What an introduction to hills! There were 9 of us on the Medio; David, Emma, Vicky, Tom, Richard, Gino, Jane, Martin H and me. I think we kept it together for about the first 25 miles marred only by me dropping my chain (switched to compact on the front - and can't have adjusted it properly - glad I changed though!).
After that Martin headed off to turn in a good time, I started off with him but thinking of 50 hilly miles still to go thought I'd not push too hard. When I got to the food stop I waited for the blue train to arrive but after that decided to head off on my own and see how I got on - finished in 5:29 and met Martin who'd done a cracking 5:09.
I headed off before the blue train arrived back so can't talk for everyone but for me the feeling of finishing the last hill was pure elation - worth the pain but I think I might prepare a bit before my next hilly ride;-)
For me it was exhausting, exhilarating and an unforgettable day. I LOVED those downhills
Still thrilled to have made it to the finish line with the team ... and yes, I'm still smiling now
Thanks to Tom, Vicky, Gino, Richard, Emma and of course Mountain-Man Jones for all the moral support and sheer entertainment value. It wouldn't have been half as much fun without you.
Times from the Gran Fondo (in no particular order....)
Stef D = 8hrs 7mins Iain F = 7hrs 12 mins Pete G = 8hrs 7mins Phil K = 7hrs 41 mins Geoff 118 = 8hrs 7mins Alistair S = 7hrs 42 mins Ian S = 7hrs 21mins Mark W = 7hrs 42mins (includes taking a wrong turn...doh!)
David sums it up best... very hilly, very hot. Weather made this a much bigger challenge than in previous years, most times were well down on last year. Pete and I opted for a steady ride enjoying the views, it is a stunning route. 1 chain off and 1 impact puncture (road surface was pretty shocking) Generally very well organised and signed, but at the end of day - too hilly and too hot! Well done to all.
Times from the Medio Fondo (no particular order):
Vicky B 06:09:45
Andrew R 05:29:40
Martin H 05:09:59
Tom H 06:10:12
David J 06:10:14
Emma K 06:09:42
Richard T 06:25:28
Jane W 06:09:47
Well done everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed the day even if it was a tad too hot.
Thanks for the times Vicky. Just to add that it was a great day although slightly hot. We did a great job as a team and the blue train was commented on by almost everyone who passed us - especially those who had been abandoned by their teams! Loads of people said how well we rode together as a team and it was this spirit that made it so enjoyable. Worth adding that our actual ride time was 5hrs18mins and the overall time includes 2 puncture repairs and regrouping at the top of every evil hill! Bring on the next challenge.......
great reports guys & gals...all credit to you....another big notch in CCA credibility ratings in respect of other clubs seeing how we ride.....well done and glad you had good weather
Comments
;)
DavidJ
After that Martin headed off to turn in a good time, I started off with him but thinking of 50 hilly miles still to go thought I'd not push too hard. When I got to the food stop I waited for the blue train to arrive but after that decided to head off on my own and see how I got on - finished in 5:29 and met Martin who'd done a cracking 5:09.
I headed off before the blue train arrived back so can't talk for everyone but for me the feeling of finishing the last hill was pure elation - worth the pain but I think I might prepare a bit before my next hilly ride;-)
Andrew R
Still thrilled to have made it to the finish line with the team ... and yes, I'm still smiling now
Thanks to Tom, Vicky, Gino, Richard, Emma and of course Mountain-Man Jones for all the moral support and sheer entertainment value. It wouldn't have been half as much fun without you.
J
Stef D = 8hrs 7mins
Iain F = 7hrs 12 mins
Pete G = 8hrs 7mins
Phil K = 7hrs 41 mins
Geoff 118 = 8hrs 7mins
Alistair S = 7hrs 42 mins
Ian S = 7hrs 21mins
Mark W = 7hrs 42mins (includes taking a wrong turn...doh!)
Weather made this a much bigger challenge than in previous years, most times were well down on last year.
Pete and I opted for a steady ride enjoying the views, it is a stunning route. 1 chain off and 1 impact puncture (road surface was pretty shocking)
Generally very well organised and signed, but at the end of day - too hilly and too hot! Well done to all.
Vicky B 06:09:45
Andrew R 05:29:40
Martin H 05:09:59
Tom H 06:10:12
David J 06:10:14
Emma K 06:09:42
Richard T 06:25:28
Jane W 06:09:47
Well done everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed the day even if it was a tad too hot.
Vicky
EmmaK
some how my time was missed
06:22:33
thanks again everyone couldnt of of done it without you
Gino