Boxhill Original Sportive

[Gruffy]

http://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/cycling-we...

Are there any PHers having a crack at this on Sunday? I've not yet ridden the Surrey Hills, apart from Boxhill, so I'm looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about with Leith Hill and the others.

[Gruffy]

I've driven the Hills many times over the years, just not yet on the bike. Boxhill has been done a few times now (rode it on Monday too) and while it's a lovely place I agree it's really over-hyped.

I'll be doing the 102 mile route, hopefully fairly quickly, though I'm riding solo at the moment. I'm also in the Parkour Ride at Tobacco Dock representing roadies on Saturday (probably in the PH jersey), so hoping not to crash on that.

[Gruffy]

I'm not sure what average speed I'll end up with. At the Etape Cymru I managed 28km/h but that was uphill or downhill the entire way. It was closed roads though. I'm hoping for something closer to 30, but that may be wishful thinking, I've no idea. Still new to this.

I'm donning the PH jersey for the Parkour thing the night before so I'll probably be sporting my pink Rapha (with beard) for Sunday. Aiming to start around 8am.

[Gruffy]

ALawson said:

P.S. Thanks for setting that route up on Strava, which I have shamelessly stolen.

You're welcome. Here it is for anybody else who'd like it http://www.strava.com/routes/1014589

[Gruffy]

ALawson said:

Hopefully the forecast doesn't change.

I don't want to jinx it but it looks great at the moment. Low temps, low wind and clear skies.

[Gruffy]

ALawson said:

Gruffy said:

I don't want to jinx it but it looks great at the moment. Low temps, low wind and clear skies.

Indeed, looking good.

I will look out for you on Sunday, I assume you are on the £300 special!

£279.99. The Mighty Triban!

I'm planning on setting off at 8am, but it's an early start for me as I have a late night on Saturday and still have to walk the pooch on Sunday morning, so that may slip. I should be easy to spot with my pink Rapha stripe and soppy hair.

[Gruffy]

That was nippy!

[Gruffy]

Surveys, huh? I wonder what the exact question they were asked was; "does the increase in cycling have a positive or negative effect on your life?".

It's an obvious truth that more cyclists will have a negative effect on driving times and therefore could be said to negatively affect the lives of locals. It's quite a pointless question which doesn't even tell us if locals are against cycling in the area (not that it works like that anyway). What's the betting that around 6% of those surveyed are recreational cyclists themselves?

Edited by Gruffy on Monday 6th October 09:05

[Gruffy]

Official time was 5:38. Struggled to find any riders to work with and ended up doing almost all of it solo or on the front, so I'm happy with the time, on my Triban

[Gruffy]

Yes, the traffic was frustrating, especially when it got narrow or on the way back once we rejoined the standard and short courses. Often the cars were stuck behind slower groups of riders and it wasn't safe to pass them. This was my second sportive (first solo) and I was definitely spoiled by the closed-road Etape Cymru last month. I'll definitely be seeking out closed-road events whenever possible.

[Gruffy]

Usget said:

I think you overtook me at one point Gruffy. I remember a white Triban going past and thinking "that bloke has hair like a golden retriever" - so I assume it was you?

I can't imagine there being many generously-maned Triban pilots so the odds are favourable. I remember that marshall too. Cracking spot for a mechanical. Chapeau!