Cheshire's Premier Sportive

Summary

The iconic Cheshire Cat is said to be one of the best sportives in the North West. Great routes, fantastic feed stations and the classic Mow Cop (Killer mile) - this is an event not to be missed! The routes wind their way through the quiet Cheshire lanes, giving you plenty of opportunity to warm up your legs before hitting the main climbs at 25 miles in. One of which is the killer mile - Mop Cow! It is one of the 100 toughest climbs in the UK, averaging almost 28% gradient towards the end. The last 63 miles continue through the Cheshire countryside and forested area of Delamere forest, before returning to Crewe Alexandra Football Club for a well-deserved beer and burger!

The Ride

I was staying at the Waverley Hotel, which was about 500 metres from the start of the Sportive. Although, I still missed my starting time, as I was struggling to fasten my number to my bike. Typical! I eventually set off with the 7.30 group. It was a clear but brisk morning and as I looked around to see my competition. I noticed everyone was on their lighter, faster, more expensive summer bikes. I was still riding my heavier, slower, cheaper winter bike!

Meanwhile, whilst I began riding, I latched onto a group of riders that were going quite hard far too early on. Why were they going so hard now? Obviously over excited, or maybe I was finding it difficult because I was on my heavier bike. I soon backed off and rode at a pace that felt comfortable. Besides, I caught them back up once I was on the climbs. That’s the thing with me. Heavier riders catch me on the flat and down hills, but once it goes uphill, I catch them. It has its advantages and disadvantages.

Looking at the route on paper, I didn’t think it would be so hilly coming from Yorkshire. Mainly because the last half of the route seemed almost downhill. After 25 miles of glorious quiet lanes, the road ramped up. I had seriously misjudged this. I had to pace myself. The first hill was the infamous, leg sapping, lung burster of a climb ‘Mow Cop’. The first hill too! Mow Cop is known as the killer mile, and for good reason. It’s a rather steep section of road towards the end of a one-mile climb and adds a 28% gradient at the very point you least want it. People were getting off and pushing their bikes! I remember seeing the last part of the climb and thinking, “Are you joking?”

Meanwhile, as I crawled myself over the last part of the climb - legs screaming and lungs burning. I had to continue pushing, trying to flush out the lactate from my legs. The views at the top were amazing! I stopped to take a quick photograph before descending to the first feed station. Afterwards, nothing seemed as hard as what I had just faced.

I decided to skip the first feed station. The terrain zapped the strength out of my legs. It was constantly changing. It seemed to be never ending. I didn’t expect it to be so lumpy. Eventually, I arrived on the flatter section and I could see three riders coming up behind me fast. I had to try and sat on their wheel. We were averaging around 28mph! The time flew by and before I knew it; we had arrived at the second feed station. I needed to refuel before the last section of the route. I knew it would be flat, but what I didn’t realise, was the headwind in which it would entail. It was brutal. It was every man for himself by this point. I was well and truly suffering towards the end. I can’t really remember much of the last half either. Apart from Delamere Forest, that was great. Also how shocking the road surface was throughout.

Whilst the finish became increasingly closer, it started to really hurt. Time blurred into one. All I could do was focus on finishing. Eventually, I rolled into the finish in a respectable 6 hours. I was exhausted, but proud of the achievement.

Next time I’ll bring a lighter bike.

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