Hey Guys, How did you get on yesterday?
For those interested, this is my experience of my first Sportive.
I knew that we were in for some wet weather, so I diverted enroute to Callander, to
Halfords and bought myself a pair of overshoes. I've had a pair of cheap ones, from Aldi, before that lasted one storm and were not that great. These ones looked good, but did not keep my feet dry.
Altura make. Not sure if they helped and the water came up from underneath or that they were just a waste of money. Most riders were wearing a pair of overshoes of some description. Mmm, the jury is out on that one!
I had signed up for the long route of 87 miles, but that wasn't looking likely. I would need to set off earlier than 8:30 so I wisely decided to do the medium route of 54 miles. It sounds better in kilometres.....
I had booked a hotel in Callander to avoid the gotta get there red mist mentality and crazy driving, thinking I'm gonna be late etc etc. The hotel didn't do breakfast until 8 o'clock and I couldn't cycle a distance without breaky, so it was the right choice to do the medium route. Have breakfast and then head round 2 minutes away to registration. The hotel didn't offer evening dinner. so it was the chippy for a fat boy supper.
The event was very well organised. On the website and on the day it was highlighted.... THIS IS NOT A RACE......, but they give you a timing chip on your helmet. They clock your time of leaving and returning so you can check your time online afterwards. Mmm! I'm not a racing snake and didn't much care for how fast I completed the course, just that I did complete it was my goal. I got the impression that most riders were in groups of friends doing it together. I on the other hand rode on my own and only had occasional chat in the passing with one or two. I wish I had arranged to meet up with some of the guys on this thread who were attending. I found it a bit lonely riding on my own all day. There was food stops/ refreshment tents set up at 20, 40 & 60 miles. They were well stocked with energy gels, fruit, cake, juice etc. and a mechanic was on hand if you had any problems with your bike. The route was hilly in parts and I found it challenging. I was wet, cold and glad to finish and get a hot shower which was also arranged at the local leisure centre, which was the start/ finish point.
Those registering 8 weeks in advance also got a free box of energy bars and gels from high5.
So overall, it was a good event, if only it hadn't rained. I notice that
Evans cycles only have one more in Scotland and several down south.
