Challenge Weymouth recce trip.

I decided to take a few days away, and visit Weymouth for a recce of the Challenge Weymouth half course. Not been to Weymouth for a long, long time, since I was a child, and I was blown away by the beauty of the area! Arrived at The Riviera Hotel on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The hotel is designed so that all rooms have an external door, making it very convenient to keep the bikes in the room. Checked in, built the bike and went out for a walk, to explore the local area. Monday morning, following a good breakfast I was out on the bike. The Challenge course was downloaded in my Garmin 800 and off I went. Initial part of the ride, exiting Weymouth has a few little digs in it, but once out the back of the town, the course opens up and gently rolls through some fantastic countryside, with spectacular views around every corner. The Garmin recorded 90°F on the ride, and I was glad that I had applied plenty of sun block on my head, as there’s nothing worse than a suntan gained through a cycling helmet! Not a very flattering look. Passing Monkey World was quite a surprise for me, as I wasn’t expecting to see primates sitting at the top of poles, above the tree line, as I rode by! The course gently undulates as it works it’s way back to Weymouth. Unfortunately for me, we were staying at the Riviera, which has Jordan’s Hill separating it from Weymouth sea front, so this had to be ridden before and after each ride. Once back at the hotel, I took advantage of the outdoor pool, and cooled my legs off. Walked along the seafront in the afternoon, all the way to the Sea Life tower and back, followed by a steak in the hotel restaurant. The next morning was more of the same... A hearty breakfast before heading out to ride the course, yet again, this time alone and faster ;) Still very warm, I enjoyed the day. The good thing about the course is that the decents are all quite simple, no tight twisty roads, just very fast downhill sections... A joy to ride. Back at the hotel, I cleaned up, changed and headed out. Down to the beach for a sea swim. No wetsuit, the water was great, so I had a nice swim in the ‘bathing’ section. Again, this was followed by stroll along the front, working up an appetite for the fish supper on The Esplanade. Up early for breakfast, followed by 2 laps of the Challenge Weymouth run course, along the sea front, without doing the twisty bit in the town centre. Back at the hotel, showered and time to check out. Before going home, we took a drive over to Durdle Door. Had a walk down to the beach, then across, over the cliff’s, to Lulworth Cove. Quite a hike! Really looking forward to going back for the race in September, and spending a few more days getting to know the area.