Tour of Cambridge x2

Quite a number of Welland Valley members rode the Tour of Cambridgeshire a couple of weeks ago. Thank you to Jo, one of our very newest members, for this report about how she and her partner Richard, a “dyed in the wool” cyclist got on.

The Quite Steady Version.

I learnt three key things on my cycle around Cambridgeshire: 100 miles is a pretty long way, the roads are less flat and more akin to those in Northamptonshire than anticipated, and most cyclists don’t eat that optimistic banana they start a sportive with in their jersey.
Having arrived in support of the ‘Brisk +++’ team who went on to lead the Peloton for much of the ride, I intended to plod around solo. It was, therefore, a lovely surprise to find Judith who was also planning a similar day and kindly let me tag (draft) along with her.
We were joined also by Jen Clegg, who graciously humoured me at my tortoise pace, but did eventually fly off at a more reasonable speed. I did wonder if she’d heard about the cheese and onion pasties at the food stop ahead of time and was keen to get in there early!
For me, the first 50 miles felt fine. At mile 80 I could have probably called it a day. And from there I became Shrek’s annoying donkey as I checked in on the mileage with Judith, for lack of my own Garmin to count down with.
This was particularly apparent as we rode into the wind for 8 long and very straight miles. We are blessed in Leicestershire for the views we have, and, although far reaching, I can’t say Cambridgeshire always has so much interest for the eye to behold- especially not when you’re on perfect Roman roads!
At the final hurdle, with “only a Sunday ride to go!”, my tyre blew off the rim of my front wheel. It made an impressively loud bang, disturbing the dog in the house beside us and making Judith think I’d been shot. Now I’m all for equality and feminism, but sometimes it can pay to be a damsel in distress (or appear so). Two bystanders (one  the owner of said disturbed dog) were
keen to help and even kindly replaced the inner tube.
With a fresh tube  (same can’t be said for me) it felt a long final 40km, but with that mighty satisfaction only a long ride can bring, we jumped on the back of a group and sailed back into the showground to finish.
Summed up? A challenge for sure but a brilliant day of cycling. Excellent atmosphere, excellent support and even better company. A ride that left me in that confused state of exhaustion combined with just wanting to get straight back on the bike for another ride.

The Brisk +++ Version
For the first, last and only time, it was great to experience this iconic sportive in the sunshine.
We started with serious tactical discussions about the right pen to get into to ensure we were first on the road. Chances were almost scuppered when we thought we got it wrong but we made it out in front and nailed the plan to lead the sportive. What a feeling!
Points that stood out from the day:
– One fella flying the flag for irony with a box full of gels crammed into his ‘Diabetes UK’
jersey
– A ‘proper unit’ of a cyclist who was boldly sporting a full bodysuit depicting detailed nipples and a six pack
– As standard, Rich Krause in continuous race mode
– Some slight navigation issues leading to a shorter route for some
– I’d like to add about the great conversation we had, but it was quickly established we weren’t out for that kind of ride- less talking, more pedaling please.
– A nice cold beer to finish (as should be standard for all long rides I think)
– That satisfying leg ache to mark a day well spent and some proper effort

Many congratulations to Jo on completing her first 100 mile ride so stylishly.