Southern Sportive - Reigate

I entered with some of my friends from the Redhill and rode out to the event from Croydon on a beautiful Sunday morning. I was toying with riding the long distance event but went on the 62 mile route after seeing the weather forecast predict 20-25 mph westerly winds around mid morning which would have made the last 15 miles after climbing Toys Hill really a hard finish! That’s old age for you! But, with my Summer 42 small ring fitted I was ready hit the course.

We started at 08:30 and set off at a cracking pace over the first ten to fifteen miles, making the most of the light following wind and with only a small climb of Cormongers Lane up to the Nutfield ridge. Clocking a 20 mph average just south of Edenbridge, the bunch of around 25 riders split on the climb to the turn to Markbeech at the Queens Head pub with me at the head of affairs. I was set to ride the course with my two friends from the Redhill, Russell and Stuart; riding the flatter sections hard and helping them on the climbs. However, Russell went AWOL somewhere between Markbeech and Hever, and having waited around 5-6 minutes for him I slogged on alone with Stuart having stayed in the bunch.

It is a deceptive course: although the hills are tough with the two major climbs being Chartwell and Tilburstow, the section from Dencross around Hever and Chiddingstone comprised of the type of road that gradually saps one’s strength and makes it difficult to keep the average speed up.

From Four Elms I started to reel riders in, including another Redhill man who thanked me at the finish and apart from the climbs when I dropped them, they all made a magnificent effort to get back on on the flat and hugged my wheel like there was not tomorrow as riding into the westerly wind was incredibly tough! From the top of Tilburstow onwards it was really hard. The climb up through Bletchingly into the wind was harder that the sheltered climb of Tilburstow, and finally back at Redhill I caught up again with Stuart so we finished together with a time of 3-18 at 18.9 mph over the 62.3 miles. Russell evidentially lost contact around Markbeech, missed a turn and ended up on the long course! If I had not waited for him I would have been home as the fast mid-route rider at 19.2 mph!

It was a well organised event though some moaned about the signage, which for me did not matter because the roads used I ride regularly so I knew my way around. I have to say though that my legs did ache after my ride home!

Hell of the Ashdown 31 January 2010

Andy Huddart said:-

Well I finished, I reckon they didn't bother checking some of the roads they sent us out on - they used the published route route rather than the icy route. There were a number of roads completely covered in ice including flat, downhill and uphill. I saw about 10 people go down including two uphill! All the ones I saw go down fell because they panicked and either braked or tried to turn. Some got off and walked and promply fell over, cycling shoes and cleats don't mix with ice. It was sometimes pretty awkward trying to pick your way along the road with people walking on the only bits you could cycle on. Anyway, didn't see anyone with more than bruised ego.

I did this with two of my brothers in law again although didn't see them much, one buggered off in front (he said he passed someone with Clarencourt clothing so I assume that this was Alex?) and I eventually gave up waiting for the other one. Elapsed time for me was 5:39 with cycling time of 5:09, I thought I might do better than this but the conditions didn't help and there were a lot of hills! The route was 67 miles and my computer says 5767 ft of climbing but my routing software (Bikeroutetoaster) gave this as a more like 4500ft, whichever, it was pretty hard including a short(ish!) 25% near the start and the "wall" (which was).

Alex Jalland said:-

I made it around with a cycling time of 5h03 though was walking quite a lot through the ice fields - can't say I was very impressed with the route selection on the day. I got through unscathed though. My Garmin said 4500 foot climbed, but this changed to 4900 when I downloaded it.

Jeremy Martin said:-

Respect to all who did hell. Sorry I whimped out.27 miles and 2 box hills was plenty for me!!!!!!!!

SWRC Cyclosportive 08/03/09

Secretary chases Chairman

Cheddar Challenge 2008. Domestic bliss as Rob and Jim chop the veg while Caroline and Emma relax.

Excellent ride. Did first hour with big hitters until we got stuck behind a herd of cows. Jim fastest 3.32; Rob 3.39; Caroline 3.50; Emma 4 hours. Not as fast as last year. Excuses to follow when we have worked them out. xxx

The All Stars at start of SWRC May Flyer

What about 'arris's 'aircut and Bettini's 'at?

Hilly 50kms pics

British Cyclosportive Sunday 1st July 2007

Caroline on Goudhurst Hill

Well done to all three finishers. Jeremy 7.21.55; Caroline 8.05.11; Chris 8.09.18.