theboytaylor
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Charlton, London
Blimey that was tough - not just for the hills this event's famous for, but for the icy conditions. Lots of ice right across the roads, some stretches only passable by foot - often on the descents
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I met Mikey at the HQ, just before setting off: Mikey, did you get round the course? I expected you to come haring past me at some point, but you didn't. I wondered a couple of times if the slippy stuff would be too dangerous on a 'bent.
I got round the 110k course in 5hrs 15 which I'm reasonably happy with - considering the ice, the cold and my lack of distance training, getting round in one piece was good enough. The hills didn't beat me - I only had to stop and push on the treacherous ice and only took one small tumble - bike unscathed. One of the worst things to happen was one of my energy gels committed hari-kiri in my pocket, so fishing out other gels or my keys through a load of gloop wasn't at all satisfying!
All in all I'd say it was a very good and well run event. The chip timing, marshalling, signposting, etc was all 1st class. The route itself is through some great countryside and I'd love to give it another go in good weather. The major climbs are all very challenging and there are plenty of short sharp rollers to get over too. A few riders expressed their dissatisfaction at the state of some of the roads - and I guess maybe some of the route would have been better avoided but it is still winter and these things can't always be avoided.
I rode there, the course and back home as well so nearly got the imperial century as well. I should have gone round the block a couple of times, but I was too cold and tired!
Any other CCers get round?
.I met Mikey at the HQ, just before setting off: Mikey, did you get round the course? I expected you to come haring past me at some point, but you didn't. I wondered a couple of times if the slippy stuff would be too dangerous on a 'bent.
I got round the 110k course in 5hrs 15 which I'm reasonably happy with - considering the ice, the cold and my lack of distance training, getting round in one piece was good enough. The hills didn't beat me - I only had to stop and push on the treacherous ice and only took one small tumble - bike unscathed. One of the worst things to happen was one of my energy gels committed hari-kiri in my pocket, so fishing out other gels or my keys through a load of gloop wasn't at all satisfying!
All in all I'd say it was a very good and well run event. The chip timing, marshalling, signposting, etc was all 1st class. The route itself is through some great countryside and I'd love to give it another go in good weather. The major climbs are all very challenging and there are plenty of short sharp rollers to get over too. A few riders expressed their dissatisfaction at the state of some of the roads - and I guess maybe some of the route would have been better avoided but it is still winter and these things can't always be avoided.
I rode there, the course and back home as well so nearly got the imperial century as well. I should have gone round the block a couple of times, but I was too cold and tired!
Any other CCers get round?
Cheers.
I'd definitely do it again next year, as its definitely a race to test you in January. I defintely won't underestimate those bloody hills 
