Sunday
After a trip to Red Kite Cycles in the week, Jonnie was now using a pair of Continental 25mm Gatorskins. I had a quick look at these tyres before we set off - they didn't seem to offer much in the way of extra tread. There were a couple of triangular shaped areas evenly spaced along the tyre - the rest of it was quite smooth. Jonnie told me that the staff member at our LBS had explained that it was the amount of tyre in contact with the road that was important - not how much tread you have available. Hmmmm, I wasn't convinced...
A cold morning, but not windy. The lanes we very wet and muddy, however, often with standing water. What better day to test the new tyres?
During the descent of the 1:6 Widowmaker in Langley, a chap passed the both of us (overtaking Jonnie at a very steep corner) without saying a 'good morning!' This is against the rules! I sped after him for about a mile and a bit. I was catching him on a hill but as soon as we reached the flat he rode away. Next time...
Earlier in the ride, about 5 or 6 miles in, a squirrel darted out of a hedgerow and attempted to run between Jonnie's wheels. Unfortunately, he didn't make it and was promptly run over by the back wheel. I was riding at the back and witnessed it all. Our furry friend did a bit of breakdancing in the middle of the lane and then sprinted off into the opposite hedgerow. Hopefully, he'll be okay. So, the new tyres passed the squirrel test...
About 15 miles later I was leading into a descent from Snitterfield and towards the Stratford Road. A bird (looked like a crow to me) shot out of a low tree and directly at my head. A quick duck by me and a sharp change of direction by the bird prevented disaster. I was then overtaken by Jonnie...
After nature making it quite clear that we weren't welcome in the lanes today, we eventually reached our cake stop at Jane and Eric's home. We were 24 miles in and I was feeling good. The average was low (14mph) but Jonnie and I had were mainly chatting and spinning and simply enjoying our favourite hobby.
The remaining 15 miles were all at a steady incline. After about 10 minutes of starting back out in the lanes, I started to feel decidedly strange: I developed a bit of tunnel vision, quickly followed by a hollow leg feeling. then the all too familiar sensation of weakness and feeling sick that means only one thing: The dreaded bonk! (Those unfamiliar with the term can read about it here.) I confessed to Jonnie that I was feeling rather unwell and he sportingly let me hang onto his back wheel for a while.
After 15 minutes of this, a minor miracle occured! The cake must have started to take effect because I started to find my legs again! Indeed, by the time we reached the infamous Farm climb, I was back to my old self and doing my best Froome impersonation [at about 10% of his speed] up the hills! I've never recovered from the bonk before. Not without a big meal and plenty of rest. Will wonders never cease?
As far as the tyres are concerned: Jonnie was careful today. The lanes were in a right mess - water and mud everywhere. I did notice that I was able to keep up with Jonnie on the descents which is a rarity. The fella was obviously being sensible. He said he was pleased with the tyres and didn't feel them slip at any point. This can only be a good thing.
Deadly Dan did some internet research on them and was surprised to find that most people would not recommend the Gatorskins for wet weather riding. When it comes to winter rides, it would seem that the 4 Seasons tyre are the popular choice from the Continental range as far as the internet is concerned. Still, the Gatorskins are a vast improvement on the slipping and sliding slicks that Jonnie was skating around on the last time we were out in the lanes!
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