A welcoming club on the North West of Edinburgh
Kinross Sportive
By CoachKev | Published | No Comments
Colin gives us his update on Kinross……………..
The weather gods were smiling on us, with snow and rain the days before and rain and wind forecast for the following day.
The Kinross Sportive offers 3 routes, an 87 mile black, 68 red and 44 blue, although the most notable difference being the black route hosting 5 additional climbs.
Parking was at a premium at the high school and following the compulsory uturn we were directed to Gallowhill Farm campsite where we were met by the manager who opened the site toilets, giving access to the most essential of pre-event routines.
Registration and the start was an easy and relaxed affair. Although, as you join the end of the queue and wait your turn to be set off In groups of around 20 at 2 minute intervals, there is a risk of getting cold or wet, dependent on weather conditions. Fortunately the sun was out and made the 20 minute wait an opportunity to have some food and chat to fellow E#3ers Susan, Will, Roy, Dave and Kev to discuss tactics and route choice.
The start sent us off round Loch Leven with the snow capped peaks glistening all around and a very gentle wind to help us on our way. The first climb comes around 10 miles in and just prior to it a group of fluorescent orange clad racers nipped past, jumping onto their tails seemed like too good an opportunity to miss and worked for a mile until the first hill! The mixed groups being sent out 2 minutes apart meant there was always someone to chase down or try to keep pace with, just remember to admire the panoramic views after the effort to get yourself there. The climb eventually takes you above Falkland with a very fast descent into the village, the two layers and my gilet proving a great combination.
After wiggling through Falkland and Newton Falkland the fluorescent orange train appeared at the side of the road, possibly held up by a puncture and were just setting off again as I “whizzed” past. The 10 minutes it took them to catch me gave me the confidence to hop onto their back wheels and meant I enjoyed a 10-12 mile tow at an estimated 25mph (calculated using the sun position and counting lampposts I passed, must invest in a Garmin) all the way into the first feed station at Newburgh (about 30 miles)
The feed station was stocked with an array of cakes, chocolate, donuts and water to top up bottles. Tempted by a custard donut I kept a careful eye on the orange team while scoffing it thinking I would get out before them and maybe hitch a ride again as they passed me, they didn’t look they were going anywhere so a second visit to the doughnut stall was required, big mistake! The orange team made a move as I was half way through my doughnut and I couldn’t eat it fast enough and get my gloves on in time, they were only 30 seconds ahead but my chance was gone. Kev, where in the tri coaching manuals does it say never eat 2 doughnuts?
As it turned out, 3 miles on I caught up with an ex work colleague recognisable by his Porto Velo apparel and we cycled the rest of the route together at a very similar pace, good company and excellent motivation. We soon approached the first black/red route split, the black noticeably heading up hill. The next few miles were quiet rolling hills through scenic farming land with the next feed station in the lovely village of Dunning at 46 miles (I asked someone). No doughnuts but a couple of sausage rolls and another top up of water in preparation for the second big climb of the day, Dave also appeared from the black route looking fresh as a daisy, so a quick catch up on how things were going was required. In contrast Will appeared just as we were setting out looking a little bewildered and suffering from his night out and double chip shop stop in the early hours of the Saturday morning.
The Dunning climb starts right from the village, I tried to avoid the turn off, unfortunately someone had a Garmin and corrected us and we were off. Remember to smile for the photographer as you leave the village and pass the timing van, select the granny ring and start spinning, 5.something kilometres up an alpine style climb…spectacular and remember to take in the view over your shoulder. As I approached the top timing station heart rate was fine, I know this as I was only breathing through my mouth and not anywhere else (who needs a Garmin), my cycling chum had blasted it and was waiting at the top for me, the reward for the efforts was a gentle drop all the way down to Glen Devon and the Yetts O Muckhart in the big ring, having the gilet on was paying dividends again.
Once at the bottom the second black/red split appeared before us, left to take the direct route back to Kinross for us and an excellent flat race home, the good news was we were still catching and passing people so our pace was good helped by a little tailwind….phew!
Kinross soon loomed on the horizon giving a real boost and a push to the finish line. Finishing meant propping the bike against the school wall (always between more expensive bikes than mine) and going into the dining hall collecting your free meal voucher, mug and chip time en-route.
The Kinross Sportive was thoroughly enjoyable and raises money for CHAS, I could have done the black route, however to enjoy it I would have needed to train a little more.
Thinking about doing a Sportive? My training involved a daily commute of 8 miles return, the Monday night spin at Ainslie Park and around 15 weekend training rides starting in December with E#3, ERC and solo, ranging from 20-60 miles.
Next up the Peebles Sprint Triathlon.
For a slightly different take on it Kev’s is here http://www.finding4percent.com/dealing-with-failure/
