Up at 5:00am, out the door by 5:40am and off up the M5 to Worcestershire, dozing in the car as hubby played taxi driver.  After a minor detour (ok, so the google maps instructions didn’t work…) we arrived in Bradley Green pretty much at the time planned. Although we’d been warned that parking might be a problem…it wasn’t, there was a space in a lay-by with our name on it (metaphorically speaking).  We unstrapped the bike, loaded it (and me) up, and walked down to HQ at the Village Hall.   I got my number – 157 – sorted myself out, announced my departure to the timing lass, and that it was it – I hit the road at about 8:00am, leaving hubby and mob to their own devices.

It was decidedly nippy to start with.  Nice and dry though with not too much wind. I pottered along by myself for the first hour, getting warmed up, admiring the hazy early morning scenery.   I didn’t think I was going that fast, but did that first hour in 16.9mph, which was weird, and is also I think a first for me.

The second hour included the big hill of the day – Saintbury Hill. I’m glad I’d read the recce report as it meant I knew just what to expect. I got into a rhythm and plodded my way up – I even over took a few folk (wow!).   It was a long long hill…with the obligatory photographer 3/4 of the way up to catch you looking your best…Not!   At the top was the feed station, c.20 miles in, but I didn’t stop as I’d brought what I needed with me, and didn’t feel the need of a break then.   Then followed a long fast down, down Fish Hill which, as it occurred to me half way down, I think I’ve done as part of the Circuit of the Cotswolds last year. It was certainly familiar…  Shortly after that the sun came out too, which always makes cycling more fun.  (The hill brought me down to a 15.7mph average though…).

The third hour saw me chat to a few folk, pass some, and pick up a partner to cycle with – a nice older chap called Edward from Chard who, as I passed him, was (at the time) struggling, and was really pleased to have a wheel to follow.  As it turns out, we were a pretty good match, and cycled the rest of the way together – probably faster than either of us would have done individually.  Having a chat made the time pass faster too!

The third and fourth hours were rolling hills, with the odd steeper bit, in the sunshine, and pretty enjoyable. Just towards the end we picked up another couple who had been in front and then behind us earlier, and we chatted our way back to HQ, where the Mad March Hare himself clapped us in.

Cycling time: 4:10:41
Distance: 66.491 miles
Avs: 15.9 mph
ODO: 8759.3 miles

So, that was the Mad March Hare. I’m really pleased with my average speed. I did feel like I was pushing it, but I also felt like I was capable of doing so, and I guess I was because I made it.  I’m also impressed that I passed some people – rather than just the other way ’round.

It was a great value sportive – and I hope they run it again next year – I’m not sure how some of the bigger events justify their entry fee if you can get something this good for so much less – congrats all ’round!  The bacon butty back at HQ was proper lovely – and I’d earnt it! 🙂