RichardRides10014_07_12

Richard Rides "100" in the MDTTA Event on 14 July 2012

Richard Cary was Southport's only representative in the Manchester and District Time Trial Association 100. An event reinstated this year, run on two circuits between Cranage and Byley before starting 4 circuits of the notoriously rough and undulating Jodrell Bank circuit. With several lumps and bumps every lap care would be needed to survive the second 50 miles. Just for good measure it rained heavily for about an hour in the middle of the event, and the wind picked up just to make sure the stuffing was knocked out of anyone who was weakening.

I was rather nervous about my first 100-mile event for a little over 25 years - it may as well have been my first ever. However, pace judgment is obviously the key for events of this distance - I went through the first, flatter 50 miles in 2:12 and that felt rather nice, but I knew I'd slip back from that pace with the hills of 'Joddy'. I ended with 4:41:42. Getting off the bike was interesting - my back locked in spasm. Other lessons learnt - getting food and drink on board is difficult after about 2 1/2 hours as the digestive system goes to pot.

The event, for a 100 held these days, was quite popular with a field of 68 assembled, with some quality at the sharp end. Just 2 riders broke the 4-hour barrier, alluding to the toughness of the course, but incredibly Charles Taylor (South Pennine Road Club ) clocked 3:46:01 and was some 13 minutes clear of the next man home.

Former Southport CC rider, Matt Burdekin, had the misfortunate to crash and break his collarbone at the busy Chelford Island, having completed around 82 miles, so he'll be out of action for a wee while.

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