That was possible the hardest 22.1 kms I’ve ever ridden! I had to have a rest in the middle as I thought I was going to pass out.
It was hot. Very, very hot. I’ve always loved the heat, I lived in Zambia for a few years when I was a kid and now I live in Australia and from about 8 years old I’ve used my bike as my primary transport even when it’s stinking hot. The heat has never really bothered me. In fact I positively revel in it. But it dawned on me as I was struggling on my carefully chosen route that I don’t actually cycle in it. I cycle in the morning, before it gets hot, and in the evening, after it’s cooled down. These are nice times of the day to ride. During the day when it’s hot is not.
So that was my first day. I started out ok but by about five kms I was absolutely shot.
One of my goals for Tour de Feb is to increase my stamina; I don’t think it could have come a day too soon.
Viva la Tour.