Bad day at the office today. Overgate Hospice MTB Challenge. 26 miles seemed nothing when my mate persuaded me to sign up in the week. And it wasn't for 18 or so. Some new stuff for me (ride is out of Elland and goes up around Ripponden, Rishworth, Scammonden and the like, not places I ride much). Some very steep stuff. A climb out of Ripponden that I've only ever come down before and I can see why. Fucking vertical.
Anyway, we hit another steep climb. Had to get off and push and started to feel like I couldn't breath properly. Legs had nothing. Literally. I'd coast down a bit of trail and the minute we hit the slightest up, the lactic would bite.
I've been off work with a chest infection and had maybe 3 weeks without a proper ride so I reckon that combined with the ridiculous heat caught up with me. Shame towards the end as there were a couple of belting singletrack descents. Not as much fun with tired legs.
Managed a smile at the end mind....
