Rated Event: 99.900%
wrote:
In my opinion, this is the best Sportive in the country. It is difficult to imagine other clubs or organisations beating the package that British Cycling's Yorkshire Region put together here.
I am more than happy to make the long journeys up from London and back in order to take part, and will be doing so again next year.
The route is sensational in terms of the scenery, the almost complete absence of traffic and the climbs. It is undoubtedly one of the toughest rides and I agree with the comment posted that it is harder than the rating indicates. Completing these climbs gives riders to have a real sense of personal achievement, and I feel most keen cyclists would want to test themselves against Chimney Bank. I have been struck by how friendly the local riders are and much encouragement the local riders provide. I know people will be keen on their times, but BC Yorkshire have created something far greater than a race.
The feed stations are well positioned along the route, well-stiocked and staffed by great people; it can't be easy parking feed stations around so remote a place as the North Yorks Moors. There is a long slog between feed stations 2 and 3, but I have always found volunteers waiting on top of Chimney Bank with water: I now empty anything I have in the bottles at the bottom in the hope that it makes that killer climb easier, and in the knowledge that someone will be there to replenish me at the toip, just as happens at the top of Church Houses / Blakey. Some people may run out of fluids, and it was hotter and more likely in 2009, but it is unreasonable to expect the organisers to put on any more than they do. Anyone taking it more seriously than that, will probably have forced their wife and offspring to ride in a support vehicle and follow them round.
This event is a challenge. No matter how many other Sportives you have done, this is the one that counts. BC Yorkshire Region have do so much and excelled at it all, that it would be too picky to knock any aspect of it. The people who voluntarily put on an event like this for our enjoyment, deserve nothing but praise. I hope they continue to run it and I hope as many people as possible get involved. Others have mentioned the route markings, but I can't see any reference to the team that provided me with a good breakfast and who waited around to provide a much-needed meal when I wobbled over the finish line. I had been dragging my soul down the road on a string for the last 20k! See you next year.
