A Brill Hill...

Stats:
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• Distance: 37.1km
• Time: 1h30m
• Elevation: 344m
• Calories burned: 1200
• Average speed: 24.7km/h

Day two of the Tour saw fourteen riders take on the ‘mountain’ stage.

Riders assembled at The Star in Stanton St John (with a shout out to the extremely friendly staff there, who seemed genuinely pleased to see us return to their hostelry).

We set off a little late after one bike suffered a dramatic blowout (whilst stationary during the pre-ride briefing). But, with puncture swiftly repaired, the peleton set off on the gentle climb out of Stanton St John before picking up decent speed on the winding drop into the Long Mile. Then, a short sharp climb out of Horton-cum-Studley – the appetiser perhaps before a main course of Brill – the long climb up to the windmill (hors categorie, sans aucun doute).

With all riders meeting up at the windmill atop Brill, a swift photo graciously taken by a bemused mountain biker, no time for a pint in the Pheasant, and we were off again on the long descent (“4km for free!”).

At the 25km mark, we were greeted by the welcome sight of the Mott family handing around a fruitbowl full of jelly babies. Then finally, one last climb back into Stanton St John (and a myriad potholes) stood between the peleton and supper – each swiftly despatched.

A great ride with much conversation (and just a modicum of downhill competion) – without a doubt, the next tech unicorn will have found its roots in a chance meeting and a deal struck on the Tour de Tech.