A friend of mine runs two trips to the Alps based on a 3 day cyclo-sportive. He has had some good reviews from the cycling fraternity here is a link to a cycling weekly review.
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/routes/overseas/345490/tour-des-cols-cyclo-sportive.html
If you fancy something a little bit different and not so crowded as the Marmotte or Le Etape give it a go.
I can recommend it, the organisation is second to none and support first class.
http://www.tourdescols.com/
Brass Monkeys Rd 2
Ash Ranges, Ash Vale - 28th Dec 2009
THE ICY ONE!
After the rain soaked course of the first round it was hoped that the aptly named “Christmas Cracker” would be a little drier.
Monday 28th December dawned bright and sunny, with a temperature to match. On the way to the race the temperature gauge in the car struggled to reach above freezing, but the bright sunshine made it feel warmer. On reaching the arena that thought was quickly dispelled on leaving the car, so leg and arm warmers were quickly added along with winter gloves.
Monday 28th December dawned bright and sunny, with a temperature to match. On the way to the race the temperature gauge in the car struggled to reach above freezing, but the bright sunshine made it feel warmer. On reaching the arena that thought was quickly dispelled on leaving the car, so leg and arm warmers were quickly added along with winter gloves.
As with round one, the fields for all the various categories were virtually full, but this time around no entries were accepted on the day, which made registration much quicker.
Just after 10.30 the 4hr field set off on a very interesting looking, if still frozen course around the normally closed firing ranges at Ash.
Southdowns Bikes were again represented by Andy Goodyer, Alex Davey, John Davies and new recruit James D’Arcy. Although the course quickly headed up a really steep section which had most riders off the bike, it proved to be a great layout with some nice singletrack sections and plenty of open tracks giving passing room. James took great advantage of this and was leading in the 40+ cat until he punctured at the end of lap three and was forced to retire with a huge split in his rear tyre. That left just three riders to continue, Alex riding well but not his usual self (possible wrong bike choice), John was riding well and Andy riding out of his skin(as usual). The field was thinning out and the guys yo-yoed up and down the field a few positions before timing their rides just right to pass the finish line before the 4 hr cut-off to squeeze in another lap, Andy by just 90 secs.
Another great day out for the team and they are all looking forward to the final round at Tweseldown on the 31st January 2010.If you have nothing planned for the 31st and would like to take part or support the team, just log on to the website below for details of the venue.
Many thanks to Matt Knight and Amanda D'Arcy for the photos and their encouragement out on the course and our pit team of Tim(Team Manager) and his brother in law.
We look forward to seeing if Andy can get onto the podium in the Series rankings after the Round 3.
Results
Alex Davey 40th - 7 laps in 4hrs 20 mins - 4hr Male
Andy Goodyer 8th - 8 laps in 4hrs 37 mins - 4hr Male 40+
John Davies 21st - 7 laps in 4hrs 25 mins - 4hr Male 40+
James D'Arcy 63rd - 2 laps in 52 mins - 4hr Male 40+
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