Mad March Hare Sportive 2012
- Thread starter Pauln
- Start date
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Ron Keegan
Active Member
The Mad March Hare is an ideal introduction to sportives and, although it claims to be a "mini" sportive, the only thing that's small (compared to other events) is the entry fee. There's usually a couple of really testing climbs, with most of the route on quiet and relatively traffic free roads. Considering what you pay, the feeding station is adequately stocked and, although there are few marshals, the way-marking, if a little small, is O.K. if you keep focused. At the finish there's even a bacon bap and hot drink thrown in. The atmosphere is great and the warm welcome from Paul Prince and his team at Cult Racing is second to none. I'm already entered and looking forward to my 4th participation - which says it all really.
PaulSecteur
No longer a Specialized fanboy
- Location
- Walsall, West Mids.
Looks good, but 75 miles that early in the year is too much for me... Wish there was a more managable (Read: wussy) 40 or 50 mile option 
Ron Keegan
Active Member
75 miles is doable in March, provided you've done some basic preparation and ride within your capabilities. I got round last time (73miles) well inside 5hrs 40min (= about 13mph) and was just about O.K. at the end. For me, as a then 72 year old, it was quite a satisfying performance. Don't think I'll better that next March, so I just intend to get round and enjoy the day.
smokeysmoo
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bolton, not very far from Nob End
For the benefit of others this ride is on Sunday 4th March and takes place in Birmingham.
I had to Google it to find out it was too far for me to travel.
I had to Google it to find out it was too far for me to travel.
PeteT
Active Member
- Location
- Kingsteignton, Devon
If that's too far to travel, the Exeter Wheelers usually organise a 100k and 200k Audax about that time of the year - here's last years http://www.ukcyclist.co.uk/audax-uk-calendar-events-2011 (a lot cheaper than your average sportif as well).
OP
OP
Pauln
Active Member
Yes, sorry I should have put the link to the web site up.
http://www.madmarchharesportive.co.uk/
There are 44 places left.
I am a little concerned as I have not done that distance in a day before, but I figure that I have the whole day and with the weather as mild as it is at the moment I am getting plenty of 18-20 mile rides in. I also have the turbo trainer to keep things ticking over.
http://www.madmarchharesportive.co.uk/
There are 44 places left.
I am a little concerned as I have not done that distance in a day before, but I figure that I have the whole day and with the weather as mild as it is at the moment I am getting plenty of 18-20 mile rides in. I also have the turbo trainer to keep things ticking over.
Will1985
Über Member
- Location
- South Norfolk
I'll probably be marshalling again.
Willersey Hill at the bottom end of the route was in the 2010 edition and defeated most people due to the ice - nasty steep thing! (and I'm a hillclimber
)
Willersey Hill at the bottom end of the route was in the 2010 edition and defeated most people due to the ice - nasty steep thing! (and I'm a hillclimber
OP
OP
Pauln
Active Member
I'll probably be marshalling again.
Willersey Hill at the bottom end of the route was in the 2010 edition and defeated most people due to the ice - nasty steep thing! (and I'm a hillclimber)
Yes, I saw that on the route profile. It does look nasty.
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
Looks good, but 75 miles that early in the year is too much for me... Wish there was a more managable (Read: wussy) 40 or 50 mile option
come on paul. i thought you were going to give mercia CC a go? we did a nice ride on Sunday i did 65 miles
172traindriver
Legendary Member
Sold out a while ago. It was good last year, but the day was quite cold and windy and the parts of the route towards Bidford and Broadway were quite tough. Last year the big climb was up Dovers Hill which was used for the national hill climb championships a few months before. I was quite chuffed to make it up without cracking. there were a few pushing and a fair few sailed past me like they were out for an easy spin!!!! The last 15 miles or so are all a steady climb, which is tough once you have 60 miles in your legs I managed it in 4hrs 31mins.
Route is slightly different this year, 2 climbs the 2nd one is Bakers Hill which was used on the Shakespeare 100km ride in September. This one is shorter but quite tough.
A cheaper alternative could be the Beacon RCC Sunrise or Snowdrop Audaxes taking place in February from Hartlebury in Worcestershire only about £8, I have done them previously and they are recommended.
Route is slightly different this year, 2 climbs the 2nd one is Bakers Hill which was used on the Shakespeare 100km ride in September. This one is shorter but quite tough.
A cheaper alternative could be the Beacon RCC Sunrise or Snowdrop Audaxes taking place in February from Hartlebury in Worcestershire only about £8, I have done them previously and they are recommended.
