English
Last week, just 3 days before the Verenti Dragon Ride, the long awaited Rhigos 1’s arrived at Wiggle HQ. To say that I was excited at the prospect of riding one of these fantastic machines in my favourite sportive was an understatement.
I had arranged to meet up with the Wiggle guys at the Verenti stand at the start village less than 16 hours before the start of the ride. So I set off for Wales from my house on the edge of the New Forest on Saturday lunchtime full of anticipation.
My first Dragon Ride was in 2007 and I have started every ride since. However last years event counts as my worst day ever at a Sportive. I should point out that this had nothing to do with the event or the wonderful organisation, but is entirely down to the fact that a mechanical issue with my bike forced me out of the event at the 9 mile mark, where I had to wait and watch most of the rest of the field pass waiting for the broom wagon to collect me (at least it was a nice day) This year was going to be different. This year I had the full support of Wiggle and a gleaming new Rhigos 1.
The Dragon Ride doesn’t get voted the country’s number 1 for nothing. There’s a real feel good feeling to the event. The weather forecast was unclear. The advice published was to bring waterproofs and sun cream. At the temporary Verenti HQ in a converted barn about 10 miles from Pencoed the excitement was beginning to mount. 2 tweaked Rhigos 3’s were eventually joined by my Rhigos 1, hand delivered by Wiggle’s very own Paul Bolwell. I attached some personal touches and I was ready for 190km’s in the Welsh hills.
Grey skies greeted us on Sunday morning, but they weren’t to last. By the time I lined up alongside Matt Page and Wiggle CEO Humphrey Cobald streaks of blue sky were already beginning to show. Matt, fresh from his national 24 hour MTB victory, looked all set to do the Verenti a lot more justice than I would. At 08:00 we were on our way.
I felt instantly comfortable on the Rhigos 1. This is no real shock as I have been riding the same frame for 3 months on the Rhigos 3, but the upgraded components that include a 3T finishing kit, Mavic Ksyrium wheels and full SRAM Red gives the Rhigos 1 that top end feel that make all the difference with 190km to travel.
I was soon climbing the Bwlch mountain for the first time. I realised that I hadn’t done enough hill training. This was a different experience and plenty of stronger riders began to pass me (never mind though, at least they were getting a good look at the bike). By the time I reached the first feed station I was in need of replenishment. I had at least achieved one goal though. I had ridden my Rhigos up the Rhigos (the bike takes it’s name from the challenging climb).
At the bottom of the Rhigos it’s decision time. Left for the Medio or right for the 190km Grand Fondo. Humphrey and I chose the latter and were soon among a group of similar standard riders chewing up the miles as we entered into the Brecon National Park. The stunning scenery was serving to numb the pain a little as we approached half way. At the next feed station we were caught by, Team Wiggle rider, Ben Simmons on his way to the fastest time of the day.
We soon rejoined the medio course and were part of a 20 rider group riding through and off, at a good pace, towards the next climb at Cimla. After a short stop at the last feed station we ascended the Bwlch for a second time. This is the longest climb of the route and with 85 miles already in the legs it’s a real killer. I was glad to see the summit, but we still had 20 miles left. One last effort into a cruel headwind in the last 10km and the finishing banners came into view.
190km with over 3000m of climbing is a great challenge. The weather was kind to us (except for the strong head wind in places). It felt great to have completed the challenge. Next year’s goal is to try to get a little closer to Ben.
