A day late because I didn't want to come into this thread until I had finished watching the coverage of yesterday's stage ...
I rode out to watch the second KoM at Bleara Moor above Earby and then rode down into the town/village(?) afterwards so I could ride back up the climb to get a taste for how tough it was. Answer:
damn hard!
Most of the pros made it look pretty easy, but it was reassuring to see a few of them busting a gut to stay up near the front. Wiggo looked very relaxed as he cruised by. Cav wasn't far behind but seemed to be trying a bit harder. Some of the stragglers looked pretty wasted!
The Forest of Bowland/Pendle district roads of stage 2 are some of my favourites and I know how hard they are so it was impressive to watch how hard the pros raced yesterday. [PS I am organising
THIS FORUM RIDE to take place out there on September 19th, so if you liked the look of yesterday's scenery and fancy a relaxed tour round there, check out 'Recreational rides' later!
]
I think the ToB is getting better year by year. I didn't think much of it the first couple of years.
Here are a few photos that I took yesterday ...
Brad: "Just a nice little training ride ..."
Cav (a few yards further back): "Brad, Brad, wait for me, Brad!"
Unknown straggler: "Dropped *again* ... So much for those bloody gym sessions to make my legs stronger!"