wholeness of riding 200 miles in less than 24 hours. It is attainable but tricky - and the SDW is attainable for almost everyone! I loves it.
But as for me - my riding has collapsed into a weak heap. I am tired. The 12 hour race followed by a weekend of chasing friends up and down the Welsh mountains has left me lack lustre and washed out. My riding is rubbish. Rob said he's never seen me climb so slowly! And what's worse is that I've picked up an injury. My wrist/forearm on my right hand is extremely painful and CREAKS! I'm hoping nothing serious but clattering over rocky singletrack is out for a while!
