There have been a few guests who’ve joined in my
hill-ticking. Chief cycle chum so far has been the Descender. However, today he
chose to abandon me. So, who best to replace him on a trip with the Mountain Goat? Step up Mr Bradley Wiggins,
Olympic Gold medallist and Tour de France winner. I’d like to think he chose to
come out with me, but sadly the story is altogether different.
In the absence of Deano, Ian and I signed up for the Ride
with Brad sportive, supporting the Bradley Wiggins Foundation.
7.00 am found us registered, kitted up and ready to start
(although I’ll admit to a hangover from the beer we consumed in a racous pub
the night before. Ian had been given a pass and was determined to enjoy it!)
Finally, the great man arrived and rang a bell to set us
off. It was a little disappointing as he then disappeared! However, off we went
at a great lick, despite my rear wheel shedding a spoke after 5 miles.
The first big climb of the day was the Cross of Greet.
After the Cross of Greet, we arrived at the first feed
station. We’d just dismounted when Brad arrived, obviously doing the route as
well. All disappointment at the start soon evaporated as I found myself filling
a waterbottle next to cycling royalty!
Ian and I set off quickly, planning to jump onto Brad’s
group as he went past.
He soon caught us up and we managed to get on the back of
his group.
What an experience, sharing the same peleton with Mr Wiggins. He was
obviously cruising, but I was in the red and after about 5 miles the elastic
broke and I was out the back door! Fantastic, in what other sport can you mix
it with the best in the world?
Today wasn’t a hill ticking day, as I’ve already done all
the ones in this area, but we did Cross of Greet in full, Jubilee Tower minus
the first 200m and Nick O’Pendle and the trough of Bowland from the other side.
The ride was really tough with a hard series of inclines to
finish. If this is Brad’s training ride, there’s no wonder he’s the best in the
world!
103 miles 3051m of ascent
No comments:
Post a Comment