Hit the North 4 - Consistency is Everything

I'm not delusional - I appreciate a lot of criticism can be directed my way with regard to my cycling abilities.  However, I'd like to put the 'lack of consistency' one to bed once and for all.  Regard the below Garmin Statistics from last years and this years Hit the North:

                                                                 HtN 2013              HtN 2012

Time (hr.min:sec):                                       2.14:46                2.18:00
Distance (km):                                              25:50                   26:70
Number of laps:                                              4                          4
Average Moving Speed (km/hr):                    11.9                     12.0
Best Pace (min/km):                                     1:40                     1:39
Position:                                                       174                      174

Bit spooky eh?

Photo: Ed Rollason

Last year I thoroughly enjoyed Hit the North, but this year I absolutely loved it - I thought it was great.  Great people, great course, great atmosphere and great weather.  In addition, and contrary to the above stats, I thought I had a cracking race - much better than last year - and felt much stronger and faster.  

My race essentially started with a lap or so of formation Team Here Come the Belgians riding with Laura Jolly and Belgian Brother Ben.  Thanks you two, loved whizzing through the trees.

Photo: Jonathan Jolly

Although we eventually became separated, and mid race I managed to pull a bit of a lead on them both, I always had thoughts of impending doom, and my mind uncontrollably took over.  With my little couch potato alter ego perched on my shoulder, sowing the seeds of paranoia, I set about trying to maintaining my lead.  Ignoring the taunts of:

"you're not fit enough to keep Laura and Ben behind you..." 

"Don't look now, they are just there..." 

"Those ARE twinges of cramp in your quads..." 

"You're gears are full of mud and skipping, you're going to have to stop and clean them out - oh and whilst you're at it, you may as well quit now because you're a looser..."  

I ploughed on!

I maintained my lead up to the last 500m or so when, glancing over my shoulder, I spotted Belgian Bro Ben!  OH NO!  100m to go he passed me!  I stood and stamped on the pedals but there was nothing there!  Cramp gripped my legs and my mud soaked gears skipped big time with a horrid CRACK!  CRACK!!  Perhaps my little shoulder dwelling imaginary friend had had something all along?

Oh well, after a valiant effort on my part I thought, Bro Ben pipped me to the line.  All credit to him... I suppose??  And anyway, I didn't really want to beat him - No!  What and ruin my consistent 174th placing record?  That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it.

Photo: Jonathan Jolly