Malvern Madhatter Sportive 23/06/18

[ChrisP]

What a great day for almost a 95 mile sportive based on Malvern.

Starting at the three counties show ground it did enter all three counties.

Going out via Callow End, across to Bransford, almost Bromyard, down to Bishops Froome then

back to climb West Malvern before dropping down Colwall and on to Eastnor Castle.

The last loop went out to Dymock then down to Glasshouse Hill before returning almost via Gloucester

back to Chase End Street and onto finish back at the Show Ground.

Made a great change having company from the club for the first time with Tess O and Mike H.

A few shots across the Show Ground the Hills standing out into the blue sky.

A few hundred cars parked in the distance.

Preparing for the of.

Out into the lanes through orchards and hop fields.

Plus the first of many climbs.

Mike was the one in the distance.

The major climb of the day up Harcourt Road West Malvern possibly 20%.

Tess took it in her stride.

We decided not to stop at the first feed station at 25 miles but ride onto the one at 45 miles at Eastnor Castle.

.Tess goes for the dolly mixture top up Mike mixes them with a slice of banana.

Back on the road again.

Familiar sit of Mike. 

a couple of trick shots without dropping the camera.

Tess decides  to give it a go and we manage to stay upright.

 

Second big climb of the day at Glasshouse Hill longer and more difficult than West Malvern.

Glad thats over.

View from the top of the hill looking out towards Ross on Wye.

After the last feed stop we had a good work out over the last 20 miles to the finish.

We were going that fast of the Common we only had time to shout hello to Dave J at Welland

who was cutting his front hedge.

Tess take the glory to complete the day.

Three happy Finishers with medals.

Great team. great day out great weather.

What more do you want.

Probably the couple of pints that didn't touch the sides at The Swan Inn Hanley Swan.

 

 

 

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[Moira]

Sounds like a good day well done you three x

[Leigh]

Well done to you all .

[Tess]

I had two super domestiques on the day, thought I better reward them for their hard work with a cold pint. A very enjoyable affair. 

 

[ChrisP]

A demonstration of cornering skills the hairpins descending Colwall.

When the going gets tough 90 mile covered SARACEN in full flight.

 End of a great day out.

The man behind the camera.

[Dave Jones]

Congratulations to all three of you - Chris, Tessa and MIke - 6 hours 23 minutes - Gold for Tessa, and Silver for Chris and Mike.

I was only cutting the front hedge as an excuse to watch some of the riders go by and give the Saracen a cheer = it was far too hot to do any proper gardening !

Dave Jones