05\03\16 - The Kennet Valley Run 200km Audax

Seven-thirty start from Grazeley, but left about five minutes later due to GPS loading difficulties ( I can't manage without the damn thing).  Within a mile I realised that a more pressing problem was that my new chain & 1000 mile old cassette weren't on speaking terms.  This was generally OK on the flat, but it made life very interesting on the hills (and I have enough trouble with those, anyway).  Eventually got going, got cold, got wet, got to Hungerford, got my coat on - and the sun came out.  Just short of Bratton (turning point) one of my rear spokes parted company with itself - thankfully I had cable-ties.  Got back to Hungerford and that left about thirty miles remaining.  Sadly this was the really hilly bit.  By now I'd worked out how to get the chain\cassette to mesh, although it required a different style of riding from my usual.  The last fifteen miles were done in the dark & rain and I got back at 18:50 after completing 203 kms.  The wind was strong and was forecast as a northerly, but I seemed to struggle more on the outward-bound leg (WSW) than the return (ENE).  That said, every time I turned north it did become more of a issue.  PW.