Before you
know it, you stand there, on a Sunday morning half past seven, being part of
the first group on route for the Massif (62 miles) of the Mini Massif (44
miles). There is a possibility to switches routes during the ride, because the
long route will just make an extra loop around another hill, before it joins
the short route again. This first group is a mix of MTB and CX bikers, in total
about 30 riders. Officially it is not a race, but a timed ride. I have an
electronic and numbered sticker on my helmet and a number on my bar, with all
the emergency info on it. I could run into trouble today. I’m in that mood at
the moment of getting myself in trouble…
We depart
in an easy enough pace. Meanly because it is up hill from the start. The first
miles are an abandoned railroad track, I’m thinking steam trains, seeing the
old iron bridges and the stone beddings. It’s still dry weather, but the road
is pretty wet. The rain is waiting for us at the other side of the hill. Rain jackets are mandatory today. As are two spare tires, mini tools,
pumps etc. the usual stuff. And off course food and drink for the day out. Two
food stops are in place, but I think it will be tea and biscuits only. So, you better come
prepared yourself.
My
Camelback is filled, accompanied by two bidons, four energy bars and a couple
of gels. But I’m NOT carrying a
rain jacket. I got something better. I’m wearing my new Castelli Gabba, water and wind proof. It
will be invaluable during the ride today. Together with the Nano flex arm and
legwarmers and my Sealskinz socks I’m protected against the worse of the weather,
I hope.
We ride
across all possible surfaces that you can think off. Sometimes the advantage laid
with the CX riders, then again the MTB riders have the upper hand, but more
often than not, free riders have a ball on the downhills. On my CX bike it
rattles my bones, something my broken rib is not enjoying. I try to compensate
with my arms and core, but core stability is the one thing I could not
exercise, due to this injury. It’s
all hands on deck!
After 14 miles the
first climb is completed and starts a stormy descend. The wind pick up a lot on
this side of the hill and rain is coming in from the North. The sheep hide
behind the little stone wall and look at us sheepishly. Little streams cascade
down the hillside and we cross more than a one or two. The rain is a constant
drizzle and colours our little world grey.
I have to make a
decision, Massif or Mini Massif? There will be a point of no return at 30
miles. My body says it’s okay to do the Massif, but sense tells me take the
Mini and hit it hard. Not having the healthy body I need to have to do the 62
miles of the Massif, the decision is made. Min Massif it is. To keep things
interesting, I will try to use the outer ring (46T) only for the remainder of
the ride. Little less bounce little more push. Legs, bum and back will hurt,
but the rib will be safe.
Now I have only 9
sections instead of the 13 on the Massif. I enjoy myself every inch of the way.
Not an easy way, with some nasty climbs (+20%) and some heart stopping downhill
thru a forest. Rocky and wet! If I drop
of the bike it will be over and out. But I manage to stay upright and reach the
bottom safely.
The last 10km is
signalled thru a sign. All of the route is perfectly signed and with marshals
on key locations is as safe as it can be. Well done!
These last 10 km I
drive home in “high” speed. Up and down it goes. But it’s not that heavy any
more. Only one little climb, 23% up, the heaviest 30 meters of my ride! I
encounter no riders anymore, like I’m alone on this ride. That’s the advantage
of starting in the first group and a 2-3 minutes delay between the groups. No
gathering of riders anywhere. So a solo finish it will be. A warm welcome, a
goodie bag, a printed timesheet and a bike wash by the local scouts, that’s
what you get when you are one of the first riders back. But most important, a
nice shinny medal!!!
In the end, I set the
33rd time on the Mini Massif of a total of 330th riders
and I was the second rider crossing the finish line of the first group of
riders I started off that morning. 4 hours and 7 minutes, not bad considered my
current heath, the wet weather and the unfamiliar terrain.
Beautiful ride!!!
Start and Finish Keswick, Lakedistrict, UK.