England : West Yorkshire Brian Robinson Challenge ride, 28th April 2013

[DCLane]

"This is a challenging 75 mile cycle circuit which offers riders the opportunity to take in some of the countries most iconic climbs, Holme Moss, for example, has featured in cycling events at the highest level for over half a century.

This event has now been running since 2007 (previously run as the Kirklees Sportive,) and attracts riders from across the country to take part.. As always we have retained the key elements of an enjoyable cycling experience and where possible taken into account riders comments from previous years."

Cost: £27.40 (online) or £30 (on the day)

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/85555/Brian-Robinson-Challenge-Ride#summary

The thread on last year's freeze-fest is here: http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/th...klees-entries-open-sun-29th-april-2012.93087/
Also ColinJ's 2010 ride: http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/brian-robinson-challenge-entries-closing-soon.52453/

 

[ColinJ]

If the route hasn't changed from when I last did it, you can get a taste of part of stage 2 of the 2014 Tour de France in Yorkshire - the climbs of Holme Moss and Woodhead Pass!

 

[DCLane]

A reminder for this event. Hopefully Holme Moss will be less wet/windy this year.

 

[ColinJ]

A reminder for this event. Hopefully Holme Moss will be less wet/windy this year.

And definitely not blocked by snow and ice!

 

[Kestevan]

I'm planning on riding this - assuming the weather is anything like sensible.....

 

[Kestevan]

Just got back. Very well run event, even if the choice of feedstation locations were a little "exposed".

Some very strong and gusty winds made some of the already hard climbs absolutely brutal - especially Buckstones into a headwind.

Enjoyed it though - but then I like hills

 

[DCLane]

Decently windy - but got round OK (back at 2.40pm). Some expensive machinery on show, with quite a few Pinarello Dogma's in Sky colours, often being propelled VERY slowly uphill!, However, more riders than I'd expected showed poor riding skills/technique. Either that or 6 months club riding's improved mine! There were 300+ entrants. Good support from the motorcycle outriders and enough food at the feed stations, or at least there was when I came through.

I started at the back as my right knee's not great (IT band issues) but passed an awful lot of riders (the guy counting at about 35 miles called out '76' as I passed ) . I'd be fine for about 8 miles and go quickly, then in pain for a couple of miles at a crawl. This went on for 70 miles until it went completely and I pedalled one-legged for the last 5 miles.

Headwinds uphill meant it was a bit hard climbing:

But worth it: