This is a great event. It is not a race and it is not all off-road, but I did it  a few years back and wanted to do it again. About 35% is off-road and the rest in on small roads setting out from Wincombe near Cheltenham. The distance is 100km. The route is not waymarked but you are each issued with a map and route card. Many people just follow...... I was thinking I would be a follower but this soon proved to be a mistake. After only 15km we went of course. From then onwards it was map reading and double checking.

I found a group that rode at a reasonable speed and we stayed together most of the day. At half distance there is even a village hall serving tea and cakes. We stopped for a quick cupper before heading on.

It is real tortoise and hare stuff, you can't believe how just a few mistakes can set you so far back. It was not about speed and I did have a good day out with the other 999 competitors.

(written 14/04/04)

          To the top of page
 

        Press to return to home page