THESHAKESPEARE SPORTIVE

For various reasons I had to enter on the day, I was really unsure what to expect, advertised as a charity ride, I hadn't seen any discussion on any forums and with no rider list on the event website, wondered if I was in for a lonely ride. The weather was forecast as showers but as I looked out the window there was wall to wall blue skies, with the sun rising bright on the horizon.

On my arrival, any fears of small numbers were quickly dispelled as cars were queuing to get onto Stratford Manor Hotel, which was a grand venue for a sportive :-) The HQ was in a large room at the rear of Hotel. Entering said room it was a busy scene with various tables for pre-entered and a separate area for Entry on the Day. There were 6-8 large dining tables laden with numerous bottles of water, bananas and breakfast bars, tea and coffee also available in the corner, what a great 1st impression. The photo below shows just how many ladies are being attracted to sportives, with half the group being females, something I didn't notice until photos viewed on computer !

The event was advertised as a mass start, with an escort vehicle leading out for what turned out to be about 4 miles. The start was assisted by a traffic Police officer who aided riders exit from the car park, someone must have a good contact ;-) With 600+ riders lining up for the off, it had the feel of a continental sportive. With 3 distances on offer, 100 miles, 100 km and 20 miles it would obviously attract a wide range of abilities regarding experience of riding in such a large group. Everything seemed to go smoothly and speaking with one of the organisation team, no major problems were experienced :-)

Over the timing mat and we were off, riders littered the A439 in the safe knowledge that the Police had stopped traffic from our rear. I hope this didn't cause too much disruption to the locals because it would be great to retain this start next year. It took a while but eventually I find a group moving at a similar pace we settle down to a good 20 / 21 mph on the mainly flat 1st third. This group had more than 20 riders, swelling and thining in numbers if there was a rise in the road, it was being taken along predominantly by Stratford CC riders - chapeau gents !

 Any hills have a 'sign' at the start and a congratulations sign stating when riders reached each summit ! The lanes were very quiet, villages built with Cotswold stone stunning and before long we arrive at the first feed at 25mile. The group splits as some choose to refresh and some continue, I continue but before long the promised undulated middle 3rd begins to make its presence known. The pace drops as riders show a little more caution, some knowing of at least 3 testing climbs to come. I'd spoken to 'turboslave' off this forum and he has good knowledge of the climbs, describing in great detail the horrors of 'Larkstoke' that would test riders at the 80mile mark !!

The ride split 100km or 100m has 3 or 4 marshals and thinking back I'd seen more marshals than ever, which initially I had put down to the mass start and they were just staffing the earlier junctions but no, the whole ride was littered with them :-) The signage was good, backed up with painted arrows, TGSR and 'Caution' notices painted on the road (No hieroglyphics in the scenic villages tho, incase anyone was worried) The busiest part of the route was negotiating Stow on the Wold but again plenty of marshals to ensure no signs were missed whilst concentrating on cars. The route undulated its way to Winchcome were a water stop was on offer, then diving off the main road through Winchcombe the road rises before you. This was the start of Sudeley Hill, which steepens as it goes, demanding long out of the saddle efforts. This was a big effort and I fought to tag onto 3 others for the transission to Broadway. The picture is of the 3 that towed me along for a few miles and I was very grateful Ta

I was begining to feel drained, I drank frequently and forced a few gels down in preparation for the next challenge of Snowshill ! This climb was not as bad as I feared and was a long pull at a not too strenuous gradient. I knew this was the highest point on the course as I passed Broadway Tower but also 'turboslaves' warning about the Larkstoke climb was ringing my alarm bells. At the 80mile mark the signs gave riders options, right for feed stop left to continue on route, crickey I knew I had to go to refill bottles and see what ware was on offer, problem is after 80 mile you have a sense of humour failure when you have an extra mile there and back, it was fine really but oh how little things annoy you as you tire :-) A very well stocked feed stop at Ebrington village hall, sandwiches cakes etc and juice to refill bottles.

