Rise Above: A Cav branded sportive

[Big Dave laaa]

On my doorstep but I bottled it and went for the 120km route. I've done Bwlch Penbarras on a MTB and it was granny ring all the way. Not looking forward to trying it on my roady even with 34-28 I need to get some hill work in now my TCR has arrived

 

[NorthernSky]

been looking at this, 120km route probably

 

[Rallybiker]

Training is going ok for this and I've dumped over a stone in preparation for the 185km. Just got to keep on getting the miles and protein in!!

 

[Big Dave laaa]

Did a couple of the hills in it today and I think I'm still a little short of ready. I can do them all individually but not sure about all in one ride! I'm doing the 120km

 

[Stockie]

Also doing the 120km Big Dave. Feeling a little apprehensive about the total climbing most I have done before is 1000 metres so should be a challenge. There is a good article about the route in this months Cyclist if you get chance to read it.

 

[Big Dave laaa]

Nice one Stockie I'll have a look at that. Yes the climbing is relentless on it I think. I don't know if knowing them all is a good or bad thing, my brain is doing a good job of talking me out of it. I'm sure we'll all be OK and it'll be a fantastic day. It'll be nice to meet new people with the same interests.

 

[MartinQ]

For those of you doing the sportive, don't get stuck on the horseshoe
https://www.strava.com/activities/339392896

 

[Big Dave laaa]

absolutely supreme effort

 

[Big Dave laaa]

Did all the major climbs in the Cav 120km route today and feeling a bit tired. Happy that I'll be able to at least complete it on the 9th but can't see me being in the top 10

 

[MartinQ]

How did you find the Bwlch (Pen Barras) (... turn left off the 494 ...)?
Don't know if you've gone up the old horseshoe? It's a good one to strengthen the legs.

 

[Big Dave laaa]

The Bwlch is my least favorite hill and I must confess I always fail on the hairpin, these legs are just too old now. The old horseshoe just looks like torture

 

[MartinQ]

Have a bash at the old one, its a bit of a slog, granny gear all the way and its slightly steeper after the cattle grid, but it is doable. Must admit, I don't take the inside line on the bend on the bwlch ...

 

[Big Dave laaa]

My so called friends introduced me to a hill called Bronwylfa that day! Short sharp shock is the only way I can describe it.

 

[Subotai72]

After checking out the parcours I wimped out and signed on fo the 80km route. I quite fancied being able to sit down to enjoy my post-ride pint in the Pied Bull!

 

[Big Dave laaa]

Me and my mates all want to secretly do that route but no one wants to be 1st to back out so stupidly sticking to the 120km route