L'Ariégeoise - 25th June 2016

This event had been a target for me and for Peter Bloomfield. Sadly, Peter was unable to take part due to having broken his collar-bone.
We had entered the 170km XXL version on the grounds that it would be better to fail at that rather than trying a shorter version and find we could have done more. The XXL was 170km with two Hors Catégorie climbs (Col de Pailhères and Plateau de Beille) plus a Cat 4 and a Cat 2. There was 10 hour cut-off which worked out at an average of around 11 mph. I knew from past experience in the mountains that this would be a challenge for me.
The days before the event were hot - 35 ^o plus but the forecast for the ride was cloud with a threat of thunder and temperatures in the low 20s. I dithered about winter gloves and arm-warmers finally deciding I would be OK with just a wind-proof - a bad decision! It was very cloudy and the cloud was low, around 1000m. As the two HC climbs went up to about 2000m this meant I spent a lot of time in the cold and damp with visibility of 100m or so. This was no problem on the way up - it might even have helped - but it made the descents very tough; very cold, wet roads and no clear sight of what lay ahead. The descent from the Plateau de Beille at the end was a nightmare. I ordered coffee at the bottom but had difficulty drinking it due to uncontrollable shaking.
I finished in 9h13m and was saved from the broom-wagon by the first 25 miles which was pretty flat. By assiduously sitting on others' wheels I completed this at 22 mph which amazed me and gave me time in hand for the lumpy bits. I was 767th out of 860 finishers 19th out of 20 in my class - there must be a lot of fit 65+s in France!
This was a superbly organised event. Apparently there were 750 volunteers on the day. I can believe it; every junction was martialed and there were loads of helpers at the feed stations. It was good value too; 48 € which included a jersey and a meal at the end (which I couldn't face!). What I could see the scenery was glorious. Recommended!