That ****ing hill in Scotland

[huw williams]

Bealach Na Ba sportive entries open on Dec 1st

Why is this important? Because it features the most original, picturesque, mind-blowingly awesome climb of any Cyclosportive in the UK. And a lot more besides. It's also limited to 500 places so if you want to do it, and any self-respecting club cyclist who thinks he/she is half decent really SHOULD do it, then make sure you get on-line early and get your name down.

As you already know I'm never going back up there, ever... Not me, no sireee. And if you want to be reminded of why, the story of last season's ride runs in CW this thursday (shameless plug).

Next year's Challenge is scheduled much later in the year (September 1st) to avoid the the midge season and the tourist season. Thousands of the blighters swarm in during the hot summer, eat everything and destroy all the local flora and fauna. The midges aren't so bad though.

There's also a shorter ride for lily-livered wussies which still goes up the main climb and takes place in May, but if you do that, prepare to get pilloried by any members who do the longer one.

[huw williams]

I doubt it - but at 90 miles and only one massive hill, the temptation is that you can do it at race speed - that's what makes it hard.

You could never do the Novi Colli at race speed - you wouldn't get half way

[Jon H]

[Pedantic mode on]

Surely "race speed" is a rather vague concept. Any race can be done at race speed as long as that speed is appropriate for the rider and the course. Race speed for an average club rider over a 100 mile hilly route is going to be very different to say an elite rider's 1 hour criterium race speed. But if the rider is going as fast as their ability allows over the course then it's still race speed.

[Pedantic mode off]

[huw williams]

Or in my case faster than my ability allowed at times, hence the agony :-0

[Forbes]

As Chirs Boardman found out, it's hard to go faster than possible.

Link, Huw?

[huw williams]

bealach-na-ba.co.uk

Anyone who enters, please let me know - we'll need a story for CW and I'm never going back etc etc

[Forbes]

Ta