                                                                                            Broadway Tower - highest point on the route

5 miles further on you recieve the option of Larkstoke or not, no ask the audience, phone a friend or 50/50 option - Just before my decision I'd passed a dead badger and the smell, well I wretched, it was close but my stomach contents remained inside phew. The marshal shouted Larkstoke Hill turn right if you want it, (riders could skip out this climb and rejoin the route in about a mile) my relpy, I don't want it but I've gotta do it. Sure enough a single tracked road rose before me, 'turboslave' had warned, when you think you've reached the top it goes up again for a similar length but I'd forgot to ask how long it was in total !!!  There is a central strip of grass running up the middle so its narrow and steep in places, I wanted to suffer quietly but no, a vintage car rally was obviously routed this way too, Oh boy it was a tight fit, the smell of burning clutches was choking but I realised that none of them would get too close as their cars' paintwork and panels was far too precious to ruin with lycra smudges. The sight of the radio mast was my salvation and thoughts turned to the run back to the finish.

I drunk well and pushed on, surprising how those little drags have such an affect as you reach 100 miles. Over the timing mat and i'm chased by a toddler ubber eagar to remove my timing chip straped to my ankle before I came to a stop. To be fair it summed up a lot about the day, everyone was so helpful, the amount of helpers / marshals a good indicator that they are all passionate about raising money for The Shakespeare Hospice and ensuring everyone had a great day.

At the HQ room, tea and coffee was available, outside on a huge patio there was a bar to buy drinks and a barbecue for which there was a donation box for the charity. Gold Silver and Bronze were a real challenge, on the long route only 5 managed a Silver and 15  Bronze, no-one attained an illusive Gold. Its got to be the hardest I've had too ride to acheive a Bronze !!

 Overall I had a fantastic day, probably one of the most enjoyable Sportives I've done. To Amanda (co-event organiser) and every single member of the army of helpers a massive thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed it :-)

In 2009 I rode La Marmotte, suffered like a dog in the heat, returned home feeling like I'd not performed to my potential, I was keen to return to finish in better shape. Fate dictated that of the riders that had been on the same trip, most did not fancy a European challenge in 2010 and one of our number suggested Maratona Dles Dolomites  It was agreed that 4 of us would give it a go and so the planning commenced. Entering with Cycling Weekly avoiding the lottery draw

The Maratona was on Sunday 4th July 2010, flying to Venice with British Airways was an absolute breeze. On first sight of the Dolomites I was awestruck, they had me posing my own questions of Where, Why, How etc The Dolomites are very lush and have a sharp contrast where the lush greenery meets the pretruding sheer rocks that cap the mountains. Arriving at our accommoation between La Villa (start) and Alta Badia (signing on) it was stunning, I'd never been to Italy before but it appeared more like Austria with the wooden construction picture postcard dwellings. 

                                                                           A view from our balcony on arrival

We had a few days to acclimatize and so managed to ride a few of the event climbs. 1st impressions were that around every corner there was a beautiful view, the gradients appeared a percent or two lower than the Marmotte or was I getting used to these longer climbs. The Italians ensure they are turned out well, especially on their bikes, more importantly they love their coffee and apple struddle (when in Rome, do as the .......)

                                                                                                Yes signing on No 0001 to 15,000 Wow

Signing on, Friday evening was a bit of a scrum, I'd advise Saturday late afternoon as when I returned to exchange my race jersey the queues were only 4 or 5 people long. The rider pack is very generous, race jersey, sleeveless jersey, as well as all the usual freebies of the various sponsors (approx £90 worth)!! On the Saturday we attended the Cycling Weekly photo call and ride up the first climb Passo Campolongo, for coffee and struddle, of course. That was nice as the climb had many English speaking riders to chat too. The morning of the start we were in the start pen approx 0535hrs with the first riders off at 0630hrs.

Waiting at the start, the sun across the mountain tops but not yet shining onto the riders, there was a slight chill but nothing too serious. The drone of a helicopter drew closer until within minutes, there were 4 helicopters circling above the thousands of starters. It seemed unbelievable, was I in the right place ?? With the distractions, including a couple of irrate Italians gesticulating at each other, egged on by the jeering crowds, probably cos one of them had tried to gain a few millimetres advantage !! Time moves on quickly and we are off, over the time mat and the gradual climb to Corvara and the first climb of Campolongo. The lower hairpins are the steepest of this climb and can be done seated. Surrounded by other riders its hard to notice the climb, its an amazing experience being amongest so many, yet there is enough room to advance if you're feeling good. Helicopters swoop above, camera men hanging out of the aircraft to obtain the best pictures for the live Italian TV. I couldn't help the hairs on the back of my neck standing up, the scene and atmosphere made all the more dramatic with the noise contained by the surrouding mountains.

