Kent Cyclosportive

[Marek]

http://www.kentcyclosportive.co.uk/

Anyone doing the Kent cyclosportive next weekend. It sounds quite good fun with timing chip and all that.

Cheers

Marek...

[Paul on the Pearson]

I'll be doing it as the start time is a more congenial 9 - 9.30. Having missed last weeks southern challenge this'll be my first proper sportive and am hoping the "ASBO" tag and small piece of yellow paper with a number on it and 4 safety pins will do something for my somewhat elusive form.

[Alan M]

I am on this one as well - did it last year, probably my first and it was great. Organisation was a bit slow and I missed the first wave at the start - I think this is important to get on the best trains - under 4 hours seemed to be achieveable for some but not me last year although the age bandings were quite generous and I came away with a gold. see you on the line

[Alan M]

The ride was FANtastic. Weather spot on with very litttle breeze. 500 plus riders. Cours markings very good although I gather 1 group got lost. Didn't see Marek but Paul enjoyed. I did 4.20 which is a gold for my age group and only 2 minutes off a gold for >50 so I was quite pleased. Organisation was good and sitting out having lunch after the ride was very pleasant - this is a really good event and more of you should have a go next year - an excellent entry into cyclo-sportives with relatively few climbs and only 80 miles, Ther is a shorter 45 Mile option as well.

[Marek]

Sorry Alan, went and did a race instead. Sounded like you had fun, 80 miles in the legs is going to do you good for next weeks race.

Cheers

Marek...

[Paul on the Pearson]

It was a good event. 80 miles at a decent pace. Did it in 4 hrs 44 with legs still aching from the presidents 10. Looking back I could have pushed a bit harder but was trying to pace it a bit expecting a few hearty climbs to suddenly appear around the next corner (they didnt) The route was gently rolling with the only serious climb right at the end which after 80 miles was pretty tough but not torture. The food stops were well stocked with cakes, bananas and water and the route was well signed with a medal, baguettes, tea and more cakes at the end. All in all a well organised ride,made a change riding around Kent instead of the usual surrey. Also the 9 -9 30 start means its easy to get there by train. Definately one for next year, would be good to get a few more riders out. Medway velo seemed to have most of their club out but seemed to spend most of their time at the side of the road fixing puntures.