Sportive

[evelknievel]

well big al we thought you were dead............just because you are a first cat now you can still talk to us, the crit last night was another first for the 3 bears... and what a lesson it was, i will fill you in tomorrow if you go willy did well at it.if you want to call me in the morning at about 7 am we will lift you. 07880994488. hope you get this on time. got new dolan bike as the bianchi hit a car at 30 mph and is now scrap.. see every one in the morning. flat out ha ha ha he no stopping going to try and set record time, home for 2 pm so we can get the fresh food

[Bob P]

Back for 2 with no stopping has an average of 19.5.
Ronnie averaged 18mph ride time last year over the hilly which is 2/3 the distance and 2/3 the climbing.

Settle yourselves and enjoy the day. This is not a race. If is were the likes of Dave McCall or Joe Barr would be setting the pace.

[Maeve]

It's 9:15pm... and yes, myself and Anne got home - mountain rescue were not needed .... he heee.

Anyway ... just want to say a HUGE THANKYOU to all who organised, marshalled, did food stops, made yummy grub and helped in anyway..... we all really appreciate it.
Also - everyone looked class in their Dromara kits today and all were going great guns up the hills!

Well done to all - hope you all had as an enjoyable day as we had - even though we got lost ... oops
( but at least we didn't get lost in a TT............. our 10mile tt time is still below 37mins ..... just jesting Welshie!)

[Bob P]

John didn't get lost. They over-looked him crossing the line as they only seen him side on. The time was taken on the warm down.
Very well done to you and Anne, you completed today what a hell of a lot wouldn't even attempt.
Sorry I didn't get any photos but the battery went before you got our length.

[mayopat]

Thanks for the craic and the hills . I had a great day and it was well organised. Hope to see yee down in Mayo - you welcome anytime with Western Lakes.

[swallace1]

Thanks to Bob & numpty for a fantastic route (well signed despite Maeve & Anne - no pathfinders badge for them!!) Trevor, Paul & team for general organisation of the event including food stops & BBQ & all the sponsors - Millbrook Lodge, Peter J's company Fine Foods, Dromara FC & the Gleeson group (Tipp Spring water). A great day out (my legs and back are just about recovering) although I would contest Trevor's take on the distance - the sportive was considerably more than 75 miles (I had 114 on my speedo)

[peterbryson]

Just to add my thanks to the organisers, planners and contributors.

Is'nt it amazing, two days after the event all I can remember is that fantastic downhill into Rostrevor after the Yellow Road.

Pain is temporary, downhills are forever!

[richb]

I would like to add my thanks to all those doing the ground work at the weekend.

I feel I should say that Bob is a sadist. I never wish to see that many County Down hills in a day again.

To add to early posting on The Bell....The Bell does not do 100 odd mile sportives over nasty mountain hills (Can't you tell I really enjoyed myself on Sunday). I have officially retired from 'leisure' riding. From now on it is to be racing only, much less suffering involved.

[jr]

Without a doubt, the sportive is now the hardest cycling challenge. Dromara CC, once again, showed great organisation both in route planning and food supplies. It is a shame only 3 females had the grit and determination to complete it, not forgetting Anne and Maeve probably ended up with more miles!! Well done to everyone and thanks. JR

[Bob P]

and may i say you made short work of the Yellow road jr.

No yellow road next year, as we will be approaching it from the other side, Coyles Hill. Not as steep but a lot longer.

Our aim next year is to cut the distance to around 100 mile but at the same time keeping it to around 10,000 ft ascent.

I will have the new map up shortly