In search of a Sunday sunrise.

What do you do when your coach challenges you to ride at a time you wouldn't normally choose? You get up early and go and ride as the sun comes up!

Night-time riders

Daytime riders

Kate Potter (AQRCoaching) had given me a 4 hour base training ride to do this Sunday – but she wanted me to take on the mental challenge of riding at an unfamiliar time as part of my 24 hour race preparation. A plan began to fall into place which included my good friend Smiler (who is also going to be my pit crew chief at Exposure 24hr) joining me for a very early morning ride.

We got up at 4.30am, everything was ready – clothes laid out, bags packed, bananas on standby. By 5am we were in the garage doing last minute bike checks and powering up our Four4th Lights and we were soon on our way.

Yes, that is AM, not PM!

Kit ready and waiting

We enjoyed sections of the aptly named (for this time of year) 'Christmas Pie' trail, a few muddy fields, some pleasant, leafy descents and a view from the top of Puttenham Common. With nearly 3 hours of night riding completed the light gradually crept in.  Sadly it wasn't the sort of day for a spectacular pink morning sky, but it was a great ride, even if it was a little muddy and if we were yawning more than usual!

The best thing was that the bikes were washed, the bodies were showered and we were sitting down for breakfast by 10am!

Thanks to: Mountain Trax, Kate & Ian at AQR, Four4th Lights and Smiler :-D