GentlyBenevolent
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Wigan-ish
This ride took place yesterday, and I thought it worthy of a quick note. The organisation of the ride was good, with decent route cards, numbers, info etc. Marshals at what seemed to be the most dangerous junctions, and generally good signage throughout. I think there were two corners that either needed different/better signs, but on the whole very good.
The (100 mile) route was a great choice of quiet lanes and roads, and the rest stops were placed just right for me, stacked slightly towards the end of the route although I only stopped at the 55 mile and 88 mile stops. Rest stops had bananas, jelly babies/sweets and a seemingly endless supply of squash. Although I didn't need it there was support - mechanic, ambulance patrol and broom wagon. There was a photographer present, on the course and at the finish, and photos are being made available for free. Finish line had medals, (500ml) bottles of water and a few food + drink stands, free massage.
Compared to other, larger events (Manchester-Blackpool and London-Cambridge) this had a much smaller field and a far nicer feel. Friendly chats with other riders (and other sportives at one point), nice ad-hoc groups, no do-or-die banzai riders (unless they dropped me right at the start, entirely possible) and general good signalling of potholes, etc.
At the risk of making it more popular, I'd say it's worthwhile keeping an eye out for more CS events, and I'll be more than tempted to do the ride next year. If anyone wants any info from a rider's perspective then fire away.
The (100 mile) route was a great choice of quiet lanes and roads, and the rest stops were placed just right for me, stacked slightly towards the end of the route although I only stopped at the 55 mile and 88 mile stops. Rest stops had bananas, jelly babies/sweets and a seemingly endless supply of squash. Although I didn't need it there was support - mechanic, ambulance patrol and broom wagon. There was a photographer present, on the course and at the finish, and photos are being made available for free. Finish line had medals, (500ml) bottles of water and a few food + drink stands, free massage.
Compared to other, larger events (Manchester-Blackpool and London-Cambridge) this had a much smaller field and a far nicer feel. Friendly chats with other riders (and other sportives at one point), nice ad-hoc groups, no do-or-die banzai riders (unless they dropped me right at the start, entirely possible) and general good signalling of potholes, etc.
At the risk of making it more popular, I'd say it's worthwhile keeping an eye out for more CS events, and I'll be more than tempted to do the ride next year. If anyone wants any info from a rider's perspective then fire away.
