Robin Recommends Lincoln Sportive
As most of you are aware, Robin took part in the Lincoln Sportive on Saturday 78 mile Race/sportive. He writes:
The morning started rather cool with a NNW adding the problem of what do you wear, after much deliberation I decided on long socks, shorts and several layers on top. After registering I lined up and luckily they called us forward early knowing how chilly it was standing around in wind. We had a time chip fitted to helmet and we were off. First 20 mile with wind on side was cool to say the least and it took this time for my fingers to warm up. At about 25 mile we entered the Lincolnshire wolds and wow what lovely countryside, breath-taking! Downside off this was the hills started and what hills they are, one after the other. Steep yes but short, time you got to the top you had had enough. As we all know the beauty of this is you get that downhill section afterwards and boy oh boy what downhill sections these were, 48MPH on one, bring me another pair a pants riding. First time I have ever tried using a proper iso-gel kit all the way around and along with 2 fantastic food stops found I had bags of energy in last 20 miles averaging well in the 20’ well until the Hill.
The Hill, this consisted of Michael gate and Wordsworth Street and if you do not know this road it is cobbled and about 3.1 in most places for 500mt. After 77.5 miles this was a mountain, first third going well, second third tired, last third thought I was going to chuck up, hardest thing I have ever done on a road bike but had finished an never got off. Then had a 2 mile cycle back to finish and treated with a finisher’s t shirt and pork roll with potatoes and salad and lots of drink. Got sent the results to my phone and found had finished 21st overall and tenth in age group 50+ out of about 300.
This guys was a very well organized event held in a fantastic area to cycle and finished in what must be one of the hardest climbs in UK. The event was organized by ITP Events and was thorough in every sense of the word.
To add to the weekend the professionals took to the streets on Sunday doing a 8 mile loop 13 times and yes it was up steep hill 13 times. You stand on the side of the road and watch these guys with admiration once you have had a go, they are super fit.
If you ever want a weekend cycling book in for next year this is a lovely city, lovely people, good Beer and food with hills and countryside to go with it, and that is without the castle and cathedral.
