March 19
The day started out with a scare. I usually cycle to a start, but this one was about 100 km away, so I took the van. Before I got in, I went through everything: helmet, gloves, shoes, shoe-covers, vest, wind-jacket … everything, I thought.
But I forgot that I planned to use a little backpack this time and in it were my money, food, telephone, spare tubes, pump, puncture repair kit …
I didn’t realize this until I was at the parking lot and was unloading the bike.
For a split second I hesitated … should I not start?
But that went over. Calle loaned me 100 kr, Daniel his pump and a tube. I knew Mogens would let me send over the starting fee later.
I started.
I was particularly worried about one stretch, the bike path between Ödeborg and Färgelanda. It would be covered with gravel, crushed stones, and they tend to cut through tires. Once I got past that, the only thing I was concerned about was making that 100 kr last when it came to energy.
I ended up with a good group, a very good group. I was seldom alone, mostly in the hilliest part, where I ended up last.
Otherwise, we pretty much stayed together and it was a good team the whole way around.
The route was just as hilly, even slightly hillier than the first one I did at Trollhättan. It was a tad longer, but it took about 2 hours and 10 minutes less time to get around. That was good for my self confidence.