Well organised, friendly sportive along some quiet roads with good food, good signposting – and atrocious weather!
This sportive includes some optional off-road sections (hence the “Roubaix” in the name – the professional Paris Roubaix race incorporates cobbled tracks) but I didn’t attempt these. The only non-tarmac bit for me was a cycle path, a foot/cycle bridge and a gravel track – but even that was too much for me as I fell off on a steep turn.
Managed to stay upright for the rest of the day despite the weather’s attempts. Roughly, the first 25 miles was ok – some very slight drizzle but also some sun, the next 25 saw very heavy rain which we then rode out of onto dry roads for the next 25. That lulled me into a false sense of security and, having signed up for 100 miles, was determined to continue with that rather than taking a short cut back to the finish (and wouldn’t have been alone in doing that). Of course, the heavens opened again, though not quite as much as before!
It made for a challenging ride – but that’s the whole point! Quiet roads, good signposting, proper food (wide choice of sandwich, crisps, fruit, flapjack – some homemade), friendly riders, even considerate car drivers all contributed to good day though cold fingers found it hard to get the bikes onto the car at the end. Rode with Mark McAllister though he’s too strong for me (especially at this distance when I ride to my heart rate and try to avoid over-cooking anything) so often saw him disappearing into the distance to then meet up again later at a food stop.
