Clifton CC

Well I head off on Friday to tackle Mont Ventoux. So best of luck to all Clifton Members who are taking part. The ones I know of Dave Cook, Alistair Swales and Willy, I'm not sure if there are others but have a good ride. Note to Dave it would be amazing if we bump into each agan after last year but if not give us a wave when you pass by beacuse I was looking at the entry list and notice your number is behind mine. Same to you Alistair. By the way Mal will be staying near to Bedoin so will be out supporting so look out for him.

Hope to be out riding again on Saturdays when I get back. Also It hink I will enter the Ryedale Rumble and Tan Hill Audax to try and get Silver in the Challenge Series.

Jonathan

Good luck to you Jon aswell as all other Cliftonites and have a good ride.

Dave

Hi Jon,

Yes I'm going to give it a go. What start number did you get? I'm something like 6726... so probably broomwagoned before I cross the start line...

My plan is to get round without melting or fainting on the climb.

Hope to see you there.

Alistair

alistairs wrote:Hi Jon,

Yes I'm going to give it a go. What start number did you get? I'm something like 6726... so probably broomwagoned before I cross the start line...

My plan is to get round without melting or fainting on the climb.

Hope to see you there.

Alistair

You will have no worries. My number is 4673 but dont worry you will pass me at some stage Im sure. If I dont see you have a good ride.

Jon

I did the Etape again this year.

After last years cold and rainy event, (Pau to Hautacam, which despite the weather, I really enjoyed) this years was sunny and hot, 33+ degrees C.

I was staying for the week at Chauteuranard near Avignon with my wife and daughter (who were my service team at Cost near Buis les Baronnies and transport to the start in Montelimar).

Up at 3.45, breakfast, up the motorway to Montelimar and in the pen for 6.30. I was number 7097 so the 7 am start for the first ones became 7.33 for me. The first 80 k's to Buis les Baronnies took in 3 cols, the first 2 of which were fairly east, the 3rd, Co d'eye was more of a challenge, then it had a superb descent to my personel service point where I got off the bike and instantly got cramp, massage from wife while replenishing my food and water and off again (no more cramp all day).

2 more cols, peaking at 996 metres, then a long descent ( fairly uninspiring straightish road) down to 250 metres before the ascent of Mont Ventoux. After a k or 2 gentle it goes steeper and stays there for about 12 km, which for me was the toughest bit, the last 6 km was hard but there was some respite at times.

I didn't have any drama at all, but I saw quite a few crashes, punctures and riders walking or sat at the side with cramp.

Really enjoyed the event which was superbly organised with the beauty of closed roads making the difference.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/9897777

How was it for you, Willy, Jon, Ali and other Cliftonites?

Well done Stacey on your 12.

Well I arrived back yesterday from France having only just conquered the Windy Mountain in the Etape. Well done Dave C and Alistair and Willy.

Like alot of others I fely preety good about my chances of a good time when I got to Bedoin but then after about 6km of climbing the legs just gave up when cramp took hold. Unable to get going again I reluctantly walked some of the climb until the cramp eased. And at least unlike many other who were strewn across the mountain having collapsed due to the heat I eventually crossed the line in 9 hrs 50 minutes after a tough but very scenic ride. And also I think I will now agree with Lance Armstrong that The Ventoux is one of the toughest climbs in France especially when you have alsready ridden 150km to get there.

Jon

Well done all! I suffered mightily for your cause as I endured the blazing sun, drinking the odd beer, watching thousands of participants pass by, 20 metres from my holiday accomodation. I spotted a York Cycleworks jersey up front with the fast men who were looking very serious and going at one helluva lick - pretty sure it was Alistair Kay who came in around 35th overall I think. Also spotted Alain Prost, ex racing driver but despite serious study no clifton jerseys.

I managed to have a quick cheer for Willy (respendent in white for the young riders jersey?) as he went by in his own inimitable style but sorry Dave, Jon, and Alistair I missed you.

As for that long descent Dave - in more leisurely circumstances it was a real goody on a sunny day for barrelling down and taking in the fantastic views - 11.5 km at 7%average and no nasty bends to worry about. Mindst you getting up to the top was hardly a barrow load of laughs, and having done that and the Ventoux one day my appreciation and admiration for you all is substantial, since you had to do three others and a lot more kilometres on top.

Chapeaux!

Well done all! I suffered mightily for your cause as I endured the blazing sun, drinking the odd beer, watching thousands of participants pass by, 20 metres from my holiday accomodation. I spotted a York Cycleworks jersey up front with the fast men who were looking very serious and going at one helluva lick - pretty sure it was Alistair Kay who came in around 35th overall I think. Also spotted Alain Prost, ex racing driver but despite serious study no clifton jerseys.

I managed to have a quick cheer for Willy (respendent in white for the young riders jersey?) as he went by in his own inimitable style but sorry Dave, Jon, and Alistair I missed you.

As for that long descent Dave - in more leisurely circumstances it was a real goody on a sunny day for barrelling down and taking in the fantastic views - 11.5 km at 7%average and no nasty bends to worry about. Mindst you getting up to the top was hardly a barrow load of laughs, and having done that and the Ventoux one day my appreciation and admiration for you all is substantial, since you had to do three others and a lot more kilometres on top.

Chapeaux!