ROCC Demi Journee

The weekend arrived but not the new bike. I’m loaned a bike from Dave Nelson, you can tell its his bike as its has his name all over it! It feels a bit big for me, Dave is a tall guy.  I’m not sure it will be that good a ride but its better than no ride. The bars are noticebaly wider the crank longer and theres more stiffness in the frame.

This will be the fourth year I have riden the ROCC demi journee. The first year I just made it, as it was my first 100 k ride since arriving in France. The second went well. The third year, whilst watching the womens Tour de France pass my house, I met Arthur Needham the co founder of Argos cycles in Bristol I invited him along. But in his seventies, although fit, he did not have the miles in his legs so we cut a short route home.

This year a new route, and on a new bike (new to me). The regulated 25km/h was enforced which is generally OK but can  be tedious at times. However towards the end the speed police let us have our sprint home. I’m not to sure which route were taking back into Rochechouart but I’m poised for an attack. Were down in Salliat and Pierre goes ahead, this is along way off to make a break. The route turns right and we head uphill I work hard to catch Pierre then we sit up and wait for the others. The cat and mouse game continues as we take the longest possible route back into town. Pierre knows the exact route and eventually attacks, I chase after him but make the mistake with Davids campags to change gear in the wrong direction and find I’m spinning at 120 rpm. I’ve lost it! A last desperate attampt gets me closer but he sits up, he wins once more. I’ll have my day!

How did the bike perform? – Having ridden on someone elses bike for 100k, it feels pretty good. Maybe I should try a larger frame, certainly the wider bars felt more comfortable. If anything it challenges what I’m currently using and will be some food for thought.