Sunday 4th May....Lancashire Lanes Sportive organised by Vicky Thomas(Liverpool Mercury) incorporating the Ken Hill Memorial and fund raising for Marie Curie Cancer Care...78 miles.
The start this year was on the Kirby Industrial Estate, as a result some riders opted to travel there by car, while others namely Chris(I'll get you lost) Stone/Ian Bailey and Geoff(Asbo) Caton elected ride in order to complete a distance of 100 miles - which they achieved, good effort by them.
At the start time of 9.00.am. a huge number of riders were in attendance, as most of us had pre-entered we could go to the front of the queue and sign on and receive a map and gel - I think Maddy Scott had 3!
 It was really pleasing to see our club well represented with nearly all in club kit, which for an event like this is important to establish our identity as a major club. Many photographs were taken during the event of our happy bunch ( Please send them to the webmaster via webmail@southportcc.co.uk - I can not put them on the web site otherwise!!)
We tried to stay together as a club and were set off by Vicky in big groups, motor cycle Marshalls were deployed on the route. Conditions were overcast and there was always a threat of rain but thankfully it didn't materialise. Within the first few miles we passed several riders already puncture victims. The route on the website was in reverse to what was expected, as a result Dave Kenningley, Eddie Marshall and Kevin Chicken (yes that's his real name) were unable to join the ride as planned and had to catch up later. We had only been riding a few miles when Chris Stone (school teacher) led us off route, thereafter we were alert to the small directional arrows to keep the right way.
Towards Burscough, up Hunters...Appley Bridge and onwards..to the foot of Belmont, at this point we regrouped, then set off the 'grimpeurs' to ascend the climb. At this point I was overtaken by Mr & Mrs Henderson (5 times National Hill Climb Champ). No disgrace I feel, until Lou shouted that a gear cable had snapped as they pedalled up like a pair of mountain goats into the mist!!!!
The quick descent followed and onward to Brindle to welcome beans on toast and drinks. Suitably refreshed towards Leyland where yours truly had a puncture, whereupon Maddy(gel) Scott decided it would be a good idea to time me and take a photograph!! We remained as a group towards Ormskirk when Neil(gardener)Robinson punctured, which was a relief as it time for a 'comfort' stop!!! Shortly after, Dan (young superstar) Salcedo and Olly left us to ride home to Formby. At the arrival back at Kirby everyone was glad of a drink/biscuit and rewarded with a certificate. Job done - then more photos of our heroes to record the event.
All in all a good day out and well organised and to raise over £4,000 for the charity. Would also like to thank my club mates for the banter and company....which numbered 22 riders. 
Colin Baldwin. > El Presidente |
