Massive thank-you to Mark, Kamila and helpers who organised Saturday’s Sportive. It was fantastic and we look forward to hearing how much it raised for Macmillan.
Well done to all who completed the route – that was everyone who started ! Special congratulations to those who rode their first 100km ride and a big thank you to Alice Herring for this report.
I’m a rookie cyclist, having taken it up to find some space for me and thrive on the freedom it provides. I love just rhythmically wheeling along, finding companionship with other club cyclists on a Sunday morning or on a summer’s evening after work. Looking over the hedgerows into the fields, setting my own pace and letting my mind wander, I navigate the beautiful lanes we have on our doorstep.
I find myself wanting to go a little further, to explore what’s over the hill and see how far I can go before the sun sets. I’d heard last year about the Market Harborough Sportive, supporting Macmillan and listened to other club cyclists describing the route and experiencing it together. I liked the sound of exploring the distance with others, and wanted to take on a challenge but had doubts as to whether I could complete the 100km and left signing up until the day of the ride.
It was cool and misty at Grange Farm on Saturday 18th May when I arrived shortly after 7am but received a warm welcome from the Macmillan volunteers and other cyclists. A very encouraging Judith Rout meant I set off in good company, and together with a lovely and supportive group found us leaving Welham, through to Cranoe and a sharp hill up to Tugby. Crossing the A47 took me into uncharted territory but I soon found myself enjoying the villages as we passed through Hungarton to Beeby and then on and up the Croxton climb. Having run this just the week before, I kept it slow and steady and that seemed to be my pace whilst watching the faster cyclists go past, with words of encouragement from everyone. Cycling through Knossington, we stopped at Braunston and Brooke Village hall for refreshments and to share stories of the progress with others on the ride. It was especially poignant for me to sit in the sunshine with Judith who had encouraged me into cycling through ‘Breeze’ rides 2 years ago and Steve King who has given me confidence in running and in myself.
With over half the distance covered, we set off refreshed and into the Rutland countryside to experience the sharp descent from Stoke Dry with glorious views of Eye Brook reservoir. An opportunity for bird watching as we navigated round the water and then onward to Blaston. Somewhere on the hill I toppled off my bike, but with Judith’s first aid kit at the ready and kind cyclists who stopped to check all was ok, patched up, we just had the final leg from Medbourne and a fast descent down Slawston Hill and finally back to Thorpe Langton.
It was a welcome sight to see friends, together with tea and cake at Grange Farm and an opportunity to offer a heartfelt thanks to the organisers and to those who had the patience to keep me company. Over 100km completed and a milestone to mark. Thank you everyone.
Thank you to the off road guys for the great photos of the off road ride and route.
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