'Richard's Lakeland spin, 27 Sept.
Richard Barker reports on the Evans Cycles Ride-it event in the Lake District.
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"Driving into Coniston on Saturday evening it became clear why I'd had such a struggle finding accommodation for the evening - big signs for the "Coniston Walking Festival". The place was heaving, every pub and beer garden full of hardened drinkers - sorry, walkers! Luckily the extended licensing hours don't seem to have made it to Coniston, so around 11:30 the pub/B&B quietened down enough to get a good night's sleep. Having persuaded the staff to do an early breakfast, it was downstairs bang on 8am for the cereal & cooked breakfast - funnily enough, not many walkers to be seen yet! Kitted-up and bike out of the car I set off on the short ride to the event HQ for signing on.
Through the usual slick Evans sign-on and clear briefing, I picked up the excellent map and obligatory Go-bar. Even though I'd entered on the day, my rider number was 37 - the signing-on staff reckoned there'd be about 100 riders but this seemed optimistic. For a well-organised event in great cycling country this seems a travesty to me. With three manned feed-stations, great map and route-marking, comparatively low entry fee, and no-fuss organisation, this series of events deserves much more support - certainly a good alternative to some of the over-subscribed and over-hyped "classic" events out there.
Anyway, onwards and upwards...... Did I mention the area is a bit hilly....?! First mile or two pancake-flat around the top of the lake, followed by an ascent up Hawkshead Hill of about 500ft in 1.5 miles with 5 or 6 false summits. Nice little warm-up. Having set off with 5 other riders (including one slightly portly guy with the full-on Cannondale Liquigas team issue bike and Mavic carbon wheels), by the second ramp we were down to three, by the top I was alone never to see any of them again. Just short of the top I passed a girl on an MTB who'd stopped, said she'd blown up. I found out later she'd been talked into the ride by her boyfriend - I guess he was not popular at that point!
Then a great flowing descent into Hawkshead followed by a run along the shore of Esthwaite Water, before a very steep climb up into Grizedale forest. From there an undulating run around to the south end of Coniston Water, followed by a fun and fast run up the East shore of the lake and back to Coniston village for the first feedstop. The scene looking across the lake on this section was truly stunning, with Coniston village nestling under the crags of the Old Man mountain, the sides of the mountain bathed in sunlight but the tops hidden in the cloud (see photo). This was quite interesting to us riders, as somewhere in all that cloud lay Hardknott & Wrynose......
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This set the scene for a ride of two halves - the first eastern loop undulating with civilisation and clear weather, the second western loop even hillier, pretty remote with blustery and overcast conditions. Riding along the main road past Torver, a narrow single-track lane became visible ramping straight up the side of the fell. That feeling sank in, when you just know where the route goes! Sure enough - Old Rake up onto Broughton Moor, followed by a tight & twisty, blind and gravelly descent.
From Broughton Mills came a real killer, the climb up to Stickle Pike - about 15 minutes worth of bottom gear, grovelling-over-the-bars hell..... Just before the top I crawled past one guy and had almost caught another two just at the summit, so the four of us arrived almost together. All four of us collapsed to the floor rasping for breath. When the legs were back under control we all stuffed gels, bars, anything down our necks and talked about Hardknott Pass. After the next descent we would have to choose between the Hard Route which climbed Birker Fell, Hardknott Pass and then Wrynose Pass, or the Slightly-Less-Hard Route with just Wrynose. Funnily enough, having just endured Stickle Pike we all chickened it and decided to head straight for Wrynose. I justified it to myself by looking at the weather, which was starting to close in by now - given the remoteness of Birker Fell it seemed the wiser choice.
An uneventful but lumpy ride along the valley saw us at Cockley Beck for the final feed station, and from there just a short run along the valley before the "easy" side of Wrynose presented itself (see photo). The picture looks a bit murky because the weather was murky, almost in cloud by this point. I managed to get to the last 25% ramp just short of the summit before my body cried enough and I had to stop. After 30secs wheezing I made the last section, arriving at the summit to a stunning view down the valley. Pulling on the gillet as it was drizzling by now, I set off on the very precarious, damp, slippery and twisty descent. My sense of self-preservation meant I pretty much wore out my brakes on the way down, giving me a strange sense of kinship with the broken-down car (reeking of burnt clutch) halfway up.
