The Polka Dot Challenge

Distance: 103 miles
Event Details: http://www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk
Time: 6 hours 25 minutes

Not just a ride but a weekend away for this one. I travelled up to Derbyshire with Phil, Alex and Jon. On the way we stopped off at the Phil’s Mecca of a bike shop “J E James” where I took the opportunity to but some new gloves and a tri bag. From there we went to to Bakewell to sample the culinary delights of Cornish Pasties, Flap Jacks and Bakewell tart. I ate so much I felt sick on the way to the camp site.

Shortly after setting up camp we were joined by Mark and went for a Chinese. Do not, I repeat do not ever go to the Imperial Palace in Furness Vale – Mark’s spring roles were still frozen and the service was sloooow.

It was early doors for the ride start but even so after man faff we just about made the 9am cut off. Just after we set off I noticed I wasn’t getting and speed or cadence readouts; a ride without stats, oh no! Luckily the sensors had just gotten moved during transport. Around the same time the weather turned and the heavens opened. By the time we started climbing up to the Cat and Fiddle, a 7 mile climb, I was wet through. Half way up I was joined by Mark and the company was welcome as we span up the hill. Near the top we encountered a horrible scene; a car on the wrong side of the road, a police car and a biker on the floor being attended to. We later found out the car had gone wide on the corner and hit two cyclists, I hope they are OK.

Cresting the Cat and Fiddle (ex highest pub in the UK) the weather continued to be bleak making the decent a little nerve racking. Unfortunately, due to mistaken identity of bike gear, I lost mark at this stage. Catching the back of a group I pushed on. The pace was brisk but it helped keep me warm. Turns out they were motoring as they were only doing a short route. At the turn off there seemed to be a large number of people stopping and contemplating what to do in the weather. I later found out people had turned around as early as the Cat and Fiddle.

Making my way through Glossop I found myself recognising some of the roads which meant that Snake Pass was just round the corner! The ascent of the pass was reverse to the way I had hoped and I remember some time ago driving the pass and saying ” I never want to ride up this side”. I wasn’t to be as bad as I feared and I put my foot down and enjoyed the scenery. I really enjoy these long climbs, well as long as I’m keeping the cadence up anyway. Descending from Snake pass to Lady Bower the weather finally settled and I started to dry out. Long descents are the perfect time to eat and I munched on a Stinger bar. These things taste horrible, honey and peanut butter, but are loaded with carbs and protein.

The miles seemed to fall away and I was keeping a good pace up. In fact I thought I was going too fast at one point but I thought I’d keep going just to see how long I could keep it up. My left knee kept twinging but apart from that my legs felt good throughout. Un-cleating and stretching the legs every once in a while helped.

At 65 or so miles Winnats Pass loomed. This 25%’er goes on for around 1k and was pretty tough. Again it was one of those hills where you see people start to break and walk. This seems to spur me on more and I don’t want any climb to beat me now.

The remaining miles were mainly down hill with a couple of minor climbs. There was one further decent of note, a half mile long straight road where I managed to clock a new speed record of 55.4 mph! In the last 15 miles I joined up with a group and we motored back. I finished feeling really strong and happy with how I’d rode. I didn’t let my mind play games and affect me and now that physically I can do it. Bring on France!

Mark had had some directional and technical issues but still finished in a good time. The signs really were naff and badly positioned. Phil and Alex piled into the car park and raced each other to check in. They were determined to make it back before 4.30 and they did so. This was the first century ride for both of them, well done guys. Jon had some issues with the weather and opted to retire. I hope the next one is sunny and he manages to get a good one under his belt before the Etape.