Today's adventure was the "Tour De 4" - the Chris Hoy ride supporting cancer charities.
I was doing the Red Route (90k nominally, actually 92) and was in wave 4 so starting about 9.30. Almost entirely on roads I'd never cycled before.
Drove into Glasgow (no trains before 9 on a sunday ), parked at the office then a 4k warm up out to the Velodrome in the east end.
It was busy. i don't know what the actual numbers were, but we estimated 2000 on the "red route", close on 1000 on the shorter Blue, and lots more doing the events inside the velodrome complex. A staggered start over about 3 hours.
Weather was dry, wind from the west, forecast for rain later.
First hour was a pleasant run northwest, through the Glasgow suburbs. Sunday morning so roads quiet, apart from thousands of cyclists. 19k in we reach the first food stop at Twechar.
At that point the heavens opened. Grabbed something to eat, and sheltered for 10 mins hoping the rain would stop. It didn't, so on with the rain jacket and back on the road.
5k later we reach the scary bit. The "Tak Ma Doon" road climbs about 300m over 4k. And when I reached the bottom, the rain was torrential - it was like a river coming down it. It was a long slog, but eventually got to the top. It should have been a fast descent, but conditions were awful and I didn't know the road, so took it very gingerly.
Another stop at 34k, at the west end of the Carron Valley reservoir. Rain had stopped by this point. Just as well, as the access path to the food stop was more suited to a mountain bike!
The route is now heading east alongside the reservoir. Some stunning scenery. Mostly good roads, but one or two bits that would take your fillings out! Through Fintry and Killearn to another food stop at Strathblane (66k).
As I arrived at Strathblane, I heard some familiar voices - my 2 grandchildren shouting "Go Papa!"
Extended stop there with the family before starting again on a lumpy section past Mugdock Park, Torrence and Bishopbriggs. The final section back into Glasgow was via the same route we had left a few hours ago. It should have been easier, since downhill, but was a pain due to the traffic levels.
Arrived back at the velodrome, a beer, something to eat, and headed back to the car. 92k on strava, around 100 with the ride in and out.
A great day, and well over 2k raised for Prostate Scotland.