A couple more climbs through Langdale followed by a nice fast run along the A593 saw me back at the finish, 56 miles in 3hr53 (not counting several stops to take pictures, too much chatting at the feedstations, or climbing off at Stickle Pike). All-in, a very challenging, enjoyable ride in an area I've not ridden before. As Arnie said once, "I'll be back".
Richard Barker.
'Wild Edric' tames 'Mad' Mal, 9 Aug.
"Little did I know that this would be my last Sportive of the season suffering from fatigue before I even started this horrendous Sportive, that finished me completely.
It's Sunday August 9th. the event starts at Bishops Castle a quaint little village in Shropshire. I had a steady 3mile ride, from Lydbury North where Norma and I were staying, to the start at the Leisure centre.
We were given our customary briefing by the organiser of the many hazards and difficult climbs/ descents on the course, gravel/ mud slips on some of the corners caused by heavy rain they had experienced during the past couple of weeks. Also there was a diversion due to 2 hangliders colliding at the top of the Long Mynd and falling to their death the day before the event.
So off we go at top speed through the village of Bishops Castle to be greeted by a 1in 6 after about 800mtrs what a shock to the system, but my thoughts were there must be a descent after this and all these young guns dropping me here will find out how to go down hill shortly, what I lose on the climb will be taken back on the descent.
We roll along very tough narrow country lanes, then a superb descent and out of the back they go, I'm reaching 40mph and a left hander coming up I line myself up tweak the brakes and to my horror the door closes, hit the gravel on the road slide across to my right and hit the mud slide 'Oh dear I think shades of L'Epervier' 10mls. and it's over but remarkably I'm still on the bike and got through it, many didn't make it and had lots of bad crashes.
So here we go onto the first big climb of the day 'Assterton Bank' 25% about 1 mile, the road is covered with all sorts of debris, no one made it to the top on the bike they were falling off or being brought off by the rider in front going down, it was chaos, at the top it wasn't over we now have to tackle the 'Long Mynd' rolling along to the summit , the good bit what a fantastic descent very narrow winding road super surface, cars coming up just missing wing mirrors by fractions, It was certainly a descent for a 'Petit Mort'
On we roll to the feed station at 35mls, I'm feeling bad at this point nothing in the old body/legs, pick up some food fill my bottle and onward to the next climb it was endless, I'm still catching riders so I kid myself I cant be going that bad.
Eight of us reach the diversion point at 50mls and stop, decision time, well I'm going left my body cant take another 47mls. of this, the others make the same decision, I think they were waiting for someone to wimp out and it was the old man so they didn't feel as bad.
Off we go only 20mls now must be easier I think, but oh no once again over 'Styperstones' for the second time, it's endless, now the descent straight and very fast.
We are now on the run in to Bishops Castle on flattish roads and I'm on my knees, over the timing mat and I finish in 5hrs.52min.37sec. to take 31st place, only 67 finished the short version and 69 the long version from over 250 starters. It wasn't too bad I think after all I'm the oldest competitor. Looking forward to my next challenge 'Bealach Mor' in the Scottish Highlands, but it never happened.
Now the welcome massage my legs are like lumps of wood, I feel ill and I've got the 3mls ride back to Lydbury North."
Malcolm.
La Ronde Picarde, 12 Sept.
Fred Lyn reports;
It doesn’t seem like 12 months since Malcolm and I did this event – well, nearly did it - Malcolm did the medium 80 mile option and I packed at 33 miles, following a second puncture.
Stayed at the Mercure hotel in the centre of Abbeville, which was only 200yds from the start (good warm-up) and had a full buffet breakfast early enough to stock up before riding out.
Having stuffed my face, I joined the other 2,500 or so riders at the start, which, as usual, was late due to a myriad of speeches, in typical French fashion.
Weather was forecast to be sunny, 21c but windy – and boy, was it windy!
So, off we went at a casual 28mph and the first notable point was the 6km mark, where I had my 1st puncture, last year. Going well and latching onto several groups as the wind got up and we had a cross head, which was to last for the 1st 40 miles.
Second notable point was some small village where I had my second puncture last year – 33 miles safely negotiated – then kept tucked into a good group to do 23’s until we reached the seaside.
Fortunately, I recalled Malcolm’s warning that the steep descent to the prom was followed immediately by a sharp bend and equally steep climb out, so got onto my small ring and a large-ish sprocket, ready for it – and was glad I did, as I ended up getting onto my 39/29 get out of jail gear to get up – I could have done it on my big ring, but didn’t want to look too good!!
