16\11\16 - DIY 200km Audax

16\11\16 - DIY 200km Audax

17 Nov 16

Been doing a bit of weather watching of late and saw that Wednesday would be mainly fine but that it would deteriorate towards a colder spell by the end of the week.  I needed to get in a second 200 this month leaving me with just December to go.  So off I toddled to Lavenham (85kms).  This part was quick and the conditions were all to my advantage.  Neither hot nor wet, with a following breeze my average was 16mph.  This changed as I turned south for Little Waltham via Sudbury.  Now it was more of a contest.  In the sheltered parts it wasn't too bad, just the open areas that caused most grief.  At Lt Waltham (147kms) I turned west for home.  I surprised myself by making good time along the A1060 to Sawbridgeworth although that is when the heavens finally opened - and with a vengeance.  Don't know what I did to upset the rain-gods but they certainly got their revenge!  However was quite chuffed when I got back and saw that my average was over 14mph.  Took me nine and a half hours overall with only half an hour of non-cycling time for the 204km trip.  PW.