The dry spring came to an abrupt end in the Yorkshire Dales in 15th May. The weather forecast suggested a cool day with some drizzle later. As many lycra–clad middle aged men approached the rugby club at Grassington at a ridiculously early time that morning that was what was promised. The air was crisp, the breeze was cool and the sun was shining. Many discussions around what to wear were to be heard across the rugby pitch that was acting as a temporary car park.
I opted to leave my full waterproof in the car, a decision that was to be regretted about 45 minutes later. We set off as a group of 7 riders and were down to a group of six within the first mile. Paul’s desire to set a good time was demonstrated by the unwrapping of his energy bars before a single pedal stroke had been made. His cries of “who’s coming with me?” were declined by the rest of us.
The Etape du Dales website gave warning that this was going to be no easy ride: “Please do not treat your entry lightly, remember to respect the challenge. The Etape du Dales route is an extremely difficult 112 mile ride and requires an excellent level of fitness. It takes in the major climbs in the Yorkshire Dales and that means steep and technical descents as well..”. We certainly respected the challenge that was ahead of us and watched Paul head off with a quick looking bunch. Paul completed the ride (measured as 110 miles and 3200m ascent by my Garmin) in gold medal time of 6h48mins, finishing a very respectable 22nd in a field of 810 starters (and 739 finishers). But then again, Paul knows what he’s doing which in my book is very definitely cheating.
Note: the weather conditions certainly played a factor in the times posted in this year’s event. The quickest time was 6h19mins with only 49 riders achieving a gold medal (sub 7 hour time). In 2010, 75 riders (in a much smaller field) attained Gold and the fastest time was a very impressive 5h43m.
So, back to the story of the day...
As we rolled out along a flatish section of the course, it started spitting. This was actually quite pleasant as we hit the first climb of the day, Fleet Moss as that certainly got body temperatures on the rise. However, after that, it got cooler, windier and wetter and what should have been some stunning scenery was hidden behind a blanket of cloud and mist that stayed with us for the duration.
I enjoyed the first 2 climbs and felt good at them– Fleet Moss and Buttertubs. We were rewarded by fast and relatively not-shit-scary descents. At the end of each descent we regrouped so that the group remained in tact.
Third up was Tan Hill. Al had described this as hardly noticeable but long - he had ridden it with 2 of our Marmotte gang (Gerard and Dave O) in glorious conditions a couple of weeks before. On this day it was different – very different: cold air & colder rain (further cooled by a mightily strong head wind) made the ascent to the pub at the summit a slow drudge. Looking ahead you could see strings of slow moving cyclists battling against the wind. The pub at the top played host to the first “proper” feed station. A variety of sandwiches and hot coffee was a welcome site for all of the bedraggled riders taking shelter in the barn of the pub. At this point, despite the cold, my spirits were high but for some of our group the day was not going according to plan. Cold feet and long faces were the order of the day at this point as we all regrouped .... we had only ridden about 40 miles at this point.
My low point was to come though. This happened about 30 miles later at the top of the Coal Road climb. A vicious enough climb averaging 10% over 3km with, kicking off with a 20% gradient. I have ridden this a couple of times before and it’s not easy with fresh legs. After 70 miles, it’s a different prospect again. The sight of people ahead of me clicking out of their cleats and walking made me more determined to pedal every inch of the day’s route. A friendly chat with a fellow rider took my mind off my burning thighs as we crept over the summit. However, at this point, both of my legs cramped up and each attempt to turn the pedals led to lockout. I got off my bike and stretched out my legs and as they started to feel normal again, the rest of our group summated. At this point I just wanted to get down into the valleys and into relative warmth (or less cold) so that my legs could loosen up again.
As we rolled along the summit towards the descent, we tested our brakes as we knew what was coming – a series of 5 steep switchbacks. I felt a moment of smugness as my Dura-Ace brakes did what they were supposed to (50% better braking in the wet apparently) as the other guys complained of brakes that didn’t work. As a result I was quicker down in to the valley and felt warm once again, but not warm enough to wait for those who have a more prudent financial approach to bike kit.At this point I knew that the hardest part of the ride was done and the next 40 miles between me and a hot shower were do-able (although there were still 2 big climbs to go). I decided to go it alone at this point. Confidence grew as I passed other riders looking equally bedraggled and cold and the last 40 miles were almost a pleasure.
The last 20 were fast, slightly downhill and assisted by a tail wind (at last!). I caught myself thinking that I was a proper cyclist. However, Maurice was always there reminding me that the closing miles of the Marmotte would be rather different. At the 10 miles to go sign, I asked myself whether I fancied climbing Alpe D’Huez ... you can guess the answer. But that’s still 6 weeks away and it won’t be as cold (I continue to block out the possibility of ridiculously HIGH temperatures).
Stats for the day: 110miles, 3200 metres ascent
Ride time: 8hrs, 8mins (ave speed 13.4mph, max speed 45mph)
Total time: 9hrs, 8 minutes (well, there was a fire at the pub at Tan Hill and about 15 minutes of wait time while we regrouped)
Position: 491 / 810 starters
So, how would Maurice rate the chances of success at La Marmotte? With this ride under my belt in horrid weather condition and 6 weeks to go I will bravely move it up to “Feelin’ Good” status .... it may be the only time! My target of peddling every inch of La Marmotte and keeping my chip to the end now seems a reality (although definitely not a foregone conclusion).