Unfortunately, one of our Gallic friends was taken by surprise as his chain decided to snap ¼ way up – ouch!
The first feed station then appeared and, as I was deciding whether or not to stop or carry on with the ½ group that continued, the Frog (oops, sorry, French gentleman cyclist) just in front decided at the last moment to do a 90 left, right in front of me.
By the time I’d braked and swerved, the gap was there and no way was I going to chase after them into a strong, full on headwind.
Not sure what I was thinking of, but I filled up my bottles and continued, then realised I was on my own –where was everyone else? Waiting for a group to set off, that’s where!
Anyway, got stuck in, caught a guy who suggested we ride together, but his idea of together was to sit on my wheel and shelter – that’s my trick.
As he clearly declined my offer to share the pace making, I decided to put the hammer down a bit and he disappeared off the back.
Then came around 5 miles of lonely grovel, before a group caught me up – great, sit in and recover, for the next few miles, when, all of a sudden, the entire group (ex-Fred, of course) turns off , leaving this poor Seacroft Wheeler in his (now customary) solo state.
Turned out they were doing the medium option, hmmmm….
Another 5 miles or so on my own, then caught by another group, so, as ever, got tucked in and we sailed along at 21’s/22’s into the, now, very strong headwind.
Started to feel the pace and just dropped off by about 20/30 yds towards the top of a rise, when I realised where we were and recalled Malcolm saying he did the same some years ago.
So upped the ante and just got back on as the road flattened out and straightened up through the forest of Crécy into a several miles long wind tunnel – lucky me!
We eventually caught another couple of small groups, so ended up as a veritable peleton, which broke up on the climb out of some village or other and when I tried to latch onto the front group, my thighs wouldn’t support me, so sat down and stayed with the second group, which, as it turned out, was a wise decision, as we kept up a brisk pace, which I could only just live with (but didn’t let on!).
The last 10/15 miles was made bearable by, for the first time in the event, a tail/cross tail and we reached 30mph with ease on some stretches.
Finally came off the back with 5km to go, but was too tired to get back on, so talked to myself until 3km to go, when I saw I was being chased down by a French (notice how polite I am!) cyclist.
Why bother, I thought, this is not a race (yeah, right) and if you want to pass me, feel free (er…?). Amazing how one’s speed seems to increase for no good reason (actually, a very good reason, but, hey..).
2km to go and he’s 50yds behind – oo, er – then 1km and 20 yds and my big ring comes into play.
Then, all of a sudden, a bit of a downhill, with a sharp bend at the bottom.
Guess who’s going to get this one?
Guess who’s not, as my little velocipede seems to have a mind of its own as it – rumour has it, not unusually - flies down and round the bend as though it’s on two wheels and a certain autre finds himself where he belongs - unable to make up the gap before the final 800m dash to the finish line, for a 6hrs 01m 57s gold standard (which would have got gold in the 40-49 age group) and a very pleased Fred, who can now take a month or two off before starting again ready for Seacroft Wheelers Reliability Ride at the end of January 2010.
'Harewood Sportive, 6 Sept .
Fred Lyn reports;
A new sportive has appeared – unfortunately not well advertised, which, I suspect, was the reason for the poor turn out.
Shame, really, as this has a lot of potential, not least because I could ride out and back without overdoing it!
Three distances available (all starting at Harewood) – short (what’s that?), medium and long.
Originally 30, 60, 90 miles but on the day, the route was changed so that the medium was 54 miles and the long, 74 miles.
I am delighted to report that we have a potential new afficionado of sportives, with new member Sarah trying her first sportive.
Brave Sarah agreed to jump in at the deep end and go for the long route, so, gentleman that I am, I said I’d ride with her (really, I just needed a woman’s navigating skills!), which was a good decision, as I managed to miss three turns only to hear, each time “er, excuse, me, Fred, but the arrows are pointing the other way”.
Now I’m not saying our club runs are for wimps (honest, Kevin), but Sarah hinted that this was rather hillier than she was used to.
Don’t know what she meant, as our first ‘real’ gradient was Norwood edge, rapidly followed by Fewston/Timble, then West End.
A quick freewheel (almost, into a strong headwind) from the top of Kex Gill down to Bolton Bridge, then past Bolton Abbey, Barden Tower and over Burnsall Fell to Burnsall.
We then ascended to just above Hebden and turned towards Pateley, climbing up the little rise from Dibbles Bridge and the lump in the road past Stump Cross Caverns.
