Cumbrian xmas cracker

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PaulSB

PaulSB

Squire
Location
Chorley, Lancashire
I was on the ride as well. Organisation, signage etc was first class. I think the ride was described as "undulating,", might have to re-write the dictionary as I'd have said "hilly" was more apt!! I clocked 65.2 miles at an average of 13.9 and took 4 hours 39. I went out averaging 15 mph and really slowed in the second half, I thought we were only doing 56(!) and got a bit demoralised as I was alone for long periods with no one to try and chase / keep up with.

The route was stunningly beautiful with the ride alongside Conniston being something I shall remember for years. The lake was totally still, the water almost black and every last detail reflected in the surface.

I've ridden the distance and more on many occassions but never in these temperatures (about 3c all day) and found riding in the cold much harder than expected. I didn't drink enough and got bad cramp in both thighs at one point. After some stretches and loads of water I was fine.

The climb up Grizedale was very tough coming at around the 50-55 mile mark, think I was down to about 3 - 4 mph up that one. Loved the sign at the top "cyclists try your brakes now."

I appreciate there were many riders who were far better than me and perhaps more serious about their sport, though I am serious about my cycling but like the social side of sportives as well. I was a little disappointed by how few people wanted to chat. A big thank you to the guys from Glasgow and Lancaster who both wanted a chat on the final 7-8 miles, I think we all needed a bit of help by then.

Thanks to guy who slowed us all at the iced up bend, don't know if he was an organiser or just public-spirited but did a good job at a dangerous spot.

A great ride, wonderful route and one I shall go back to on a warm summer's day.
 
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PMB

Active Member
The guy from Lancaster may well have been me, if you were the chap who's car was parked just before grasmere? the 3 of us came down the private road then onto the main drag to the finish together.
 
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PMB

Active Member
I was , yes!! Thanks to you and the guy from Glasgow ( we had the xmas pud together!!) Really helped me thru the last few miles.

Have a good xmas
 
Carboncyclestore

Carboncyclestore

New Member
Location
Lancashire
I really enjoyed the day as well!
I was a little concerned by my lack of form but I was full of riding on the last 5 miles to the finish which was very pleasing.

I thought the event was great value for 15 quid,very well organised and food was great at the feedstation and finish.

I was in my yellow and Blue Southport CC jersey in case any of the people I chatted to are on here!

Will defo do it again next year!
 
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Isitaboutabicycle

New Member
They're (results and photos) on the website now or so I'm told in an Email. Great event, quite lucky as regards the road conditions - in as much as it was a lot worse the preceding few days round the lakes. We were on the silver tandem and possibly not too chatty due to concentrating on keeping it rubber side down.
 
got-to-get-fit

got-to-get-fit

New Member
Location
Yarm, Cleveland
the results are way off.....my cycle computer and my watch both tallied at 4 hrs 20 but the results sheet has me down as 4.50. At least thats my story and im sticking to it.

I was so impressed by this challenge i have just signed up for the Northern Rock Cyclone 104 miles. Bring it on !!!!

At least it will be warmer.
 
Hugo15

Hugo15

Über Member
Location
Stockton-on-Tees
GTGF - There are a group of us from the Teesside area who organise our road rides on http://www.mtbe.co.uk/ The rides go from the Fox Covert at the top of Leven bank, usually on a Sunday morning. A few of us already entered from the NR Cyclone and we plan to do the Richmond Sportives at the end of May too. We are not racers, just a group of blokes who enjoy cycling. Let me know if you are interested or want any more info.
 
got-to-get-fit

got-to-get-fit

New Member
Location
Yarm, Cleveland
Hi Hugo.....that sounds good.
Myself and a friend (who has also signed up for the NR) usually set off from Fox Covert but its fairly sporadic when we can get together as we both have young children and nagging wives.
We did a 40 mile loop just before the cracker taking in clay bank to try and get some practice in.

It would be good to get out with a group. I joined stockton wheelers 2 year ago but i found i could never get out with them due to home commitments. So it would be good to get out with a group of riders without having the obligation of a club.

Ill log onto the website and have a look and then get in touch via PM to try and arrange something

Thanks again mate.
 
Hugo15

Hugo15

Über Member
Location
Stockton-on-Tees
No problem GTGF. I spent years riding round on my own before stumbling upon the group earlier this year. I can honestly say I have enjoyed my cycling much more this year and I have also become a lot fitter.

We try to be "family friendly", but that means we tend to get out pretty early; 9 am in the winter but it's 8 am in the summer (I have young kids so I'm up anyway!!!). Usually we do 30 to 40 miles during the winter and 40 to 60 miles in the summer and try to get back before lunch. In the summer we also have an evening ride most weeks, which often start at Yarm Station.

We are "supposed" to be heading up Clay Bank on Sunday but the weather forecast looks terrible :eek:.

Hope to see you out soon.
 
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