53.03

Well, that wasn't too bad.

Turns out that the route to Ilkley isn't a bad one really, except mainly that hill at Silsden. Perception of that probably not helped by the downpours we encountered both going and coming back. It was nice to experience the route at a decent speed, and particularly to take Carter's Lane in one go. The times we took equate to about 40 mins for the bike leg (assuming that both transitions are included, which I think is the case), which is more or less bang on halfway from last year's figures. We've still got almost 4 months to improve, and we won't have ridden 25 miles just before the race (hopefully). We can, therefore, declare a success.

I'm putting my half of the achievement down to science - 2 energy drinks, an energy gel and an (extremely pleasant) energy bar. Mm, tasty glycogen. Seriously kids, refuelling is important. I believe Nom came around to this way of thinking around the 45 mile stage...

EDIT: Nicky Wire is a lovely bloke from what I've heard, a decent bassist and a passable lyricist. He should never be allowed to sing. Not even in his own shower.