http://www.vatternrundan.se/Default.aspx?module=4&content=12&lang=SV&fwsite=2
I've been organising two startgroups for Team Hope since August 2011. I've lost track of the emails, telephone calls and conversations I've had with people who wanted to ride with us, getting them registered in our group and then on the webforums where we've organised the different groups that were to ride. All with there own particular goal for getting around this lake.
We had a Sub 8,30 group. Who's goal was to get around in under 8hrs30mins. A Sub 9, 10, 11, 12 and then Team Hope powered by cyclecomponents. Their goal was to break the record for the course which is currently 6.42 and held by the famous Fåglum brothers.
Gathering at Barncancerfondens (Childrens cancer fund) tent at the start were about 60 riders who were ready to take part in the race. All in the Ride of Hope colours. We gave out coloured bands to tie into the helmets so we could easily recognise eachother on the road. We had a quick briefing on what we were going to do. I was going to ride with Sub 10. My job was to stay at the back, keep everyone in the group and keep unwanted cyclists out of the group. A Gatekeeper.
The plan:
Once out of Motala, we gather the cyclists together whilst riding and then we hit the pace we agreed on. Approxiamately 32-35km/h down to Gränna where the first stop is planned.
After than, continue to Fagherhult, our next stop, 160kms and fill up our bottles. Then Boviken. 180kms, perhaps a coffee and a bun. Then the homeward stretch to Hammarsund and Medevi, perhaps stop there if time is on our side and finally into Motala. Hopefull around 9.55.
In reality:Out of Motala, started to ask which riders are with Sub 10, getting them to the group, but the group was increasing speed, and fast. I told the riders to get to the group ... I was asked "Are they gonna go this fast all the way round?" "No I replied, but it's easier in the group to keep this pace, once we're in I'll go to the front and tell them to slow down ..." but the group was picking up more and more speed and there was a danger we would get dropped. I changed gear and hammered after them. Doing 40km/h+ into a headwind is not easy, certainly not within the first 2kms .... the gap wasn't closing and all I could think was "What the hell are they doing??" I tried to keep up the speed, relax, you'll catch them but the gap remained the same and my legs were starting to feel the strain. I took out my whistle and blew hard several times ... no response, I blew again, one man looked around and then looked back ... and they continued to ride ... it then struck me .... This is it! They've gone. They've dropped riders after 2,5kms!!
I can't really describe the feeling that went through my body at that moment.
10 months of planning, the hours and the money on getting my bike in shape for the ride and dropped after 2,5kms at 45km/h by a group that should be riding 32-35km/h.
I was gutted. This last week I spent over £100 on tyres that I needed/wanted to get just for this ride.
It felt desolate on the road. Group rode past and I had no desire to continue .... but hang on, should this effect me so much?? come on Gary, you'll get round, just keep going and take it easy. Do a 12 hour ride or something. I tried, then Sub 9 went past and I jumped onto their tail and started making my way up the group. At times doing 40, but then down to 30, then 40, brakes were screeching, bikes swaying, it was nervous, it was unsafe, and after 5kms I dropped off .... rolled to the side of the road and just sat on my frame watching riders go by.
I saw Kristina come along with Chatrines group of girls. A way in the distance it was easy to see her bright orange rain jacket. Perhaps I could ride with them. I got back on the bike and pedalled.
They overtook me and I stayed 50 yards behind ... Still feeling the effects of losing my group.
The girls got a puncture after Hästholmen, Kristina and I continued together, got to Gränna and now the rain and cold was so bad that I was shaking.
"I'm thinking of jacking this in!" I said. Vättern is too long for me to do on my own. The whole point of this years ride was to help a lot of riders who had a Sub 10 ambtion to make it in. My goal was lost, my motivation was lost, and the rain and cold wasn't making my decision harder. Once in Jönköping I just didn't see the point in continuing. I realised that I wasn't the only one. Reports coming in that 1,500 cyclists had already quit early was being mentioned by the helpers in the depot.
It took 10 hours for my bike to get back to Motala.
Just in time for me to witness Magnus Bäckstedt with Team Ride of Hope make it over the line in an astonishing 6hours and 37 mins. The record belongs to Team Ride of Hope.
Well done lads!
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