C2C2C 1st July 2017

C2C2C

On a weekend that truly showed what an outstanding club HMCC is with Alan and Dave ‘Everesting’ with all the tremendous support they had, a group of us took on the challenge of riding from Morecambe to Bridlington, turning right round and riding back- seemed like a good idea

All assembled in Ormskirk fire station at 10pm, myself and Cathy, Carl and Jo Mark and Claire, Ste, Colin, Rick, Kenny, Graham and Noel. Cars and vans were loaded with gear and enough food for a week and we set off for Morecambe with a cheery wave from Ralph Critchley who had nothing better to do at that time on a Friday night.

The obligatory photos were taken and the six riders set off at midnight in high spirits with Ste Francis doing his usual sterling work of calling out the changes on the front. A good pace was kept up through Caton, Hornby, Wrey,  Keasden and Clapham and then the first big challenge of the hill of Settle, 25% in places in the dark. Then on through Pateley Bridge, (the descent down Greenhows was sobering as we knew we’d be going up it on the return),  and the flatlands of Yorkshire and into York.  Mark and Graham then creamed up and did a good stint on the front to guide us into Bridlington for a later than expected brunch. Any locals in the hotel were treated to a bollock naked Ste Francis in the loo, fortunately not many were around.

All refreshed we set off on the return leg. As promised the wind had turned and we were into a mild headwind to start with but this gradually picked up. Everyone took their turns on the front, no complaining or shirking. As we progressed, the banter lessened as legs and minds started getting tired. Mark had a mechanical and had to stop but Graham gave another good bit of support before returning to the van with Kenny.

Rick was struggling with his hand on the bumpy back lanes and after 200 plus hard mile of pain was persuaded to bow out and the five of us continued.

Those of you that have done long rides will know that at some point during the ride, when, everything hurts, the wind inside is worse that the wind outside and the end is still 120 miles off, the demons creep in. That’s when you need the team around you. Jo, Cathy, Kenny, Claire, Mark and Graham were there every time we needed them, for food, clothing and moral support. A difficult ride would have been impossible without them.

It was incredible to watch each rider dig deep and push through. No-one even mentioned giving up. It was not an option.

Onward to the bit I know I was worried about the most, Greenhows. Two and a half miles of hell at the best of times but 260 miles into a ride, extremely daunting. Carl’s mum and dad were waiting in the town with coffee and a good pep talk and the team suited up for the hills back.

At this point the Yorkshire weather gods started taking the piss, literally. The hills disappeared into the clouds, the headwind ramped up and we set off. The 1^st 16% step soon told us that this was going to a major test of stamina and determination. Everyone dug in, put their heads down and ploughed on over the next 16% step and then over the final 16% step. At this point the wind was 20+ mph the rain was horizontal and it stayed like that all the way over the moors.

Once over, the difference in the team was noticeable. Everyone was silent, heads down and just grinding, still taking the turns on the front. The final 80 miles was tough but again the brilliant support crew was there at every step. A change of clothes and more layers, with a pooling of resources,  we set off on the final stretch, people taking turns on the front when they could.

We arrived in the bright lights of Morecambe at about 1:30 am. Just over 21 hours of riding time, 25 and a half hours in the saddle, 18000+ feet of climbing at an average of over 15mph. No pizza because, believe it or not, Dominoes had an hour and half wait for pizza – in Morecambe at 1:30am!!!!

Everyone was completely drained but everyone made it. Vans and people were loaded and we returned to Ormskirk at 3:00am.

I’ve done some big, tough rides but this was the biggest and by far the toughest but to see the way individuals dealt with the challenge was truly humbling. Carl, Colin, Ste Noel and Rick you are a truly exceptional bunch of riders and I’m privileged to have ridden with you. Cathy, Claire, Jo, Kenny and Graham you are what makes HMCC the club that it is. To give up your time to support is just epic. A massive thank you.

Okay, what’s next…