This Sunday (30th June) we completed the Greater
Manchester Cycle again. That could be
the end of the blog but for the fact there was a slight twist this year. We had put together a group of customers and
staff from around Trafford Community Leisure Trust and had been preparing to do
the event for a few months before. New
jerseys ordered, printed and distributed, entries filled in and meeting points
sorted the first wave arrived at 07:30 to a lovely morning not glorious but
decent (no rain and hardly any wind). After
picking up people from around the start zone due to a combination of our
distinctive jerseys and mobile phones we started at the back of the couple of
thousand strong field. Again there were
many people young to old on many many different types of machines, the
atmosphere was one of nerves and excitement. We finally got away at about 08:20 after a
small wait, understandable considering the mass of people, for our four laps of
the 13 mile course. We had set off and
were in a nice group getting onto the Mancunian
Way when we saw the lead peloton coming back the
other way with their police outrider. I
still cannot understand why people see fit to come and race a sportive but each
to there own. We managed about two laps
with the group in relative tact before we split up and rode our own pace. The second lap also heralded the arrival of a
really strong wind down the back of the course. This kept us ‘entertained’ for two laps and
meant a sapping of reserves for some of those newer to the ride. I managed to finish at 2hrs and 44mins, which I
was pleased with as it was faster by about 10minutes from the last year. I didn’t feel that I emptied the tank but it
was difficult due to starting at the back of the field and having to dodge
people. We were still overtaking people
as we approached the finish. Everyone of
the seven finished with no issues. Some
tired faces but a general feeling of enjoyment and accomplishment was
expressed!
The second group doing the 26miler, two laps of the course,
arrived and were ready to set off at 11:30.
Heather was leading them and they set off in one of the first waves. I looked out for them on their first lap and
tried (and failed) to get some pictures.
They all looked pretty fresh on the first lap. I decided to go to the finish and take some
video of them. I managed to get some of everyone
looking a little more tired then the first lap.
Heather had a slow puncture and managed to get over the finish line
before we had to change it. Again everyone was pleased about completing and complementary about the organisation of the event.
As for the event itself it was again very well
organised. The course had been tweeked
this year after last years pinch point which caused a few problems. It was a lot better then the previous years
course. The Council had filled in some
pot holes which was nice for the start of the event. The only things that were a little strange
were the trip through Old Trafford car park and a u-turn out at the far end of
the course. Maybe they will look at that
for next year!
I really enjoyed the cycle and one of the main things for me was getting more people down to enjoy the experience. Seeing people regain their enjoyment of cycling is something that I get a massive kick from.
Some pictures :-)
