Today's the day - "Cat & Fiddle Challenge"

Today's the day - "Cat & Fiddle challenge", Dave has pulled out & Mike is suffering with a cold but will start. Signed on just before 9.00 am at the Community centre by Brian Rourke's Cycles its very busy the early morning sunshine has brought everyone out. We set off at 9.15 in bright sunshine but its a bit chilly. The first 23 miles are bye in a flash - we turn right in Macclesfield onto the Cat & Fiddle climb - get into a good rhythm & the 7 miles of climbing will soon pass - its actually easier than expected - it starts to rain 1/2 way up, a persistent drizzle - you know the kind - it soaks you right through. But not to dampen the spirits I chat to a few people as I climb. I'm on the look out for Jack Allen - the 74 year old who has just cycled around the British coast line. I cycle up to an elderly gent with a grey beard [who looks like Jack from the photo's on his blog] our conversation goes something like this :-)

"Hello are you Jack?"

"No I'm Harry!"

"You look like Jack but its nice to have met you anyway Harry"

"You've put me off my rhythm now"

I apologize & pedal past - [maybe I won't get to meet Jack - as this is the fourth guy I've seen with a grey beard - none of them Jack?]

We are soon at the Cafe near the top of the Cat & Fiddle climb, Sue & Clare are waiting with tea/coffee & words of encouragement. This is about 30 miles into the 55 mile challenge & we are in good company stopping here as Malcolm Elliot [Candi TV/Pinarello Pro Elite Rider] has also stopped for refreshments.

As we set off a fellow cyclist comments that the easy bit is over & we have the hard bit to look forward too - how right he was. The ride off the moors down to Buxton was fast, furious & treacherous on the rain soaked roads with the odd car trying to weave in/out of the abundance of cyclists. The second climb of the day back up onto the moors was 2 miles or so long & steeper - it was so bleak on the top but worth the effort for the 14% descent into Leek down the other side - I think we were close to 50 mph.

The real sting of the challenge were the 4 sharp climbs on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent - real killers - all probably a mile or so long. These really took there toll on the riders - several climbing off & pushing - one poor chap had collapsed on the side with cramp in both thighs really suffering. Concentration was at the max as I struggled to keeping a steady rhythm but manage I did & completed the challenge in approx 3 1/2 hours.

Back at the community centre I am elated & refuel on the plentiful bounty of sandwiches, cake & coffee.

Thinking I've missed him I actually bump into Jack Allen whilst grabbing a coffee - I introduce myself as a "blog watcher" of his round Britain journey & that Andy Howells is my brother-in-law [Jack knows Andy from way back] we converse about his journey, I congratulate him & we shake hands. After his exploits I say that this was "probably a stroll in the park" he replies yes, a bit of a training ride - I am so glad I met Jack [wish I'd got a photo].

I also bump into & shake hands with Shaun Kelly - "Tour de France - Green Jersey Legend" - just to complete a great day.