                                                                       Looking back down the climb out of Corvara

A quick descent to Arabba, right turn and immediately starting the climb of Passo Pordoi, the snaking train of lycra clad riders can be seen into the distance, exaggerated by the multiple hairpins, infact so many you could feel dizzy. This second climb is almost twice as long as the first and over a percent steeper. Pacing oneself is essential, I didn't get tempted to tag onto a faster moving group, with 7 categorised climbs, blowing up was not an option. Feeling warm as the sun was now present I descend without armwarmers, bit of a mistake, as the road dives down, its damp, so in the shade and temperatures nose dive. Again on reaching the bottom the route turns off and immediately you begin the climb of Passo Stella. I decline from stopping at the first feed at the base of the Stella, knowing another isn't far away on Passo Gardena. The Stella climb zig-zags up the mountain with a close to 8% average gradient. The views just stunning but still the legs ache at being seated climbing for so long, I ease the aching by short stints out of the saddle. At the top, the previous nights thunder storm had washed debris all over the road, in fact I've got a few garden borders with less soil

A swift descent, again immediately followed by another climb, I pass a posse noticing the star that has the escort is Mario Cipollini, I quickly pinch myself, no no I'm hallucinating. About a third of the way up the Passo Gardena a feed stop. I grab a few pieces of jam tart, a cup of coke and away. There is a flatter section before the road kicks up several hairpins to crest Gardena. The descent to Corvara is a beauty, hairpins left and right, long straights, it has it all. Riding through the finish area is deafening, crowds appreciating the efforts of the riders, before we again start the climb of Passo Campolongo. On this ascent the cows have awoke and with each movement activate their cowbells, all adding to the atmosphere. At the top a quick pause at the feed station, fill the bottles, a coke and away. Bizzarrely I again go past the superstar that is Mario Cipollini, hard to miss this time due to the screaming shouts of 'Hey Mario' respect as he is a big unit to get over these climbs.

                                                           If riders chose the Maratona Medio this is the beautiful Falzerago climb

In Arabba this time we turn left and the descent continues, I look round and I've 20+ on my wheel, another minute and I peel over and allow the next in line through. The speed is high, we negotiate a chicane through a village and the noise erupts as locals cheer us on our way. On reaching Andraz I opt for the long route and the Passo Giau, before the Giau we have to climb the unclassified Colle Santa Lucia, a tough shock to the legs. Another feed and down to the base of the Giau, this is the toughest climb of the event and a constant 9.5%. I set off steady but realise I didn't have much control of my speed it was a measured all out effort. The combination of the 5 previous Passo's are beginning to show in my legs and the heat is adding to my fatigue. Each bend reveals another pitch of the same gradient, no sign through the trees of where our target is, I struggle to drink on the gradient and decide a quick pit stop in the shade to get some essential fluid inside. I pull over and immediately the change of movement invites  a leg cramp, I curse and mutter then drink as much as possible. Setting off must have been a funny watch but I'm intent on my goal, the top ! I make no excuses, I'm no mountain goat but this is a tough climb, I keep sipping at my drink dare not stopping but then a living nightmare, both bottles are dry, I see a group of riders surrounding a mountain stream but push on in the hope there will be another, less busy, soon.

I reach another natural water supply and dismount with a scream as cramp returns. I almost drink the mountain spring dry, then helplessly point at my water bottle top that I've dropped unable to bend over to pickup. It is retrieved by a disgusted head shaking Italian. Who rolls up at this point but a topless Cipolini, he grabs a drink and accelerates away, will I be able to get back to him for a final sprint finish?? The water works quick and I set off for the summit, eventually seeing the count down Km signs to the top, another indicator is the 29 hairpins but that is a little soul destroying near the bottom, especially when some bends are not counted and if someone would have been there I was prepared to stop and argue their case !! On reaching the top and feedstop I replenish everything, drink coke, generally pig out.

