Off-Road 100 Miler

Richard Hardwicke writes:

It was an early start for the WVCC off roaders this Sunday, changeable skies but just warm and sunny enough to make you glad you got up. A bit of “power porridge” and Charlie and I were ready for his first 100 miler.

It was daunting (to me at least!) that it was off road but, thanks to Killa, it was a brilliant route, almost no road time and a great tour of places we’d not previously explored, including the PDQ run at Northampton Bike Park, Delapre Abbey, Salcey Forest and Harlestone Firs.

Plenty of variety but a lot of bumps, catching a few of us out – Charlie’s gloves were an early casualty after a tumble over a stray lump of concrete, but nothing compared to Killa’s quick release crank which ended up fixed to his foot not the bike and needed the “big tool” at Salcey Forest (apparently none of us had a tool up to the task!)

Refreshments of sausage rolls and chocolate milk kept us going (despite the disappointment at the lack of bacon /sausage butties) and the rolling mix of people given the drop in /drop out vibe meant there was always someone to chat to. The core group stayed together, though, at least until Charlie found another gear on the BVW home and sprinted for the end, circling back to find us oldies so we could finish together ahead of recovery beers at the Cherry Tree.

Kudos to Killa for the route, and for navigating it a mere five months post op; to the WVCC off-roaders for being so welcoming; and to Charlie for navigating his first 100miler with a smile. We’ll definitely be back.