http://www.chiltern-hundred.org.uk/
I have done a few very tough sportives with the Marmotte and the Autumn Epic being ones that really make me wince when I think back. Well, I have another one to add, this was all out punishment. One of my mate rides for the organising club, and last year they got 1,2 and 3rd best times, they were up for doing the same again today and I stupidly decided to join them.
At the start I decided that I may as well just give it some and see how long I last. The harder climbs on the course I had been warned were going to be pretty steep, I only had a 26 on the back and so I realised that it was unlikely I was going to hang onto these fast climber types once the gradient went up. I also had 86kg on the saddle, probably about 20kg more than most of these guys. For the first 75km of the ride I managed to set a really good tempo on the front and took a lot of the turns. On the flats I was hammering out 27mph and although we dropped half of the St Albans Verulam on the first climb, the top boys were taking it in their stride.
After about 50km of riding we hit the first hard steep climb, Ivanhoe Beacon, I had just done a long stint on the front. The group went past me and I was going backwards, I dug in and managed to get over the top and rejoin the group. I recovered and carried on taking my turns and putting in some speed. Then we hit another leg breaker and this time I had to chase quite hard to get on the back. At about 75km I was thinking that now I should probably sit in for a bit. The next few climbs I was keeping up as the gradient was ok, but then at the 100km mark we hit a monster. Very steep and very long hill, I went to the front and said my farewells to the guys and then proceeded to grind my way up the climb as the glided off into the distance.
It was getting pretty hot now and it was another 20km to the feedstation (I had missed the first one), I was starting to get low on drink and I was now entering that dark place where you just have to concentrate on trying your best to get up everything in the expectation that the feed will be soon. Came past a couple of guys and they said the feed was at the top of the next climb, Kingston Wood. What they did not tell me was that the next climb was the mother of all climbs. It must have been about 3 miles long, well it seemed it. I really struggled and at the top was the feed. Thank god. This was very well stocked with Jaffa Cakes, Flapjacks, Torq Bars, SIS bars, SIS drink, Water, Bananas, Cheddars, Tuc biscuits. I can remember this because I ate pretty much everything. After the feed I started to feel a heck of a lot better and proceeded at a steadier pace than my earlier crawl. It was still another 50km to go and there were plenty of hills left to go. I managed to latch onto a few good wheels and got some good tows, but I was really struggling on the climbs when it got steep. On the lower gradient ones I was holding my own.
Got back to the HQ and almost collapsed under a tree. I was absolutely spent. My legs are extremely tired. This is a real killer sportive. Very well organised a really punishing but beautiful route. Highly recommended for all those that can climb a bit. I would describe my day as starting with the thoroughbreds and finishing with the donkeys, but I enjoyed it all the same.
I am seriously contemplating a compact.Cheers
Marek....
