The 18th June saw 4 of us along with friends from VCGH heading off at 03:50 from Sittingbourne to Minster to join the start line of what can only be described as an epic challenge; to beat the sun and arrive in Burnham-on-Sea before sunset. We rolled off the start line at 04:50 with the weather looking like it would be on our side for the day - given the previous days high of 32.5 who would of predicted the end! As all who took part and supported know, it really was a day of two halves. The first hundred had us on unknown roads as we went through Kent and the outskirts of London, the stop start of traffic lights getting frustrating but the lack of elevation a huge plus. Leaving the stop at Chertsey saw us heading on to more familiar roads, we had the pleasure of other club riders joining us for the ride in to Bramley; it also offered respite for all at the front as they took up that mantle - thanks guys! Lunch on board and a change of kit for some it was time to tackle the second 100 miles. On route to our forth stop in Pewsey, Mother Nature started to give us an indication of what was to come! Spirits weren’t dampened, there was grit and determination to see it through and reach the end. By the time we rolled in to Kilmersdon where much needed coffees were waiting the 'what are we doing' thoughts were there but the resolve to finish much greater. All of that resolve was needed to get through that last 36 miles, the rain and wind was truly in now and made for a miserable time in the saddle. The descent down Cheddar Gorge was hair raising with the wind and slippery conditions. 19:20 saw the first Veloce rider across the line closely followed by all in the team, with the horrendous weather and the chill now setting in it was with reluctance we left the finish to dry off and warm up when we wanted to stay to cheer our fellow riders in to Burnham.
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