Team Phoenix Rise Again

Phoenix – Greatest London Loop

Mick led us out and stayed at the front for a couple of minutes while we got ourselves organised behind him, and then we began the rotation. It’s fair to say that we had mixed success with some moments when we were in perfect lines and others where we created exciting new shapes. However, everyone took their turns at the front and we made good progress.

Half way through I stupidly announced that we were on track to beat our projected time by quite some margin, at which point Annalie’s chain immediately fell off. Determined not to leave anyone behind, we slowed down while she wrestled it back on, and then she began a huge push from 49 seconds back. Annalie made a heroic effort and fairly soon she announced that she could see Mick’s yellow socks in the distance. With Mick and Pierre’s help and with plenty of encouragement from Caroline and Keith, she made a phenomenal comeback just in time to start the ascent of Leith Hill!

Undeterred she joined back in with us and we made our way up the hill in a blob. Everyone was glad when we reached the top and began the descent, and we flew happily down the hill together. Once we reached the bottom it was a quick dash up the escalator and back out into the open to finish. Mick crossed the line first with the rest of us exactly one second behind him and incredibly, we still managed to beat our projected time.

Huge thanks to all the Phoenix riders who put in an enormous effort (with an especially impressive ride from Annalie!) and who were unfailingly cheerful despite a couple of mishaps along the way. With such a positive attitude and great teamwork, we will be joining the ranks of more experienced teams in no time!