After that it was all downhill along Duck street, but turning off before we got to enjoy it, crossing over to Dacre.
Sarah raised an eyebrow when she saw Darley Head, but, all credit, she got stuck in and burnt off a couple of guys on the last steep bit (alright, they were pushing their bikes, but, hey…).
Promising signs of a real sportive attitude!
I thought Sarah was beginning to struggle but we flew past Menwith then up Bland Hill and over to Almscliffe, North Rigton and down to the A61, then to Swindon lane and to Kearby Cliff.
I told her that Kearby Cliff wasn’t as bad as it looked, but I’m not sure there was complete agreement, here.
For, probably, the first time on the ride, I got annoyed when a young upstart suggested I’d run out of gears on the climb, so I just laughed (not too) quietly, when he stopped 200 yards from the top having dropped his energy bar – and, no, I didn’t run over it, I’m not that cruel – and in any case, he was in the way!
After that, a goodly spin through Sicklinghall, Linton and into Collingham for the last four mile drag into the wind to Harewood.
We were then six, including Master energy bar and, with two miles to go, Sarah gave me permission to stretch my legs – realising that sportive riders can’t resist for ever – so I launched myself past the group, got on my big ring and absolutely flayed myself.
Really must have had a rush of blood to an empty head, as I found myself doing 28mph, into the wind, and got my pulse rate up to 194! – my highest ever whilst cycling.
The others got in shortly afterwards and we were rewarded with - nothing. No certificate or medal, but then our reward was just doing the ride and my bonus reward was a nice tail wind back home.
It transpired that only six riders did the long distance and the rest did the medium/short. A great pity as the course was good and very well marked.
This is one I can recommend and, if you are of that ‘certain persuasion’ (Messrs Barnes?), the Saturday is for off roaders, with a choice of three distances, as well, with the road event the day after.
Well done, Sarah, on your first sportive! A very creditable performance at a very good average speed. Now you know you can manage a hilly 74, you can have confidence you won’t have any problems doing the same distance faster or the longer distances at the same pace.
La Laurent Desbiens, 29 August .
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Fred Lyn reports on the 160km sportive.
"I thought of calling this “Frantic in France”, but decided not to understate this sportive.
I must say that this turned out to be the fastest and flattest sportive I’ve ever done.
I’m still not sure why I entered this one, but decided I must be getting to half way enjoy sportives and, perhaps, needed to keep the ‘edge’ prior to going back to exorcise my ghost of la Ronde Picarde in a couple of weeks.
Since completing the White Rose Challenge and a very short dnf in the Phil & friends, I took it easy for a while, before getting some miles in at a higher than usual average speed.
I had foreseen that this might be a fast sportive, given the (to my mind) lack of hills, despite the publicity commenting on the ‘hills of Flanders’.
Good job, really, since my fears were well proven.
The sportive started in a park and wended its way along a narrow track, out onto the main road, whereupon it became a neutral zone for 6km, to allow the field to regroup prior to a mass start.
Now, my idea of a neutral zone is one where you keep your place until everyone has emerged from the park and regathered, ready for ‘the off’.
Silly me, what it really means is as soon as you get onto the main road, you go hell for leather at 30mph, using the pavements if you feel like it, so that you can get to the front, even if you should be at the back.
So, this poor naïve Seacroft wheeler finds himself somewhere toward the rear of the field, instead of in the front 1/3.
Ah well, more riders to chase and pass, I suppose!
Then it’s off and we fly along to and through the next town at 27’s and out into the countryside.
The pace soon (ish) drops to low 20’s and we arrive at the first hill, where, joy of joys, I find that the Ch’ti can’t climb.
It isn’t often I can get up a hill faster than someone else, but all those mountains, this year, must have done me some good and I find myself piling past loads (well, a few) of others and even more on the descent, although, as there was quite a bit of gravel about, I decided to be my usual cautious self and not do anything stupid.
After the first feed station, I found myself in a nice group of about 20 riders and, as is my habit in France, I allow the locals the privilege of leading the pack and I follow obediently – a nice 21-ish without working too hard, especially into the head wind.
Come the second feed station, I decided to grab a bottle and refill on the move.
Bad decision – I lost my electrolyte tablet, couldn’t close my bidon (French for water bottle) and found myself adrift of the group by around 100 yards.
Make your mind up time, Fred – ease off and wait for another group to form, or give chase?
