The hardened Sportive or first time sportive rider will find the Southern Sportive an awesome challenge, the classic course takes in some serious hill climbs however complimented by rolling back roads and views out along the south coast.

Here is Wiggle’s very own Richard Pearman’s account of his ride during the Southern Sportive Event 14th September 2008.

“Crickey, what’s that noise” I said to myself as I slowly opened my eyes. Turning to hit the alarm clock I then remembered setting it about 6 hours ago and as I punched the top of the alarm clock to switch it off, I started to remember why I set it in the first place. It was now the morning of the Southern Sportive and I recall saying to my fellow colleagues at work that I would cycle to the start. What a silly comment to make as I didn’t take into account what the weather would be like and also that I would be getting up so god-damn early on a Sunday morning. Being a racing roadie cyclist I’m far more use to getting up around 8.00 am ish, then driving to the HQ, with the race starting at a more favourable time, but as I had said I would cycle out I always like to be true to my word, so cycle out I did.

Luckily for me I had the right idea to check my bike over during Saturday and also had the brains to pack my bag as this would give me at least another 15 minutes or so extra in bed in the morning. Well those 15 minutes passed by ever so quickly and it was now time to get up and out of bed. After having a quick visit to the bathroom, followed by a slice of toast, I got dressed, and said goodbye to my lady, who was still tucked up in bed. I then opened our front door and set off on my 10 mile journey to Petersfield. When I woke up I did take a quick look outside and thought “Damn it’s foggy”, but luckily for me it had disappeared by the time I set off. I had my rucksack on, which Amy thankfully replaced for me as my other one was broken and I was also wearing my warm dhb winter jacket which kept me warm and cosy as I cycled past all the houses with closed curtains.

The cycle to Petersfield was going well until I reached Lovedean, as by this point the fog, which was hanging around in Denmead, had not lifted here. I had no lights on my bike which was worrying me because I was running slightly late so had to use the A3 to bypass the lanes which would have taken me further out of my way. As you descend onto the A3 there is a cycle path, but it stops as you pass the slip road into the Queen Elizabeth Country Park. The stretch I feared the most was only about ½ mile long, but in foggy conditions and no rear light to warn other SAFE DRIVERS!!! that I was there, I cycled in Time Trial mode until the slip road to Petersfiled. Well I made it and soon arrived at the registration only to find hundreds of other cyclists queuing to sign on and collect their number. Again, on Saturday my partner and I went shopping in Petersfield and also I used this time to sign on saving all the time and effort the next morning. Once at the HQ I took off my rucksack, got changed into a new set of clothes, packed my pockets with the usual stuff cyclists take, ie pump, inner tubes, food bars, gel bars, and of course the mobile phone, and went to line up with the next group.

I did plan to cycle with the 8.00 am group, but as I was running a bit late I missed this group and also my riding partner. My fault, so lesson learnt – don’t take those extra 15 minutes in bed, but get up and out the door quickly. I decided to start with the next group which was 8.10 am. I took a good look around and didn’t notice anyone I knew, so once I had my tag inserted into this box thingy I was on my way and started to chase the group who had started 10 minutes before this group (see first video clip). It was not long before I was passing lots of riders, most of whom were just enjoying their own ride. Some riders jumped onto my wheel, but after a few miles I was on my own belting along towards Buriton. The early fog had now lifted, but it left damp roads which on corners if taken fast could have caused a bike to slide so I aired on the side of caution on all the bends until the weather warmed up. The first climb was Buriton, which was fine for me, but not so for many others who I passed. As I was cycling past them I did think to myself “why are so many riders over-gearing themselves and struggling unnecessarily” when they really do not need to. Anyhow, I was still on the chase for my team mate and club riders (i-team.cc). As I entered Finchdean I did pass two club mates, but decided not to stop as they were having fun on their own fixing a puncture and three is always a crowd.

The next climb of the day was at Uppark, near Harting. The descent into Harting was fast and soon after it was almost time for me to stop my ride. An early morning resident of Harting probably collecting his early morning paper, which was going to take him all day to read, decided not to use the Green Cross Code and look both ways when crossing the road. After screaming at him and taking avoiding action I, and others, who had stayed on my wheel, just missed him. Looking back he looked none the wiser and I thought to myself he probably was sleep walking. Nevertheless our group ploughed on until we reached Down’s Place, which was a tough climb. Riding up this hill brought back memories, as years ago, this was once a hill climb and I came second and won some tubs and cash. Once over the top my group had disappeared behind me so I carried on until the first feed zone.

Now, I could go on to explain every mile on the road, as well as every climb, together with all the riders I passed, some did pass me by the way, but this page would be scrolling down the screen for a long time and frankly you would get bored so here are a few highlights.

• Caught up and passed more members of i-team.cc.
• Got into a fast moving group, but it had plenty of wobbly riders in it so I stayed well clear of them!
• Ripped this group up on one of the climbs, breaking it up a bit.
• Bumped into loads of fellow roadies out for a spin with partners and friends.
• Stopped at all feed zones to replenish my stock.
• Met up with a group containing three guys from Basildon. All three were strong as an ox on the flat,
not so fast on the climbs, but great guys.
• Got a lovely tan as the weather was great.
• Bumped into more i-team riders at the third feed zone.
• Had a burn up, two-up time trial from West Meon to East Meon with a chap from Roadcycling.co.uk.
• Entering Petersfield knowing the finish is just a couple of miles away – what a lovely feeling that is.

Now with every ride you always have some bad points about the ride and here are mine.

• Missing my original start time.
• Having a bad patch soon after feed zone three.
• Being dropped by Mr Roadcycling.co.uk – unbelievable and shame on me!
• Getting stopped by traffic lights as we were almost at the end of the ride.
• Queuing up to receive my time, cup of tea, slice of cake, and a well deserved pat on the back
from the organisers. Nice, but at that point I just wanted to sit down and rest.
• Not catching the guy I wanted to start with in the first place – his name is Dave Sinclair -
he’s an excellent rider who did the whole 96 miles in just 5 hours and 4 minutes.

I have to say that the event is very well organised and I really appreciated that you could sign on the day before saving all the hassle on the day of the event. Personally, I thought £25.00 was a bit steep (as well as Duncton and Marden) even though the same group are organising another one on the 12th October which is priced at £17.00. Could be wrong on that, but I sent my entry to the same address.

One thing I wished I had done on the day was to stop and say “hi” to Harvey’s wife as she was watching the event at their front gate waiting for her man, and Greg, to pass by. I believe she had a load of sandwiches at the ready which would have been really nice to eat as you can only stomach so many energy gels in one day.

Will I do this event next year? – Yes.
Will I cycle out again? Maybe – it all depends on the weather.

Well here are my times as per the sheet you are given whilst queuing:

OVERALL – 5.28.52 – Gold target achieved.
Check point one arrived at – 1.23.14 – Time taken to that check point – 1.23.14
Check point two arrived at – 2.42.40 – Time taken to that check point – 1.19.26
Check point three arrived at – 4.11.45 – Time taken to that check point – 1.29.05
From Check point three to the finish – 1.17.07

PS I didn’t cycle back home as I said I would do. I rang my partner Nikki and she came and collected me and took me home. I ate like a horse as soon as I sat down, had a two hour power-nap, then relaxed for the rest of the day. I had a great day and would recommend riding this and other events like this. Hope you enjoyed the read.

Rich (Wiggle employee)

 

 

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