In mid May some of our Ride Captains, crew and motorbike outriders do the Day 1 route to Dover. This year we decided to do it slightly differently and invited a small group of Group 3 and 4 riders to join the ride. 59-year-old former marathon runner and L2P 09 entrant Stephen Peters tells us what the ride was like.
A view from the saddle
The thrill of riding in the L2P began with the Dry Run on Sunday 24th May. 175 kms of pure bliss was there before us as we set out from Imber Court on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year - so far. We ‘The Magnificent 15’ riders, 13 wannabe Lances’s and two Nicole’s, were spoilt. Not only was the weather on our side but we had 4 motorcycle outriders, a lead car (Sven), a bright red Specialized van and two other support vans to make us all feel that we were protected and admirably supported. Richmond Park - eat your heart out. This was the real thing. We were special, ‘elite riders’ being given the courtesy of the road, and guarded by 4 impressive motorcycles that commanded the road to protect their charge. What more could you want other than to finish? The rest was up to the body and the hope that it didn’t let you down. We all stood up (or more aptly rode up) pretty well. Moira and Trish in particular, deserve a big round of applause for their sterling performance. They are to be admired.
The first comfort stop was a welcome relief. Don’t be shy if you need to go - shout. In fact everybody needed to go including the support crew! When that was out the way there was a big sigh of relief and we headed off deeper into the magnificent countryside. As one of the riders commented, the day was a magnificent advert for English tourism. Romantic countryside, villages, greens, antique shops, pubs, cottages, estates, farms, horses and the smell of grass, flowers and the odd whiff of manure. Fields of gold no less.
Lunch couldn’t come quick enough and what a lunch it was. At 92 km into the ride, Lamberhurst Vineyard was waiting for us in full sun. The food was great, the place was great. The pity was that we only stayed there for 40 minutes. But we will be back and soon. After we had recouped, charged our batteries and dealt with some minor ailments such as pins and needles in the feet and sun burn, refilled our bottles and made sure that our equipment was in order, we set off for the second part of the day. Dover here we come.
Other than a small hill a few minutes after leaving, we had a good run for the next 70 odd kms until we arrived at Capel le Ferne, just before our final destination. Don’t be under any illusion. This is not just a hill. This is a L2P hill. This is the mother of all hills for those of us in group 3 and 4. Prepare yourself mentally. Pace yourself and get into a rhythm. The other side thankfully is downhill and a welcome relief. Arrival was somewhat of an anti-climax but there was no short hop across The Channel, just the return journey back to Imber. It was a memorable day and treat for us all. Remarkably not one puncture.
To have a dry run for the non-elite riders was more than helpful, though our pace was more like the upper reaches of Group 3. There were a few aches and pains not to mention cramp. So prepare well, very well. Eating the correct food and keeping hydrated is a priority. Drink regularly and don’t wait to get thirsty. Gels and bars are essential to maintain energy levels and get you through tough moments –and there will be a few. Sun burn can be very sore – remember to cover up.
Thanks L2P. It was a real treat. The ride captains were there for us with their invaluable advice and encouragement, and captains they are in every sense. David “Should I get a set of white wall tires?” Murph how did you get rid of the cramp? A big thanks to the motorbike outriders and support crew they were magnificent. Sven where did you find Jane and how many pictures did you take?
Thanks guys from all of us in the saddle. See you very soon.