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Sportive Focus: Little Lumpy 2015

Sportive Focus: Little Lumpy 2015

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If you are riding a sportive for the first time and don’t know the course or area, some first-hand knowledge can be priceless. In this new series, we talk to riders ahead of British Cycling Registered Sportives to find out the tips you need and the pitfalls to avoid. We will also point you to relevant articles on the site that will help you make the most of your ride. This time we tackle the scenic lanes and testing climbs of the South Downs and the Little Lumpy.

Name of event: Little Lumpy

Date of event: 17th May 2015

Distances/climb:

Sport               38 mile / 1970 ft climbing (61 km / 600 m)

Challenge         59 miles / 4073 ft climbing (95 km / 1241 m)

Epic                100 miles / 7320 ft climbing (161 km / 2231 m)

Name of rider: Brian Stevenson

Age: 61

Club: n/a

Cycling background/experience: I used to cycle a lot when younger and then when I had two boys, we cycled together. My work then took me overseas and I stopped cycling. I took it up again in 2009, and haven’t looked back since, now typically managing about 3000 miles a year.

2014 finishing time: 2 hours 44mins (Sport)

What attracted you to the event?

It is local to me, I live in Haslemere where it starts and finishes. I cycle sections of the route fairly regularly but don’t tend to tackle all of its climbs in one ride.

How easy was the event HQ to find, what facilities were there and was it easy to park?

It is situated at the Woolmer Hill Sports Association Club House, with access from the A3 making it easy to find, and there is plenty of parking. In the club house you can get some tea and coffee before the ride and there is food available too.

Was the route easy to navigate, well-marked and did you have any navigation issues?

It was well marshalled and way-marked. There are obviously three different length route options, so you have to ensure you know which route you are following and take the correct turns.

Did you feel safe at all times during the ride, are there any potential hazards that you feel other riders should be aware of?

It is well marked and you get good warnings when you are coming up to junctions. A lot of the route is on minor roads, so you generally feel very safe. It is also relatively early on a Sunday morning so the traffic is nice and light too.

Were the food stations good and what was on offer?

On the shorter ride there is one feed station, the medium route there are two and the long one three. Most of the food is home baked, so plenty of nice flapjacks and cakes. There are also gels and sports drinks available.

What were the key climbs of the ride and how did you find them?

I would say there are three tough climbs. The worst of the three is the one that comes near the end of the rides, Blackdown Hill. It has sections that are 15-20% gradient and it is really testing. The next is the North Face of Harting Down which takes you up and over the South Downs, another tough one. The final sting in the tail is Woolmer Hill in the last mile, not long but fairly steep, leave a bit in the tank for it. I had done some practicing on Blackdown, which definitely helped me on the hills but, as this year I am stepping up to the Challenge Route, I will have to do some more hill training.

Did you make any modifications to your bike for the ride?

I have got a couple of bikes and I picked the one with the lowest gearing for the ride. Blackdown is a tough hill and, if you are not used to the hills and distance, you will definitely be thankful of low gears.

What other kit and clothing did you carry, were you missing anything?

I carried all the usual kit and tools I would normally on a ride and was lucky enough not to get any punctures last year. The forecast was good so I didn’t need to take a waterproof.

Had you done enough training, is there anything you would have done differently in your preparation?

Last year I did pretty well on the training front, but this year I have got a bit of catching up to do before the event.

What facilities were there at the finish?

It is the same as at the start so there is tea, coffee and a good selection of food on sale. There are also changing facilities and showers.

Are there any changes that you feel would improve the event?

I felt it would be good to have an additional feed station for the medium and the long routes, and this year the organisers have introduced just that for each of the three routes, with an additional feeding station just before the Blackdown climb. I would suggest carrying a couple of your own gels in case you need them as well. If you are young and want to ride hard and not to stop too much, you probably won’t need the extra feed station, but if you are like me, a bit older and you like to stop and stock up on energy, it is good to have the option.

Would you do it again?

Yes and I am. I have signed up for the Challenge distance route this year with a team of friends to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action.

Tips for completing the Little Lumpy Sportive:

With some testing climbs on all of the routes it is essential that you have put in some hill work in training and, as Brian points out, have given some consideration to your gearing. Although the event was blessed with good weather in 2014, be prepared for riding in mixed spring conditions and carry appropriate kit. The feed stations sound excellent but Brian’s advice to pack a couple of your own gels as standbys is sensible You should have practiced your fuelling strategy in training and have an idea of the pace you will ride at. Work out roughly when you will hit the feed stations and make sure you carry enough of your own food to fill in the gaps. With a couple of climbs near the end, pacing will be key and, on any flatter sections, good group riding skills will save you energy. Finally, Brian’s comment about making sure you follow the right way-markings sounds obvious but is a common sportive mistake. Make sure you attend the ride briefing and know which signs apply to the distance route you are riding.

If you enjoyed the Little Lumpy or want to experience more of the riding that the South Downs has to offer, check out these events.

Surrey Sportive 28th June 2015

Choose either the 115 km or 63 km route through the Surrey Hills and Hampshire countryside.

Surrey Sportive 2 16th August 2015

Three distances through West Sussex and Surrey including the ascent of the infamous Leith Hill.

GSD Giant 2015  6th September 2015

Three distances that include the option to circumnavigate the South Downs National Park.

Did you ride a British Cycling Registered Sportive and would like to pass on your advice and experience? Drop us a line letting us know the events you rode and we will get in touch.