Bike Blenheim

[Ivor]

Bike Blenheim report. [url]http://www.bikeblenheimpalace.com/[/url]

We decided to stay at a local hotel the night before, just 6 miles away. Driving up to Oxford from Surrey in the morning, with four bikes and two kids seemed unwise.

No trouble getting to and on the site lots of people directing traffic, and since we were there for the TT we had an early start. Worth getting in first thing and watching the racing (why else would you be there?? ) There were huge HUGE queues to get in later in the day we noted.
All parking and access is over the fields, which is ok on a dry day - it it was raining I can imagine it would have been horrible.

I was off at 9.22 so our first task was to get oriented and find everything. All the activities were centered around a central group of tents with plenty of places for drinks/food/toilets etc. lots of seating and tables and I noticed quite a few open tents ready in case of rain.
I was in the TT, Hugo in the cyclocross and Cara/Oliver were there for the family ride.

Only slight/minor criticism is that there's nowhere to ride until all the events/racing finish at 1pm, which was a shame cos Oliver got a bit bored walking around all morning.
After my TT watched the rest of the field from the side, and cheered them on, and of course always amazing to watch the Hutch blast past.
Didn't see much of the brompton race was organising food although did see a bit and was amazed to see the Hutch wander past pushing a brompton (no aero bars I noted).
Next up Hugo off to the cyclocross, and apart from my grumbles already made in the results thread, he had a great time.

There were quite a few bits and pieces to look at, bike polo going on, some stunt jumping and a collection of antique bikes. There was also a little obstacle course for younger riders to have a go at.

So events out of the way a few more snacks and we head out for the family ride.
This didn't go so well with Oliver deciding he just wasn't in the mood after a few short minutes.
So I ended up walking around. carrying him. and his bike. and pushing mine. not fun.
Would have been nicer to spend a bit more time all riding around together, so next time it's going to be either a tag-along or seat for oliver.
The sportive looked like a good route, but not possible to do if you're taking part in any of the events. The riders seemed pleased when they arrived back.

Pity I didn't get more riding in on the day. Perhaps have to either do the sportive next time, or another race. hmmm bromptons....

All in all. Very enjoyable, nice surroundings. and, er, lots of bikes?

The pictures...
Cyclocross

Hugo at the start. (#24, little chap, middle-right, purple stripey top, by #40)
[img]http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MlVw1hr3FnA/Ssx0Bj_ZECI/AAAAAAAAANo/QsI6UmUu3DU/s800/P1010237.JPG[/img]

and they're away
[img]http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MlVw1hr3FnA/SsxzvngGjBI/AAAAAAAAANg/Mex2IR97NVw/s800/P1010238.JPG[/img]

coming around for last lap
[img]http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MlVw1hr3FnA/Ssx0rW0NeRI/AAAAAAAAAOg/k7wH8ZrkXDM/s800/P1010243.JPG[/img]

Crossing the line
[img]http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MlVw1hr3FnA/Ssx0s8jshDI/AAAAAAAAAOk/1XvUtD6OhsY/s800/P1010244.JPG[/img]

Oliver getting his mood face sorted out.
[img]http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MlVw1hr3FnA/Ssx3Cj7vnzI/AAAAAAAAAPg/uFhbRop4V4k/s800/P1010218.JPG[/img]

Time trial
Starting off
[img]http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MlVw1hr3FnA/Ssx4jkxTxII/AAAAAAAAAQU/GIJUbwJmIZo/s800/P1010220.JPG[/img]

coming around for a lap
[img]http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MlVw1hr3FnA/Ssx4kyu0KLI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/wI5T_9_qToc/s800/P1010221.JPG[/img]

de-numbering
[img]http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MlVw1hr3FnA/Ssx4mObSG6I/AAAAAAAAARI/rB6mOskX50M/s800/P1010222.JPG[/img]

[Phil H]

I did the 100 mile sportive so most things were over my the time I got back. Since it was my first 100, I've nothing to compare it to - maybe as hilly as the Burgess Hill 65 mile I did in August. I didn't see anyone else there in Addiscombe kit. Wife and son enjoyed watching stuff and the family ride. No photos - except the official ones.

[Andrew G]

Thanks for that Ivor. Although on the face of it the entry looked expensive I guess that a fair chunk of that is covering entry to Blenheim and extra facilities (I gather there was changing rooms/facilities).

I fancy having a go next year for something a bit different so long as I'm not away again. Has the makings of a nice day out too.

[Phil H]

Andrew: There was changing but no shower. They need to up their game on the food a bit too IMO - bacon rolls and gatorade 25 miles in, then 2 more stops with just gatorade (and water) and biscuits. And yes, the £29 includes entry to other stuff ... that's happening while you're out cycling. No sign of promised goodie bag.

I did it because my parents live close by.

[Andrew G]

I'd be doing the TT Phil.

[quote="Andrew G"]Thanks for that Ivor. Although on the face of it the entry looked expensive I guess that a fair chunk of that is covering entry to Blenheim and extra facilities (I gather there was changing rooms/facilities).