Big Smurf: 1066 - 87.1 Mile Cyclosportive 4 July (Challenge)

SRS Events is a Sports Events Organisation based in Brighton East Sussex UK.

They organise different sporting activities around the UK with a view to getting people more active and healthier. Their events are aimed at people who seek a physical challenge in their lives. They create events for people to enjoy but to also to be challenged by. The Sporting events are for people who are seeking a healthy active lifestyle to generate success in all aspects in their lives. Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, While movement and methodical physical exercise can save it and preserve it ~ PLATO

The Events are helping raise funds for the very worthy charity The Sussex Heart Charity based in Brighton,

The Start

We caught the 6.38am train down from London Bridge and with croissants and coffees in hand we headed down to Burgess hill. The route was 87.1 miles and started at Oakmeeds Shcool in Burgess Hill. It was a beautiful morning and there were a few people at the start when we arrived. Having put our numbers on and with the odd moan of 'Why are we doing this again', we headed off to the start.

Inaki was supposed to join us but i think he has probably celebrated too much the night before as Spain had got through to the semi-finals of the football - yes indeed there are other sports that exist apparently.

The Route

http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=147995

The ride started off at a fairly decent pace, but then we all got caught up in the moment and before we new it we were travelling at 24-27 mph chasing down a bigger pack in front. I ended up in front of our pack and was determined to catch the wheel of the other group, but perhaps in my eagerness I had forgotten about the possible consequences. It wasn't so much that i was knackered, but in powering down on the pedals I had opened myself up to the possibility of getting cramp. i was well hydrated but this quick and sudden burst was not going to help me avoid my new demon.

In the heat of the moment everyone in both groups failed to notice the signs (apparently they had been moved by gremlins - see link) and we ended up off course. We were re-directed but we had gone 8 miles out of our way. BIG BUMMER as I had hoped to be on course for silver. (We ended up doing 96 miles instead of 87miles) Once back on course we headed for the first feed station at Chiddingley Primary School. This was supposed to be at 22.1 miles but in fact was at 30 miles due to our error.

On leaving the feed station, Al, Grant, Denzil, Raph and I were pretty much together. It was a little way down the road that Raph got a puncture and Denzil and I stopped to watch (I mean help) him. Al was unaware (we think) and carried on with a storming pace - Grant just carried on anyway - which was probably for the best.

10 minutes later and after Raph had realised the only tube he had with him was too small -(mmmmmmm it was very small and probably only suitable for a chopper), that we managed to get back on the hunt for the rest. It took us quite a long time before we managed to hunt down Grant. He seemed a little worse for wear and so with just a courtesy (hello), I was off and hoping to track down Al.

I wanted to get in the second feed station (Mayfield Scout Centre) to fill up with water and get out before Raph and Denzil appeared but that was probably wishful thinking, as I was about to leave they headed in. Raph shouting to me to see if i had seen Al. Now in my eagerness to get going i raced down the road and straight past the sign - this time it was clearly there - i just missed it. It was 500m up the road and at a large junction that i realised my mistake.

So i was racing back down the road in the hope i could get to the turn before R&D had left the feed station. It was then head down and off after Al. I had no idea where she was but it was obvious she had been motoring, which was going to make it all the more difficult to catch her.

It was not until the last feed station at Forest Row that I caught up with Al. I entered the feed station as she was about to leave. I made a quick dash for the loo and stuffed my face with a banana, but not quick enough, as Al had already made her escape and disappeared without a trace. I had already started to get cramp in my right calf, so pushing hard was not really an option, plus my gears were playing up so i was getting a little frustrated. Trying to stretch your calves on the bike was my only option and fortunately it was not bad enough for me to dismount.

I arrived at a junction further down the road and came across a guy in the hedgerow who looked to be suffering. I asked if he was ok - well you have to don't you - to which he replied no. He had stomach cramps and was rolling around the grass in apparent agony. Well, i was thinking that this was not going to help my chances of catching Al, who must have ridden straight past him, unless he was behind her.

I tried to call SRS on his phone but to no avail and after a few wasted minutes I realised there was nothing I could do for him, so i abandoned him to the vultures.

I headed off and towards Cobb Lane (20% ascent). The photographer was waiting at the bottom but he was going to get no smile form me. As i moved to get out of the saddle I started to get mild cramp in my right thigh and then cycled through a small oil patch, so as I pushed down my wheel spun and made my cramp even worse. I was so bloody determined not to get off (i don't get off on hills unless i really, really have to) and actually managed to get to the top without doing so, but it wasn't a nice experience and i was relieved to have Cobb Lane out of the way. It was now an all out assault to catch Al.

With around 8 miles to go I spotted her. It was a welcome relief and I was able then to cycle with her to the finish. It would have been rude to have sped off and after all the hard work Al had put in she deserved to come across the line first.

Since being home i have now been looking at what I need to do to avoid cramp and am determined it won't hinder me at The Etape Du Tour in 2 weeks time.

Poor Signage - Read The Comments

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=16295063

The People