Wow, what a ride! Great organisation, great weather. It turned out to be a great weekend for 12 Airedale riders on the Northern Rock Cyclone sportive.
Based out of Newcastle upon Tyne and touring a good portion of Northumberland's spectacular hilly countryside, where the Romans left some pretty straight roads which also went straight "up" in many cases. It starts out of the Newcastle Falcons rugby ground and heads west, turning north out of Ponteland. The terrain if flat to start off giving a good chance to warm up and get the legs spinning, you also have a chance to pass a few early starters out of the 3,500 or so that will be on the ride, we are also be passed by a few faster groups as everyone settles in to their pace. It was a cool dry day, with a light hea d wind, but with Peter & Jane setting the pace for Christine, Dave H & I we hardly noticed it. Soon It's time for the first feed station at about 25 miles of the 104 that lie ahead. Here's where our younger, faster group, who set off after us catch us up. Lee, John, & Dave G, also finding us is Lyndsey. The shorter route 63 miles chosen by Tracey , Graham & Erica has already departed the long route. The ride continues without miss hap enjoying some spectacular views atop climbs and fast sweeping descents. We stay loosely together and manager to find each other at the feed stations with not more than minutes between us, although we haven't seen nor did we expect to see, John, Dave & Lee again. By the time we hit Otterburn 2 thirds round, I was slipping off the pace a bit more often on the climbs but with some daredevil descending managed to stay in touch. Then just when you think your about to coast home with the now light tail wind the Ryals loom in your face. This mean, short, but steep double hill has many riders off the bike and walking, and with no regard to those behind trying to keep pedals turning stop & dismount right in your path. So pull out wide, hope for no on coming traffic, grit your teeth and pound those pedals, repeat in your head "You will make it" Amazing! Stamfordham is only a few miles off now and unless I'm mistaken again, there are no more major hills. I spot Dave at Stamfordham who has had a bout of Cramp, but is recovered enough to make it to the finish & I have some company. Dave & I cross the line @ 7h 27m total time, only 3 minutes behind Christine & Jane with Peter 1 minute ahead of that, Lyndsey comes in 7h 38m. We are all Smiling now! Dave John & Lee all a whole hour under our times & getting Silver standard, well done to them . The shorter route riders also had a good day with Erica at 4h 13m, Tracey 4h 39m & Graham 5h 19m for 63 miles. Here we are at the start & the 2nd Feedstation.
