My first sportive

[Cookie172]

Did my first sportive this weekend, the Greater Haywards Heath Ride. 42 mile one. Furthest I've been to date on a road (well, hybrid) bike.

Plenty of hills and took it reasonably slowly, but enjoyed it

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/163602762

Was a nice day for riding, if a bit chilly starting out. Hopefully getting my Trek 2.1 C this weekend, waiting on Evans and Cyclescheme to speak to each other.

[Kermit power]

I'm guessing that miles 9 & 10 were pretty steep?

Can't see the details on Garmin connect on my phone.

[Gizmo!]

Sounds good!

Sorry to derail, but what made you choose the Trek over anything else at the £1k level? I'm in a similar position..,

[BPC7]

Can I ask was it busy?, I didnt know about this ride but will keep my eyes peeled for next years event

[Cookie172]

Miles 9 and 10 were very steep yep. 18% gradient at one point for a few hundred yards, and I'm hardly the lightest rider in the world (90kg) so it was hard going.

Chose the Trek because I couldn't get hold of a Giant Defy 1, and I liked the way it rode when I had a test ride. Plus I wanted a 105 groupset so I wouldn't be tempted to upgrade within a few months.

There were about 500 people spread over the smaller of the 4 routes (11, 19 and 42 miles) and a further few hundred on the Etape (77 miles). They started everyone off in small-ish groups so as to avoid bunching and crashes and it worked really well. After maybe 15 miles in everyone was well spread out, was nice.