I completed the 67 mile route which has about 40 miles of flattish road and 27 miles of climbing all bunched together in the middle of the route, including the infamous Mow Cop - quickly followed by Bridestones and Wincle.
After losing an hour's sleep due to the move to BST, I made the start venue somewhat later than I'd planned at 09:20, no registration to do as the timing chip was just a sticker to attach to your helmet so in theory it would just be possible to ride off under the starting kite and away you go. No such luck - the queue to do just that was massive. After a couple of minutes thought I just headed off without going under the kite, guessing that there would be a 45 to 50 minute wait in the queue. At the first feed station I was chatting with some other rides who'd taken 1 hour 15 to queue up to get to the start. Glad I didn't wait in that! Here's the route:
And the profile:
The weather was chilly but completely dry and no wind to speak of. So with a windcheater to help keep warm, it was off into the Cheshire countryside. The first 25 miles were easy going and very enjoyable, I took on an energy gel as I crossed the M6 (as per tips seen from Twitter), then came Mow Cop. I took it easy up the earlier part of the climb, which kicks up pretty steeply even at the bottom. At about 1/3 of the way up I started passing folk who were pushing their bikes - I know what that feels like, and more of that later! About 2/3 way up it levels for a very short period, so I pulled over and took a breather and some fluid. Once I'd got my breath back it was straight into the killer 1 in 4 section of the climb - I was in the lowest gear and out of the saddle, and somehow I managed to pull up this section and then complete the rest of the climb. The crowd were great and cheered those who had managed to stay on their bikes. There was a banner half way up this last bit reading "go Daddy, go - you're nearly there". They weren't my kids, but it didn't matter!
Very satisfying to get over the top. Stopped up there to send a couple of txts and then enjoyed the cruise down the other side, but its only about 10 minutes of rest before the next climb up Blacky Bank closely followed by Bridestones, then into a break at the first food station. Plenty of grub on offer, including chocolate chip muffins. Nice.
Out of the break and straight into the big climb up through the village of Wincle. Managed the first steep section, passed the Ship Inn and then onto the flat section halfway up. At the second section of steepness I was off the bike and walking. Shame, but it was only a short walk and then back onto Bianchi Via Nirone 7 for the last part of the hill.
From there its a fantastic roller coaster run that's predominantly downhill into Sutton village. Even the rises here are rideable in a high gear, as you've got sooo much momentum to keep you rolling. And there they were, 100% of the Cheshire Branch of the Hallworth supporter's club were out in force - great to see you Stuart and Hazel - your patience in the cold is impressive!
There are only a few sharp but short climbs from there on as the route passes back across the Cheshire plains, past the Jodrell Bank radio telescope, through the second feed stop at Holmes Chapel (Soreen this time) and back to Crewe. Despite this, I did find that I could only just cruise along on this section with little energy / strength to push harder. Lots of very badly potholed roads though, and many folks having puncture problems. Presence of the French registered cars of the Mavic neutral support team from the Tour de France was a nice touch which added a bit of "professionalism" to the event. They were kept busy!
And then there was the finish. No problems getting some pasta (included in the entry fee) and it was very edible. But the queue to get your "goodie bag" which had a Buff inside and your time and the medal for completing Mow Cop was looking like another hour of time wasted.
So a very enjoyable ride (67 miles in 5 hours 5 mins riding time, 5 hours 35 mins elapsed), in good weather and pleased to get round the route. But the organisation this year was woeful. Unless they work out a better way to get through 3,000 riders then I won't be back next year - I can't spend 2.5 hours or more in a queue to ride a route that only takes twice that length of time. I'd suggest allocating starting "windows" to get over the unacceptable slowness of the starting process.
Get it sorted for next time please KILO TO GO!
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