Iron Mountain sportif (that's how the organisers spell it!)

soveda
soveda Posts: 306
edited February 2010 in Sportives/audaxes/training rides
Just a quick question, it's one of my goals this year to ride a 100 mile sportive. So far my olngest ride has been a 50 mile reliability/challenge ride.
Given that I'm on the borders of Wales there are a few tough sportives around but the Iron Mountain sportive as part of the Abergavenny festival of cycling caught my eye as there are shorter options for those of my friends/family who aren't quite as masochistic as I am!

Anyone here done the full 100, how nasty is it? Any tips for a first sportive or is this a good choice?

Comments

  • soveda
    soveda Posts: 306
    50 views and no answers? Someone must have an opinion surely!
  • roger_merriman
    roger_merriman Posts: 6,165
    born locally in nevill hall hospital from memory the shorter routes go east to the flat lands, so rolling route before retuning back to abergavenny before climbing up the Blorange and passing the tumble. on to Brynmawr and on to the passes.

    the last 50 miles is likely to hurt quite a bit.
  • oldwelshman
    oldwelshman Posts: 4,733
    The fitter you are the less nasty it will seem, same as any ride of 100 miles or so, whether flat or hilly :D
    http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll245/oldwelshman/
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK5Bfqj5fxY
  • soveda
    soveda Posts: 306
    roger merriman wrote:
    born locally in nevill hall hospital from memory the shorter routes go east to the flat lands, so rolling route before retuning back to abergavenny before climbing up the Blorange and passing the tumble. on to Brynmawr and on to the passes.

    the last 50 miles is likely to hurt quite a bit.

    That's what I thought, better get hitting the hills then!
  • richa
    richa Posts: 1,632
    Last year it was a 2-day event. I did the Saturday. Lack of numbers onn the start was disappointing (approx 75 despite 300 places). However, the first 20 miles (?) has a police escort with closed junctions which made for a fast but fun start.

    It is a 1 day (Sunday) event this year which should be better as the field will not be split. The start/finish area (rec'n ground) has a few thibngs goimg on including grass track races for the kids.

    However, the police escorted started means that the start is fast and whilst fun, only so if you can stick with this large group (50+ of 75 last year).
    Rich
  • soveda
    soveda Posts: 306
    How fast is fast?
    The first bit does look like a bit more of a pleasant meander than the rest!

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