A very hilly Sportive - the bay dash

Wirral Mamils entered the bay dash sportive on Sunday. 62 miles of Cumbrian hell on a warm day ensured the cycling tan began to take hold, so no swimming until it fades again. The sportive takes riders around some stunning countryside and quaint Cumbrian Villages. Merge that with some of the steepest hills nature can create without defying the laws of gravity; including a 23% descent around hairpin bends on a road suitable for cyclocross. Mix into this good company including people we met on the road, a puncture, no wind, warm weather and, for me, the new orbea, and a level stretch paced at 25 mph and it was a great experience.
That said, we did find a few faults with the organisation, stops in the wrong places-just before a climb frustrates, no drinks at the end, though they did have a stall nearby. Overall a typical mamil day, amused by the fact our bikes cost more than any of our cars, the thought that we could now keep up with any professional rider and trying to convince each other our legs don't hurt and we could have done another 25, kidding no-one but we won't challenge each other.
Next is the Wirral bikeathon, then the hope 100, a real challenge. After that who knows...up for suggestions



Cycling weekly recently ran a survey to find the average cyclist of 2011. It's always interesting to see how you fit into the statistics of your favourite hobby but ultimately - it doesn't matter as long as you enjoy it. I intend to keep going until I'm way beyond average (I have to I just bought a new bike, more on it later).
Anyway some fun facts

84% MALE - Me
41yrs 4 months used to be me
height 5ft 10 nearly me
waist 33.3" - part of my waist is
Average spend on bikes £1,070 a year Ha- every two months maybe
number of bikes 2-3 I have 6 of my own, don't know why but need another one
Weight 12-5lbs no comment
Time riding 15 years - not even close
hours riding per week 8 - about right
50% have raced - me too
miles per week 105 - I do a fair few more
Only half have ridden a sportive, I've done two and a few more booked
81% use energy drinks quite right
70% have a turbo trainer but 10% don't use it - I love them and have two
57% have a heart rate monitor, I wouldn't move without one

other than that hardly any one is happy with their weight and time trial times for the 10 vary between 19-19 and 50-12 so give it a go.

There we go, the average cyclist, wonder if we can find one or do we all sit outside average? I hope so.... Ignore the stats and happy cycling