After
yesterday’s scorcher, today dawned even hotter with less wind. Having survived
the night in the B&B despite a 2 am wake-up due to noisy neighbours, 8.45
found Quigs and I waiting patiently for the start of the Kilotogo Tour of the
Peak. Another long, hot day in the saddle beckoned, but at least I had some
company – all 1000 participants!
Lesson
number one – read the map before entering any event. The route was brutal. Up
and down all day, eventually climbing over 3500 metres, almost as much as the
Fred, and it felt harder!
A
great start across to Macclesfield from Chapel-en-le-Frith soon found us at the
foot of the first climb, the infamous Cat and Fiddle. This was one of the
longest UK climbs I’ve done, most of it into the wind. Hopping from wheel to
wheel in search of shelter soon meant I was at the top, and there was time for a bar
whilst I waited for Quigs. Finally the old boy arrived and we headed off to try
to beat the cut-off at the top of Winnats.
A blast across to Tideswell and then
a swift drop into Castleton soon found us at the foot of the climb. Unlike
yesterday, the Pass was full of sweaty, starining bodies as we all made the
ascent. A few of the participants gave up and walked. As ever, in the land of
hills the Triple is King.
We
made the cut-off and then headed for Ladybower. I was starting to flag and a
tea-shop would have been a welcome sight- but alas the possible distraction
failed to materialise.
The
next few miles passed in a blur of ups and downs through the relentless heat.
It was tough, and I would have quite easily given up, where it not for the
conscience that was Quigley sitting on my wheel!
The
second feedstop finally arrived. A cool barn full of refreshments and cyclists
hiding from the Sun. As for the refreshments, I’m getting fed up of fruit
flavoured cardboard consistency energy bars. Time to go back to good old Mule
Bars or something similar. I often crave savoury snacks towards the end of a
long ride and today was no exception. After a brief rest, and a dowse under the
tap in the kitchen it was on to the next objective, Holme Moss. We could see
the objective as we left Holmfirth. A gradual ascent and then a final couple of
switchbacks threw us onto the summit road.
After
a brief photo stop,
it was back to the grind and a fast, swooping decent down
towards Glossop.
A
final climb from Glossop, and then we arrived back at HQ in time for a plate of
Chilli and a cup of tea.
The
Tour was good. Fantastic scenery and great hills. Tough though! God knows how
the TdF riders cope in France during the summer!
100
miles, 3248m of ascent
No comments:
Post a Comment