Decided that I could be waiting a while, as there wasn’t anyone reasonably close behind, so decided to give chase.
Now, we all know that 23mph on your own into a head wind isn’t easy – in fact it’s damn hard work – and when, after one mile, I was still 50 yards behind and gasping for breath, I thought of giving best, but then decided that I would have been chasing for nought, so persevered.
Another mile went by and I’m still around 50 yards behind, when we come to another hill, this time a relatively long one, probably ½ to ¾ miles.
Up went the heart rate, up went the cadence and down went the gear –Lance Armstrong, eat your heart out!
100 yards from the top, I pass a couple of guys who have dropped off, one of whom makes some comment about Mont Ventoux being easier (a passing reference to my Ventoux strip) and seems a bit miffed when I ask him if there are any hills around here and don’t wait for a reply!
Anyway, 50 yards after the top, I finally catch the group and then Mr Misery catches up as well, so I suggest that as he’s been off the group so long, he might like to do some work for a change – not exactly the best way to endear oneself to our Gallic friends, but I smile as I say it and he decides I’m joking (yeah, right!).
Next village along, there’s this huge ‘bang, hiss’ and some poor soul has a blow out.
Now, as it happens, there’s a neutral service vehicle just ahead and the whole group (except Mr Puncture) laughs when I comment that he’s really lucky (tee, hee, been there, etc.).
Get to the last feed station atop the Mont des Cats, with 27km to go and the group disappears (off the back – the Ch’ti can’t climb!), so grab a drink and some grub and set off on my own, to be joined a few km further on by a couple or three guys and we have an uneventful last thrash on the flat to the finish.
Now, when I achieve a straight 20mph for a 105 mile sportive (official time 5hrs 09m 34s), I like to feel pleased with myself.
Well, I did, until I find out four things:
So, what good can I say came out of this?
I was the first Brit to finish in my age group (actually I was the only Brit in my age group).
The course is fast, flat with a few sensible climbs and is probably the best marshalled and signed sportive I’ve ever done, with virtually all roads effectively closed.
The general organisation is very good and the post race meal looked great – unfortunately, someone dragged me off shopping, so I didn’t get a chance to find out.
Oh, and the T-shirt is good – and I’ll probably go back again next year!
Picardy, here I come!! "
La Ventoux, 26 May.
Fred Lyn reports on the 170km La Ventoux sportive.
La Ventoux 2009
Just a bit of grammar to start with. The mountain is LE Ventoux - the sportive is LA Ventoux - explanation upon request!
I drove round the course the day before and frightened myself silly when I saw just how hilly it was.
Come the start, I was feeling awful and struggled on the climbs (and descents - poor road surfaces, again) for the first 20 miles, until we reached Malaucene and the bottom of Le Ventoux.
Then the interminable grovel uphill, for 13.1 miles (exactly half marathon distance - now there's a thought!!), although I put on a brave face for the cameras near the top.
Managed the climb in 2hrs 01m 09s.
Quick refill at the top, then flew down to Sault, taking two cars which were dawdling at 40 mph! Part way down, guess what? Yep, cramp, again (see articles on L'Epervier and La Marmotte and La Vaujany). It must have been bad, as a rider (just one) actually had the audacity to pass me.
However, press on and seem to get rid of the cramp by Sault, then a nice easy 15 miles to the start of the Col de Veaux and more bad road surface back over to Malaucene, where a very welcome sign saying 15km to the finish - although it didn't mention the final climb up the Col de la Chaine, where that familiar seizing up of the leg muscles reappeared.
Unfortunately, the rather nice blonde (female!) cyclist nearby, declined to give me a massage (unlike Malcolm's Dutch bird - see La Marmotte article), so had to cycle it off, which I did by taking it easy and chatting with a French guy until we reached the village of Suzette and a lovely 4 mile descent to the finish in Beaumes de Venise, for a 6hrs 10m 02s (gold standard by one hour!).
Bealach-Beag, 9 May.
Roy Cannon's report on the Bealach sportive.