                                                On reaching the top of the Falzerago you see the Valporola cut into the hillside

The descent is a test, double hairpin followed by double hairpin, neck, shoulders, arms and fingers all ache but with one climb to conqueur the mind is focused. The climb of Passo Falzarego is over 11km long, tough in places but with a few longer stretches at a low gradient, at the top another feed before cresting Passo Valparola just 1.5km above the Falzarego. The long very fast descent to La Villa is the most enjoyable with the smell of the finish line in your nostriles. Approaching the finish, no sign of Cipolini he obviously didn't blow but I'd ridden so close to a cycling superstar. Finishing was a noisy affair, I'd had a great outing on my bike, perhaps not the fastest but riding on closed roads with so many others, helicopters hovering above, through spectacular scenary makes for a fantastic experience

                                                                      Final descent to the furthest point you can see

Comparing with La Marmotte, the hills are shorter and the Giau aside a little less steep but the Maratona has no flat to speak of, you are going either up or down, Maratona has closed roads (something I didn't expect). The landscape in the Dolomites is simply breath-taking, with the hillsides being so lush I guess they have plenty of rain but we didn't experience any ! La Marmotte finishing on Alp D'huez makes it magical with its hairpins but the Italians have obviously bought a bulk order of hairpins, each climb littered with the buggers especially, Passo Pordoi and Giau. I for one, health permitting will return to do both at some point but if riders want a different challenge the Maratona Dles Dolomites may be for you.

Ironically on the return drive to the airport when on top of Passo Falzerago, what trots across in front of us ? Only a Marmotte !!

Thanks to my travel companions, Phil and Stu finishing in the top 250 riders and Nick just 20min behind them. A special thanks to Ian Stuart who co-ordinated on behalf Cycling Weekly

                                    A DAY IN THE DALES

The Etape Du Dales has featured on my ‘event to do list’ for a while but did I realise how tough riding in the Yorkshire Dales could be? I had previously ridden through Ingleton, Hawes up to Barnards Castle and return during a 4 day cycling break, when I was 17yrs old. My only memories being the ‘wall’ of a climb out of Hawes, Fleet Moss, which today we were to descend and an Army tank overtaking us on a descent into Barnards Castle only to crash into and destroy a roadside stone barn ! Not really preparing me for this top challenge.

Staying in a lovely guest house in Grassington the previous night, cyclists were well represented in the local eating and drinking establishments. Bedding down early, reading my Cycling Weekly, the special feature on ‘Climbing’. I go to sleep with the thought at 6ft I should weigh 10st 4 to be a good climber ! Now which limb can I sacrifice to get close?

I leave for the HQ about 6.45am and shocked to see riders already on route and away. Signing on is a breeze and despite a large field I experienced no queuing. I take time to choose my clothing with drizzle evident but hopeful that there can be some improvement. About 7.45am and I’m off, with the surrounding hills I’m pleasantly surprised that the first few miles are comparatively flat. There is, however the first signs of a head wind that was to plague the riders all the way to Nateby. Predominantly riding solo I get on the back of a group as the road leaves Buckden towards Fleet Moss. A steady pace and I don’t need to wait long to see why, on first sight the first pitch is steep but manageable but its the next pitch and the next and the next ! Some of the steep sections go on beyond comfortable, too my relief I recognise the section that was filmed by Mark Harding for cyclosport and the camera does lie, as it is definitely steeper in real life ! The top appears, let the descent begin !

Arriving at the Hawes control point and no need to stock up on food, I roll out towards the next climb of ‘Buttertubs’ To my amazement even before the first cattle grid, there’s a ‘walker’, gosh he’s in for a long, long day, I hope he made it ! The headwind is really starting to annoy me, I keep as constant a pace as I can, despite the constant change in gradient and then suddenly,

the top, a beautiful swooping descent follows, at the bottom a crash victim, he looked pale and uncomfortable,(help had been summoned) then another rider draws alongside, sporting damaged teeth and injured arm ! I wish them both a speedy recovery. With the distractions I almost miss the novel ideal that we are on a short section with a tailwind.

At Low Row we are directed left and a very steep pitch to start the Turf Moor climb.

