The Midlands Monster

My 2nd Sportive of the season was a much better affair all round than my 1st outing! The location was superb, the Rolliston Forestry Centre was a perfect base for the event - great facilities - great sign on very smooth & free energy bar/gels to start the day. Set of about 8.25 am - good pace as we settled into a bunch of about 20 riders for the opening 10 miles of so. The 1st climb of the day sorted a few riders out straight away and was only a hint of what was too come, the main climb of the day was tough & relentless with each turn the road continued to climb until we reached the village of Stanton & a very welcome feed station - well stocked with cake, fruit, energy gels & drinks.

After 10 minutes respite we where on our way again & the road continued to ascend the lower peaks of Derbyshire - we finally crested the top riding across a short stretch of exposed high road where the wind fair ripped into you making the going extremely tough. After a couple of exhilarating descents at 45 mph we arrived into the town of Ashbourne, missing out the final feed station [for 103 milers] we rode on & it was here we encountered a brutal short climb - a real lung buster - too our credit we all beat this climb but it took its toll on many others as they resorted to the walk of shame [dismounting]. I lost Lee & Darren after this climb as Darren tired & they fell back - I pushed on for the final 25 miles over fantastic rolling country lanes finally catching a group of 4 riders who I used as pacemakers to get me to the finish. Back at the Rolliston Forestry Centre I recorded a respectable time of 04:52:54 getting beneath my personal 5 hour target [Lee & Darren came in 20 minutes later]. Free pasta at the Cafe & a certificate recording my time for the event rounding off an excellent day. 'Highly Recommended Event'