"Having survived the 6 hour train ride from York to Inverness on the Thursday we managed to cram two bikes into a smaller than anticipated hire car on the Saturday morning for the hour and a half drive across to Sheildaig for the start of the Bealach Beag sportive. The weather forecast all week was looking ominous, and so it proved as we drove through torrential rain. Dodging the showers we registered along with nearly 500 other cyclists. The rain seemed to stop briefly as the piper began to play which signified the start of the challenge. Setting off in bright sunshine the rain soon started, followed very quickly by hail stones. Turning onto the climb of Bealach-na-Ba I can only describe the cycling conditions as less than favourable. A strong headwind and torrential rain finally gave way to snow!! Cresting the top of the Bealach, in a time of 42.12, it was a brief pause for a photo before the very chilly decent to Applecross. Near frozen to the handlebars I stopped at the feed station in Applecross, which was bathed in glorious sunshine, and shed some rather wet clothes. Along the coast road home we were blessed with glorious sunshine, beautiful views and a stiff tailwind which pushed us along and dried us out in no time. Enjoying the views and photo opportunities a little too much we arrived back in Shieldaig after 42 very hilly miles in just under 3 hours 27 mins. Out of the 477 starters 458 finished the course, the fastest being Steven McInnes of Mull cycle club finishing in a 2 hours and 19 minutes."
Brian Robinson Challenge, 26 April.
Malcom reports
"Fred Lyn and I had a good ride in the 'Brian Robinson Challenge' both achieving silver standard times of 5hrs 5min for a very tough 77mls taking in the climbs of 'Wessenden Edge', 'Holme Moss', 'Woodhead Pass', 'Buckstones Moss', and the sting in the tail 'Mile Hill'. There was some fantastic descending, not for the faint hearted. Our av/spd. was 15.30mph.
To get Gold we would have had to do it in 4hrs.30min, only 5 riders achieved Gold showing how hard it was. We asked about age related categories after the event and they are considering it for next year, we will then I'm certain achieve Gold.
The ride didn't go without incident, we were going down one descent at a cracking 40mph. 4 of us when a guy in an invalid chair turned right in front of us we had to take swift action, I was second in line behind Dave Riley of Manchester Velo, Fred behind me as usual and A.N.Other. Dave locked up and did an amazing balancing act on his front wheel how he didn't come off was only due to brilliant bike skills, I also locked up behind Dave preparing myself for the collision I saw a gap of about 2mm. and went for it and survived, Dave hurt his calf muscle when he disengaged his foot from the pedal.
Disregarding the above incident, what's life without a bit of excitement?, I would certainly recommend the ride to any club members who would like to ride it next year.
Brilliantly organised first class marshalling by a motorcycle team, and a fully closed road for the first 200mtr's what more could you want."
Cheshire Cat sportive, Sunday 29 March.
Mal Davidson reports on the season opener
"Well that's the first one over and what a start, a real test of your early season fitness.
After arriving in brilliant sunshine it was soon to cloud over and thick fog descended upon us for the first hour then sunshine all the way but very cold with some icy patches that meant you had to keep your eyes open.
We started in the third group of 50 riders setting off at 3 min. intervals.the pace started nice and easy I think due to the icy/cold conditions but soon picked up.
The ride for me at least didn't go without incident, after the first feed station my left crank almost came off, had a stop to retighten it then knew I was in for a bad ride as when that happens its inevitable it will happen again and it did several times somewhat spoiling my ride.
I didn't get up 'Mow Cop' (left) without stopping due to a rider in front of me taking a tumble, once you have to stop you have 'Nil Chance' of restarting, both Fred and Alan (Bodell) got up ok. and got the medal, I was awarded one by default after I complained about nearly being brought down.
So onto a more sedate route or so we thought, it was horrendous to say the least, climb after climb of 25% where did they find them all, thought Cheshire was flat? through the Goyt Valley and snow at the side of the road with lots of icy patches to keep your concentration buzzing. The descents were fantastic some very technical, and one with a ford at the bottom, I claim I was the only one going through it out of our party living up to my 'Mad Mal' nickname.
So onto 'Swiss Hill' a cobbled section of approx 1ml. again only idiot me taking up the challenge managing to get about 250yds. from the top before skidding on the green stuff and having to dismount.
Onto the run in to the finish very fast pace in a good group Alan is with them 'How did he get in front of me' Missed out 'Swiss Hill' he said.
We all got round in one piece thank goodness all with good times, Fred did a very good ride in 7hrs.00min.26sec.
After several mechanical stops I was very pleased with my performance with 7hrs.46min.26sec.
Alan's time it wasn't up on the site but I would think around the same as me.
Total distance was 107mls. one of the hardest I have done in the U.K. certainly harder than White Rose Classic.
I'm now looking forward to 'Dales Challenge' on April 18th.
Photo's result
Malcolm"
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