With a few dips in proceedings, one including the dodgy ‘ford’, one rider states not long now til Tan Hill pub, oh dear, we then see a sign 8 miles. That eight miles predominantly climbing was made all the worse with the headwind feeling more like a hurricane ! Riders were united in their struggle, coalitions formed, no words spoken, no negotiations, just a common purpose to assist each other conquer the elements. I was in a group of 5 / 6 all taking a turn to brave the torture at the front of proceedings. The Check point couldn’t come soon enough, I was aching all over, hands and arms more than normal from pulling on the bars. I filled my bottles and was off, I resisted the hot cuppa, thinking I’d leave it until the next feed !!

Disappointed on the descent, spoilt by the headwind, before you knew, we were climbing again and again straight into the teeth of the severe headwind. I felt numb, very tired and this could only be near the halfway point. Swooping down to Nateby, a place I’d never visited before but I fell in love with Nateby, only because we turned left and we had a tailwind, although undulating everyone appeared happier. I had been told that you go under a railway bridge and boom you start the Coal road, as this road ran alongside the railway each time a bridge came into view I feared the worst !

A check point appears, and I grab a tuna sandwich or three. I see a ‘Litespeed’ bike, I look up and its the infamous Karen Popplewell, I say Hi, she was one of the Cycling Plus team riders. I had seen Howard Johnson (part of the same team) several times but not bumped into Karen at any Sportives. It’s odd as you read so much about them that you feel as if you know them. Total respect for Karen as she suffered a heart problem in 2008, depriving her of an Le Etape ride. She has fought back rode the 2009 Le Etape and the fact that she was this far into a very tough ride is testament that she has made a full recovery.

Bottles refilled I set off, under a railway bridge but no boom!! A little further and a left turn, this time I can see it, cyclists bobbing up a very steep pitch near the wood.

This is THE Coal road, the rider with the green on his top in the photo begins his out of saddle efforts, until he has a nasty surprise, his left pedal and crank come away from his bottom bracket, said equipment daggles from his left foot, he does well not to go down J Yes it’s steep, but it’s also well surfaced. Pacing myself, I slowly reach the top, or so I thought. The view reveals a beast of a climb and the further you go up, the longer the climb gets. It requires a major effort, I’m close to seeing my Tuna sandwich again L The view at the top is fantastic, the descent requires concentration, hands ache as riders grab handfuls of brake lever. Safe arrival at the bottom is a slight relief.

The road begins to then meander up a beautiful valley, quaint, unusual bridges cross the stream and a viaduct is visible high up the hillside. This climb also proves tough and a little unexpected, the further up the valley you venture the steeper it gets. Tied legs balk at the extent of the climb, as it reveals itself as you pass under a further viaduct.

Topping out, the run past the Ribblesdale Viaduct, Whernside in the background, then through Horton to the final feed stop, is undulating but assisted by a tailwind, passes quickly. At the final stop I dare to ask how far to go and are there any climbs. 20 miles and just one more climb, now that does not sound too bad !! What a final climb, Silverdale, didn’t disappoint, it was there to sap any remaining strength from my weary, exhausted body J A hush descended upon the riders, I was drained, struggling to envisage how I would ride to the top of this never ending climb. I was running on empty, I could feel cramp nibbling at the muscles on the inside of my thighs, then it tried my quads, back to my inner thighs, you get the idea L I drank for all I was worth in an attempt to fight the cramp off til the finish.

Pleased with myself, I finally reach the top, I wanted to savour the descent, it was fast, swooping and tinged with a little danger. The speed picked up, the cake and biscuits assist my descent, a group forms and we line out, speed between 22mph and 28mph, slightly downhill and I cling on to the wheel in front for all my lifes worth. Whoosh, an orange blur passes, 30 – 35mph, it was the ever green Motorpoint-Marshalls pasta rider, Malcolm Elliot, chuffin’ hell, very impressive.

Our group splintered on the final 3-4 miles to the finish and I was happy to make my own way back to the HQ and finish. Small but perfectly form 'Finish' sign, was so pleased to see this

Cheering crowds welcome riders back, bringing a smile and a sense of achievement, this ride has got to be one of the toughest I’ve done. The heat affected me at La Marmotte and climbing Ventoux at Le Etape but this event with the constant climbs with ever changing gradients is up there! To anyone considering this event, it is a tough ride, no very tough, the organisation is fantastic. Top event with top riders :-)

Pictured with Malcolm Elliot after setting the new course record in those conditions 5hrs 43min Wow J