Mad Summer Hare Sportive 3/9/17

[ChrisP]

Not the best day for 100 mile tour of the Cotswold.

With the early start and the sky fairly bright thought I might get half way round

before the rain would catch me up.

Unfortunately by the first feed stop at Cropthorne village hall near Evesham after 35 miles it was

time to cape up and keep it on the rest of the ride.Surprisingly there were places where the roads were dry.

At Broadway the route split to take the longer challenge up Snowshill and on a loop round and down Stanway

before returning to Broadway then tackling Saintbury Hill, Dovers Hill and Camden Lane out of Ilmington to

complete the climbing for the day.  

It was nice to see Susan ( Eddie & Mavis's daughter) at the start ready to tackle the 100K route

which also went up Dovers Hill.

The start from Umberslade Farm Tamworth in Arden.

The forecast didn't put many off.

Queuing for release in smaller groups.

 

!st feed stop Cropthorne village hall.

The approach and climb of Snowshill.

Back round to Stanton and the view across to Bredon.

Then up Saintbury Hill just as bad as I remember.

.

A check point at the top of each climb to record who'd been up.

2nd feed stop at Willersey village hall.

This is what happens when you try to descend the side of Saintbury climb to fast.

Then National hill climb territory Dovers Hill gets the heart thumping.

  

A look back to see who's coming.

A glimpse of the top another checkpoint.

 

One of the helpers pleased to see me.

The crew send us on our way.

Finally Camden Lane rather a sting in the tale after the previous climbs.

A quick look back at the road dropping away.

Then on upwards to another checkpoint.

Last feed stop Meon Vale village hall this is the site built on the old Long Marsden RAF station.

This leaves about a 20 mile last leg back to the finish.

Caught up with Susan again at the finish she'd successfully completed her ride.

Still plenty of riders still out on the roads as I left.

 

If the weather had been like Saturday it would have been a special ride,

but once used to the soggy shorts and squelching socks it was still an interesting and

enjoyable day out.

 

 

[rovi]

Well done Chris you put the

rest of us to shame.

[Mike McClure]

Great ride. Your still showing what a great rider you are.