Six NDCC men took part in the tough Sperrin Sportive yesterday. There was a choice of 60 or 90 mile routes, with the 40 or so 90 milers having to do one of those infamous ‘extra loops’. All of us chose to do the long run. This was hard in itself but heat on the day was an equally debilitating factor, with gallons of water having to be consumed.

 Starting in Cookstown, the first 30 mile section wasn’t too bad with modest climbs and any steepness fairly short. The 10 minute stop just outside Sperrin was welcome, but no sandwiches - which we have become used to on such runs! Shortly thereafter a right turn into a long steepish single track road deep into the mountains, very scenic and a nice descent, with not a car in sight - great. A few more modest climbs and a fast descent took us into Plumbridge, the only village of the day. Then climbing again back in single track roads before one of the stiff ones - Barnes Gap, which broke things up a lot.

On the descent a missed road marking saw a number going off the wrong way - on to a main road instead of a C road where the stop was at 65 miles. Luckily we had someone to follow so got it right and topped up with water again and a little food (no sandwiches). Only a 5 minute break here and then into the hardest climb of the day. 

Another single track road, no cars, but long and in parts steep. There were a lot of individuals on the road home after this and the last 15 miles although fairly flat for me was done in a state of weariness - couldn’t drink anymore water, hadn’t any food, broke a spoke but slogged home. A welcome shower and  - sandwiches and tea!! But the bugger of it all - I couldn’t get them down, no appetite!!

 Thanks to the organising club Harps CC for putting on a great route, 90% little used roads, well marked roads (except 1)and no car traffic all day. The only improvment - sandwiches (and tea) at the stops. Oh - and turn the temperature down a few degrees next year.

CLICK HERE for a few photos

Category: Touring » Sperrin Sportive |

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