Today I rode the course for the Yorkshire Dales Triathlon, a race with a long history originally organised by Harry Waugh from Dearne Valley Tri if my memory serves me right.. I think Harry (a famous character) went to live in Southern Scotland.. The event has been remapped slightly by Kudu Bikes to keep much of the old bike course but the run now climbs Shunner Fell rather than tackling Pen Y Ghent as in the old days..
The bike course is a killer with 4 big climbs including Buttertubs Pass and Garsdale Head to Dent.. the weather was mixed today and as I packed my pockest with nutrition, I remembered the last time I rode the course 12 years ago as a younger athlete with a single plan.. go hard from the start until I can't go any further..
My nutrition included a packet of jelly babies, 2 chorley cakes and a bottle of Kia Ora (I'll be your dog), a second bottle was handed up by my dad on the climb from Garsdale head.. I believe that is outside assistance and a 2 minute penalty now? So sue me..
The run headed down the road for a couple of miles before the long drag up Pen Y Ghent, followed by the bridle way descent and final tarmac of death back to Horton in Ribblesdale..
After the ride today, I quite fancy another go at the course, revisiting old territory.. Today was wet and quiet, I passed a few parked cars on the long climbs with the rain running down my cape sleeves and my glasses. I got a wiff of coffee through the partially opened windows and a glimpse of tartan travel blanket.. people peering through the glass with a 'what are you doing' look on their faces as I ploughed onwards..
perhaps if I competed this year the multiple gels and isotonic mixtures should give way to chorley cakes and Kia Ora for the purposes of remembrance.. maybe I could ride a bike which requires me to move my hands from the bars and reach for the down tube to change gear.. remember those?? Nearly sticking your fingers in the front wheel every time you wanted to change to the big ring?? How did we manage..
Here endeth theenduranceblog..
