Report: Wild Edric Sportive
Event: Wild Edric Sportive, 9th August 2009, Shropshire
Posted: 14th August 2009
In their usual understated style, KILO TO GO, described the Wild Edric cyclosportive as "hilly, very hilly in fact" However some seasoned cyclosportive enthusiasts got caught with their trousers down so to speak, not appreciating the severity of the challenge ahead. Several riders said this was the simply the toughest cyclosportive they had ever ridden. Riders who usually take 6 hours for 100 miles took 9 hours for the tortuous challenge of a rural route centring around Long Mynd, Stiperstones and The Long Mountain in Shropshire and the Marches. This now presents KILO TO GO with a slight dilemma - according to rider feedback two of KILO TO GO's rides now vi for ‘toughest cyclosportive in the UK' badge - the other being the North Cornwall Tor.
"We never set out to make Wild Edric the toughest challenge ride in the UK but, when we rode round earlier in the year we knew these tough Shropshire climbs would surprise many riders" said the organisers. Most of the descents didn't give riders too much benefit either as a lot of little twisty single-track lanes are used on this route. Although the weather was superb on the day, the bad weather over the past 2 weeks deposited grit, mud, puddles and lots of new potholes had appeared making the going even slower. Riders enjoyed dry sunny conditions with temperatures into the mid 20's. Shropshire is known (or not known!) as the secret county and the views into Wales, Cheshire and Herefordshire were a treat for everybody.
KILO TO GO already have plans in place for a slightly revised route for 2010 using more roads which are fun to descend as well as to climb. "It will still be hilly, very hilly in fact! We've got our very own Ventoux climb, shorter but steeper - The 25% Long Mynd climb was a topic of much discussion back at the Bishop's Castle HQ and we'll be keeping it in next year's route"
KILO TO GO's next cyclosportive, The Tour of the Peak, on Saturday 24th October (last day of summertime) is filling up fast with 200 riders already signed up. The route takes in the three most revered Peak District climbs of the 10 mile Cat and Fiddle, steep Winnats Pass and Holme Moss in one day. Full details at www.kilotogo.com
