I’m using my wife’s Garmin at the moment, mine failed to survive the infamous ‘wet weather training camp’ at Nerja. She has it configured to show ‘calories burned’ on the main screen. When we are touring together she keeps an eye on this figure, and when it reaches a value she considers equivalent to a large slab of cake, we have to find a cafe. Great way to travel.
Today, the calorie count had reached 192 by the time the six Tempo riders reached the start of Nut Hill. At the top of Buckholt Road we were up to 712. My wife would be looking for a cafe already.
With the wind behind us the flattish lane to Daneway took the figure up to 1152. My least favourite climb up the other side made it 1237. By now I was seriously regretting the decision to bring my winter bike, I was fooled by the short downpour just as I was leaving home. I was already giving my companions a considerable age advantage, they didn’t need the help of my heavy bike too.
MB’s excellent route then took us through Rodmarton, Ashley, and Easton Grey along quiet, pretty lanes. Our coffee stop was at the Flying Monk in Hullavington. Apparently we needed 2459 calories to restore parity. Most of us opted for a black Americano (4 cal) and substantial chunks of chocolate flapjack (600 cal?).
Despite the enormous calorie deficit we soldiered on in to the stiff westerly breeze, through Sherston, past Westonbirt, and on to Kingscote and Frocester hill. The descent was taken gingerly in light of the gusty wind.
Once safely down it was home through Stonehouse, Haresfield, and Brookthorpe.
Thanks to the big guys for towing us along into the wind, and chapeau to our junior rider who did incredibly well in challenging conditions.
The Garmin says a whopping 4438 calories are required, now where’s that big tub of Wholly Gelato ice-cream?
66 miles, 3,573 ft, 16.3 mph.
SP