The Event
Ful-On Tri organise this cyclosportive in memory of champion triathlete Dave Aitchison who died suddenly in January 2007 aged 29 from an undetected heart defect. The Surrey Legs of Steel, Dave Aitchison Challenge Ride offers two distances, 81km and a 46km, with both routes starting and finishing at Box Hill National Trust Park, near Dorking, Surrey. The event, now in its second year, will be open to anyone with a passion for cycling and the thigh-burning Surrey hills where Dave did so much of his training for his spectacular 2006 season. All profits from The Legs of Steel event will go towards a Sports Aid Fund set up in Dave’s name by his family and the club to assist talented triathletes in the London region.
The Hills
Ranmore Hill, Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill, Winterfold Hill (21%), St Martha’s Hill, Coombe Bottom Hill, Dunley Hill and ZigZag at Box Hill. There was 1600 metres of climbing and the steepest gradient of the day was 21%.
The Route
The Departure
It was a very early start. I arrived at Raphs at 6.50am - it was cold and too early to be riding a bike. I would have preferred to have stayed in bed. As usual they weren't ready and we didn't depart until 7.15am, but Al had supplied me with a great coffee , so I shouldn't complain.
The Start
Winterfold Hill
The Shoes
Shoes you may ask - well Denzil actually forgot his and had to go to Head For The Hills in Dorking to buy some in order to be able to ride. It does happen folks - though thankfully not very often.
The Finish
The View
The Lunch
Mmmmmmmmm - The offending person cannot be named for legal reasons. Do not try this at home it could seriously damage someone else's health.
