Dave Smith reports on the 2007 British CycloSportive.

"I am pleased to say that I completed the hilly - yes, hilly
120 mile course in 7h 57m 23s, which to be fair included about 5-10 minutes at each of 5 refreshment stops, 10 minutes helping a guy fix his pedal, and 10-15 minutes mending a rear puncture after 90 miles, so probably about 7h of riding. The fastest time was 5h 22m 38s.

For those who care (not me!), that placed me 2,202nd out of 5,000
entries, of whom 3,743 finished within the 12 hour cut off time. I had not set myself a time target. I just wanted to get round in one piece, enjoy some top quality camaraderie, and see the Kent countryside. I succeeded in all 3!

Yes, it was a long day. After meeting and being interviewed by British track star Vicky Pendleton I started from the front row (unlike motor
racing, where the fastest are on the front row, I just got there first), so I guess I may be on some pictures on the British Cycling website again!

The weather was just plain awful. It absolutely scythed it down for the first 50 miles with some very heavy showers all day thereafter. I constantly felt like packing in until about half way. (In fact Saturday was worse and, after having driven round the whole course in monsoon conditions I nearly decided to check out of the hotel and come home there and then!).

Treacherous conditions too, especially early on, cycling out through the rain in urban East London. A big group came down on a patch of diesel on a descent just behind us after about only 2 miles. One guy made a real mess of his face. He was more worried that he had scuffed his brake lever. I
comforted him by reminding him that it was only Shimano and therefore cheap to replace.

For those of us whose waistlines reflect their other interests which include curry, fine wines (half a bottle of Medoc the night before, I have to admit) and real ale, it was a hard day. There were some very nasty climbs, although I note with some dismay that the three main ones are only down as 4th category climbs for the Tour proper next Sunday. As someone who hates hills, it was, however, good to climb with large numbers of riders as I found that it built my confidence every time I crawled past someone.

There was a very nasty but thankfully short 1 in 5 out of Rochester that, in the rain, had everyone struggling for traction. The climb out of Tonbridge (Cote de Southborough) after 59 miles was just plain nasty. Only 1 in 14 but it goes on for over a mile. The Half Way marker was at the top, which I
suppose was meant to be encouraging, but worked the other way as everyone gasped for air in the stair rods. The 1 in 9 Cote de Goudhurst after 76 miles was thankfully short enough not to be too offensive. By the time we came to the last and steepest 4th cat climb of Farthing Common (1 in 8) after about 110 miles, I was (no really, I realise it sounds most unlikely!) sprinting up the hill past a good number of other riders.

I then averaged 30 mph for the last 10 miles into Canterbury. Adrenalin was pumping like mad once I knew I would make it, accident or serious mechanical notwithstanding.

What a feeling! I burst into tears as I crossed the line. Not sure why. The crowds were huge along the route and at the finish. They were all practicing for next week I guess. It was truly awe inspiring. Tingle down the spine stuff.

And yes, my once shiny red Pinarello now looks like it has spent the last six months totally submerged in mud. I really can't face cleaning it. Any offers? "

Pictures; Above, climbing Farthing Common. Right, finish line in Canterbury. Below, (middle in red/silver helmet under EN of Independent) a 6am start in pouring rain.