A group of Guvnor riders met up at Trentham Gardens today to ride the 49.71 mile challenge sportive. A taste of the attention we would receive during the day began as the marshals ensured we started at the front of our group, I assume it was due to the Guvnors and abundance of tweed rather than the stunning good looks amongst our party.
The first forty or so miles were pleasant enough, then the rain started at first a gentle drizzle and then a little heavier. This is of course the worst possible time to hear a fellow cyclist say “One of your chaps has missed the junction and carried straight on” fortunately our man realised by the lack of bikes he had missed a turning before we had travelled too far in pursuit.
After the second feed station then drizzle turned into full blown rain, with wool cycle jerseys slowly dropping below our knees we set off for the final leg home, and then three miles to go the rain stopped, spirits rose and we gathered up for our triumphant crossing of the finish line.
The attention the bikes and riders receive is quiet surprising with questions and photographs from Carbon Fibre Super Cyclist to octogenarians talking about “Proper British” bikes.
More photographs here Giro d’Stokio ‘n Trentino Tour Ride September 2011
As a final note the ride is actually a charity ride to raise money for research into finding a cure for Prostate cancer Martin has set a sponsorship site up here I’m sure he would appreciate it if you popped over and gave him a few bob Prostate Cancer Charity
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