Monday, 13 May 2013
Lincoln Sportive 11th May 2013
Team Witham Wheelers consisted of Steve Cropper, Gerry Hyde, Ian Galpin, Peter Watson, and Mark Wilson.
A strong South Westerly wind allowed us a fast starting pace for the
first 18 Easterly heading miles. The first big hill at 22 Miles slowed us down a tad.
An easier pace was set to the first feed station at 34 Miles. A quick flapjack, and
stretching of the legs, before getting back on for the next big hill at Farforth.
A fast downhill into Stenigot was proceeded by a further 2 climbs in the mid section. Ian was on fire, and kept us all going when limbs were heavy.
It was nice to get to the farthest Easterly point at Swallow (65 Miles), but then
the hard work began. Straight into the headwind for the last 35 Miles, rain due any time. 2 more hills, with the biggest starting at 70 miles.
A big downhill to the last Feed Station in Middle Rasen, more cake, and a quick
stretch.
The last 20 miles, saw everyone taking a turn at the front, made the time go quickly.
Before we knew it, we were in Scampton, climbing up along Burton edge into Lincoln.
The last 300m was something else, Michaelgate, bone-shaking cobbles up the steep climb to the finish. A great team effort
Time - 5:41
Monday, 6 May 2013
Loughborough Sportive
When I woke up and saw the sun, I knew it was going to be a good day. I like warm, I like sunshine, and the lack of rain, and indeed wind, was most welcome.
The start was ok, the first start of the year with shorts, and no rain-proof to carry.
It was also the first sportive with RFID tags, no dibbing.
Anyway, the countryside was fab, and there was very little time spent on A roads, and more surprisingly, the pot holes were few and far between.
The first 40 miles were rolling hills, mostly uphill, but reasonably gentle.
The next 20 miles were rolling hills, mostly down hill.
It was my first long ride on my own, and it felt pretty good.
The last food stop was at 82 miles, and after taking food and water, I set off on the last stage. 18 miles to go. Or so I though.
The climbs so far were ok, but they put the tough ones in at the end. 91 miles in came a 1.7 mile, 110m climb, fine got that done, lets get home then, but no, yet another climb to add to the drama, Beacon Hill, nearly 2 miles of climb, 140m of it.
When I got to the top, and thought I had a mile to the finish, I smiled.
It was wiped off my face when I realised there was no town in sight.
What's going on? It was a long 6 miles to the finish, but thankfully mostly downhill.
The finish distance was 105 miles, and a little twisty on the final campus part. Nice to finish an go eat Lasagne though. Fab event.
Finish Time 6:06
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