Giant Sportive from Lowther Castle 3rd June 2018
It was to say the least a nervous start, the weather had been great until the morning of the event and was now dull and drizzly. I had spent the day before cleaning my bike and was completely oblivious to a small tear in my rear tyre that I spotted only after we had racked the bike on the car the night before and the shops had shut. The type pressure seemed ok but I was concerned by the stony surface at Lowther Castle.
Set off very slowly only to find my back brake was not releasing properly, I disengaged it completely but this slowed me down on all the descents as I was extra cautious having only my front brake to rely on. I realised that it was only the brake lever that was not releasing so I was able to sort that whilst riding ensuring it was not engaged particularly during the Watermillock slog. As I continued to cycle my confidence grew and the tyre held up however my bottom bracket was also past its best and my bike was creaking through all the climbs. The weather improved and I really enjoyed the second half of the event, through tiny villages in spectacular countryside with hardly any cars on the road. If you’re ever in that area look for the sign post for King’s Meaburn it is very quaint.
I would say thanks to Giant Kendal for a very well organised sportive. It was great to see our head coach Paddy Finn at Watermillock warning me of steep climbs ahead. He was not wrong there! Great soup and sandwich provided at the end. I would have liked a drink either hot or cold at the end as I was very thirsty.
One week later and I have a new tyre, new bottom bracket and fully working brakes! Check your bike before your event is my best advice!