Saturday 2nd March - the Season Opener - Rossendale Hilly
A delightful circuit of 10.2 lumpy, technical miles.
The event starts in the very pretty village of Bolton-by-Bowland, and just 200m from the start the road kicks up steeply and climbs for the next 2.5 miles. A fast descent then a sharp left followed by more twists, and rises before a sharp, small chainring climb  at about the half-way mark. The route then chases back on undulating but relatively fast roads to Forest Beck and a tight bridge to be negotiated, quickly followed by another little ring climb. The road then runs flat and slightly downhill, another sharp left and the final 200m wind-up for the finish.
A cracking little course, reflected in popularity by over 90 entrants this year (which is pretty big by open event standards).
Southport CC were represented by Alfie Shaw and Richard Cary. Followers of FaceBook and Twitter will not have escaped the miles and work that Alfie has been putting in over the winter, and this was rewarded with a fine 33:06. I've been somewhat more lazy and slipped back on last year's ride to finish with 31:19.
Race winners, in joint first place were Warren Gell (of the CoverYourCar.com squad) and Craig Battersby  (Team LeapFrog) with 25:22.
Selection of pics taken by mobile phone, so please excuse the poor quality.
Richard Cary 03/03/2013 |
