Kilotogo Cheshire Cat 2010

For the third year on the trot I took on and overcame the killer mile of Mow Cop.

Today was a mental milestone on the road to Ironman France. In my grand plan it was down as my first century ride of the year.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this year’s course as its changed for the third year on the trot. I’ve done Mow Cop at the end, middle and now the beginning of the ride. Think I prefer it in the middle as doing it early loses some of the anticipation. I did enjoy it though. For the first time this year the legs felt locked on.

Joining me on this year’s Cat were Mark, Steve and Loz. For Steve and Loz this was their first sportive and I must admit to feeling a little guilty for talking them into it but seeing their faces after topping Mow Cop reminded me why I got into this.

From the first to second food stations we somehow managed to head up a pack, push too much wind and increase the speed. By the second food stop we had lost Steve, his gearing was making the hills hard going, and caught up with Mark’s friend Rich. I spotted Steve as we left the food station as he rode in with a pack and a smile on his face.

Mark and Rich pushed the pace on as Loz and I debated the 100 or 69 mile route. By the split we opted for the 69 as the four of us were riding strong as a pack. For 10 miles the pace picked up and for the last 2 Rich told me to “put the hammer down”. I surprised myself with the pace and had no regrets for opting to do the shorter route.

In the end I got the mental boost I needed and that was the point of it all.