Rapha Women's 100

Yesterday saw the first Rapha Women's 100. I was tasked with planning the route for, and leading along with Peter, the Cycling Kyoto group ride. Grecia did most of the organisation for this but sadly could not come because she was in Beijing (can't say I particularly envy her there, given most of what she's told me...).

All-in-all, the ride turned out to be quite the adventure...

A summary of the day's events:

 - Peter and I each rode a total of about 140-150 km including trips to and from Arashiyama

 - The ladies each rode about 108 km (the route itself)

 - Three girls turned up, the oldest being 62 years old (incredible!)

 - We lost a girl in a pretty serious crash about 10 km into the ride, involving inadequate breaking and a very luckily-placed crash barrier - the result was probably a cracked rib, and a ride home - such a shame!

 - LESSON: The climb up Atagosan is a killer in the heat

 - Peter and I held a short fly-collecting competition on our legs - no clear winner...

 - One frog attempted (and succeeded at) death by front derailleur

 - Much ice cream was enjoyed

 - Much meat was eaten

 - Much VAAM was consumed

 - Much water was dumped over my head and neck

 - Our navigation was flawless, thank you...

 - LESSON: KEEP DRINKING!

 - It was a very, very long day indeed

A selection of photos which I will by-and-large be too lazy to caption:

In good spirits despite crashing!

Collecting flies on the Atagosan climb

Suicide by derailleur

Weirdest (and probably raddest) bike I've ever seen...