Having seen that the 65 Roses Spring Classic navigated it's way around my turf, there was no reason not to enter. Being my first sportive of the season, 65 miles was always going to be a tester for me but the fact that there is very little in the way of mammoth climbs in South Yorkshire the best you can hope for is a route that gives you the mileage and finds any hill there is within the vicinity. Team Cystic Fibrosis have managed to pull this off spectacularly with the added promise of a Paris-Roubaix style ride. The Team raise money for, yes you guessed it, Cystic Fibrosis, and what a great job they do. Their last sportive, the 65 Roses Holme Moss Classic raised 18k for the charity. Surely 65 miles of early season cycling would be nothing compared to the issues this condition causes it's sufferers.
Eagerly joined by the brother in law, Joe, and a colleague, Mark B, tactics for the ride had been discussed for months. The event sold out quickly with the 300 places sold within weeks of the event. Sunday 8th March came and after easily finding the Dorothy Hyman Stadium starting point and the expanse of parking we were ready, well sort off, after setting off on the 500 yard ride to the stadium from the parking area, Joe helpfully asked if I intended doing the whole ride in my trainers? Eager beaver. After a quick change, and a last minute decision to wear the shoe covers I had placed in my bag at the night before (a good decision as it turned out) we were off to sign in. 300 eager riders on a coldish starting line awaiting the off. After the obligatory selfie we were in the 4th group to leave.
Eagerly joined by the brother in law, Joe, and a colleague, Mark B, tactics for the ride had been discussed for months. The event sold out quickly with the 300 places sold within weeks of the event. Sunday 8th March came and after easily finding the Dorothy Hyman Stadium starting point and the expanse of parking we were ready, well sort off, after setting off on the 500 yard ride to the stadium from the parking area, Joe helpfully asked if I intended doing the whole ride in my trainers? Eager beaver. After a quick change, and a last minute decision to wear the shoe covers I had placed in my bag at the night before (a good decision as it turned out) we were off to sign in. 300 eager riders on a coldish starting line awaiting the off. After the obligatory selfie we were in the 4th group to leave.
The route took us from Cudworth along the quite Sunday morning A-roads and into Brierly. We wound our way through the still sleepy villages of South Hiendley, Ryhill and Fitzwilliam, before turning left down what looked like the entrance to an industrial estate. Those that were unsure may have been a bit worried, I however had been intently studying the extensive welcome pack provided by the organisers (very informative) and knew we were on the right road. Sector 12 was here. A narrow concrete path was the pave to be negotiated. Concentration was key on the Sector that was the inspiration for the ride, but you were rewarded with a fast, if sometimes bumpy sector. We emerged onto the A638 in Ackworth, home turf, and having ridden some of the route in training for the ride, I knew what lay ahead. The pace of the ride was excellent by my standards we were keeping a steady 18 mph average with some parts even quicker. East Hardwick came and went, followed by Sector 11, a slight downhill towards the first climb of the day. The Wentbridge Hill ascent. A nasty little climb that goes up towards the A1 and Darrington. Atop the climb waited (apart from Joe and Mark for me) Sector 10, a muddy little affair. Darrington next and a quick descent, including Sector 9 and Castle Hill, towards Norton. 26 miles in saw the first food stop at Askern Lakeside Café. Food, in the form of sausage sandwiches, cake, bananas and Hi 5 drink, a plenty. Our first 26 miles had been ticked off in just over 90 minutes. The next 25 would not be the same.
The long loop, which we were determined to complete consisted of flat roads around the villages of Moss, Fishlake and Thorpe in Balne. Having cycled these roads previously they are notoriously windy. Today would not disappoint. Despite the wind, TT style riding by the 3 of us provided some shelter. I am sure that we looked exactly as Team Sky do during the Team TT. Sectors 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 were ticked off in the process with 4 being the most difficult. The loop had taken some casualties, with at least one rider ending up on the deck. Plenty of medical staff around to sort him out though. We decided on a further stop at the Café after the loop and this was a good decision as I knew the hilly parts of the course still lay ahead. More cake, Hi 5 and coffee before the last 20 or so miles home.
Sector 3, Abbes Walk in Burghwallis passed and then into Campsall and the hillier road of Bone Lane. This section of the Blog shall be entitled, Cometh the Rain, cometh the fatigue. 55 miles in and I had been dropped. It was now everyman for himself. I knew that the ride was actually about 68 miles and Sector 2 was the last time I saw Joe and Mark until the end. I wasn't bothred I just wanted it to stop being windy!!! Hooton Pagnell came and I was just glad that the Team had shied away from using Hooton Pagnell hill, which is a bit of a nemesis for me. Carlton was down hill from Hooton, but after that the gradual incline added to my torment. A final blast through Brierly and I knew the Stadium wasn't far. The finish was set up on the running track which made it feel special. I was just glad I had finished, especially with a top class goody bag for finishers sponsored by Planet X.
All in all The 65 Roses Spring Classic was a great day out. Well priced at £25,considering the food, goody bag and the fact that the Team raised £5000 for the charity. September brings their Holme Moss Classic which I will definitely be entering if it is half as well organised as this one. See you in September Team Cystic Fibrosis. Or may be July for a crack at RTB?
The long loop, which we were determined to complete consisted of flat roads around the villages of Moss, Fishlake and Thorpe in Balne. Having cycled these roads previously they are notoriously windy. Today would not disappoint. Despite the wind, TT style riding by the 3 of us provided some shelter. I am sure that we looked exactly as Team Sky do during the Team TT. Sectors 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 were ticked off in the process with 4 being the most difficult. The loop had taken some casualties, with at least one rider ending up on the deck. Plenty of medical staff around to sort him out though. We decided on a further stop at the Café after the loop and this was a good decision as I knew the hilly parts of the course still lay ahead. More cake, Hi 5 and coffee before the last 20 or so miles home.
Sector 3, Abbes Walk in Burghwallis passed and then into Campsall and the hillier road of Bone Lane. This section of the Blog shall be entitled, Cometh the Rain, cometh the fatigue. 55 miles in and I had been dropped. It was now everyman for himself. I knew that the ride was actually about 68 miles and Sector 2 was the last time I saw Joe and Mark until the end. I wasn't bothred I just wanted it to stop being windy!!! Hooton Pagnell came and I was just glad that the Team had shied away from using Hooton Pagnell hill, which is a bit of a nemesis for me. Carlton was down hill from Hooton, but after that the gradual incline added to my torment. A final blast through Brierly and I knew the Stadium wasn't far. The finish was set up on the running track which made it feel special. I was just glad I had finished, especially with a top class goody bag for finishers sponsored by Planet X.
All in all The 65 Roses Spring Classic was a great day out. Well priced at £25,considering the food, goody bag and the fact that the Team raised £5000 for the charity. September brings their Holme Moss Classic which I will definitely be entering if it is half as well organised as this one. See you in September Team Cystic Fibrosis. Or may be July for a crack at RTB?