After last year's hurricane and floods things looked a lot more promising in the Dales for this edition. 600 riders milled around at Helwith Bridge trying to work out how much to wear, how much to carry and where to put the mandatory orange polythene survival bag.
The sight of a 600 strong group rolling over the bridge in Horton is spectacular but the route really begins with the carry up Simon Fell. Colin Valentine was out on the fell cheering us along. Rob Jebb was on for a 10th win and didn't disappoint with a big lead already established on the first climb.
The wind on Ingleborough brought many riders to a standstill before the long, fast, tricky descent to Cold Cotes. A few miles of peloton riding back up the road to Chapel Le Dale took us to the bottom of the steep carry to the summit of Whernside where many riders were blown off or over in severe gales. I opted for running the first part of the descent and made up 23 places before the fast blast to the spectators at Ribblehead. Ahead of me Phil Winskill had a bit of bad luck with two punctures coming off Whernside.
A bit of solo time trialling delivered me to Pen-y-ghent lane where the crowds were big and noisy. Amongst them was Toby Cushion with cowbell giving much needed encouragement.
Much of this climb is rideable, if slow and steep, with the added complication of the leaders hurtling back down the lane towards you. The final carry to the summit becomes a death march of silent exhausted riders shouldering increasingly heavy bikes. Phil passed me coming off the summit but I was too tired to respond to his shout. Rounding the summit and heading down should've been a relief but agonising cramp set in and just getting back on took ages
Descending the steep rocky track at speed on narrow tyres and drop handlebars isn't easy and plenty of punctured riders had to stop and suppress the desire to burst out crying. Colin was there again cheering us on as we clattered back down.
A short spell on mercifully smooth tarmac leads back to Helwith Bridge and the finish. Just getting back with bike and body intact feels like a massive achievement but I managed to knock 45 mins off last year's time so was fairly happy.
This is a highlight of the year for me and I can't wait to do it again even though it hurts like hell.
1. Rob Jebb - Hope Factory Racing - 3:05:14
2. Ian Taylor - Jedi Cycle Sport - 3:12:39
3. Dave Collins - Hope Factory Racing - 3:14:05
152. Phil Winskill - Beacon Wheelers - 4:11:04
232. Andrew Slattery - Wheelbase - 4:25:00
Apologies if I've missed any other Keswick AC riders.
Full results HERE
Blog with links to photos/video HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment