The first time I did this ride was on its opening year. 150kms in 4hrs42. That year though the climb over Omberg wasn't on the course. Favourable winds also gave a good tailwind home.
Last year we aimed at Sub 5 hours, but 3 punctures cause by sabotering locals meant we lost too much time and came over the finish line irritatingly close at 5.02. That fact however never deflates the feeling of job well done when we do arrive over the finish. That, plus the fact that a very enjoyable day in the saddle was had by all.
This year we split early into two groups. I was with the sub5 group and we started off smooth and kept a speed of around 30-33kms an hour into the head wind. In Vadstena Bela punctured, myself, Dag and Emil stopped and helped. Once sorted we then embarked on a murdurous tempo to get back to our group. Sliding between 35 and 42km/h depending mainly on the wind. We passed the other Team Hope group with amongst others, Chatrine, Kristina, Emma and now Kalle who had dropped back from our group. Leading from the front I looked back under my arm and waved as we shot past.
We caught up after 15mins of hard cycling. Resting at the back of the group water and a powe... ahhh no powerbars ... in fact, no nothing! I'd totally missed this point. So it was water for me, till we made it to Rök.
The ride went well. At Omberg we skipped the first depot and I signalled to the group that everyone rides at their own pace. I asked Andy and Martin to stop and gather the riders at the same point where we had our 3 punctures last year. I rode with Ronny Lejonquist of MAIF, who will be one of our leaders on Ride of Hope this year. Very active within Maifs recreational riding group. A great guy who knows how to ride.
We made it down off the hill at the same time, a few of the group were already there waiting and we looked back up the hill looking for the familiar green Ride of Hope jerseys and waved them in as they approached.
Once we were all there, we set off again, riding in pairs and on to the depot we would stop at. Rök.
We decided on a 5 minute stop, which is ok, if you don't need to go to the toilet for a #2. Which of course I did. Once in the Portaloo I started counting. It took me a whole minute to get my jersey pockets emptied and off so that I could remove the bibstraps off my shoulders and take my seat .... hmmm, once finished, wash up, dressed, helmet on and ride to the refreshments. 1 cup of coffee thrown down my throat, a half banana mushed into my mouth, bottle filled with sportdrink and a bun for the way out.
The group were waiting, patiently I may add, and we headed back out and set off home to Motala.
Uneventful after this we kept a good steady pace. The usual suspects were driving from the front.
Andy, Martin, Emil & Dag were the strongest, followed closely by Bela . we made it over the finish line in 4.40. My fastest Halv Vättern ever, but more importantly, this one really felt like a group triumph.
We're doing this for Team Hope. We met back at the tent, congratulated eachother on our ride and thanked eachother for their company. In 6 days a few of us would be returning for the full Vättern Rundan with Team Hope. 300kms. For now it was food, coffee, and a well deserved feet up before heading off home.
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