The Tour rides again...

TdT Leg 2
The Harrow Inn, West Ilsley

• Distance: 40km
• Elevation gain: 521m
• Average speed: 25.2km/h
• Duration: 1h41
• Calories burned: 587

This leg of the Tour began at the Harrow Inn in West Ilsley, nestled in the rolling hills by the Ridgeway. We prepped our bikes overlooking the local village cricket. The sound of leather on willow was soon drowned out by the bike chat of the eager tech entrepreneurs, VCs and professionals who were gathering. Peter Wrighton Smith, CEO of Oxford Immunotec had planned the route and as a 'warm up' had just done a first lap of the 40km circuit. 

We set off. Up two short climbs that spiked our heart rates early. We regrouped and after recovering our breath, the chat continued. Bikes, tech, deals, hiring, Oxford, IPOs, raising money - just some of the many subjects covered. Before we knew it we were half way round. Our efforts were rewarded as the route led us through some spectacular countryside, the wheat fields turning gold and views that stretched for miles. This is what cycling is all about!

We rode together, but occasionally, someone shouted 'SEGMENT'! The competitive spirit took hold and riders jutted forwards for a short sprint or climb. Heart rates spiked. We slowed, caught our breath, regrouped, continued our conversations.

Fine pub fare and a well derived pint greeted us back at the Harrow. Smiles all round.