Congleton Cycling Club

Many of our members are not only keen AUDAX riders (as reported earlier) but they also ride modern versions: “Sportive” or “Challenge” rides, which are well established on the Continent and which are enjoying increasing popularity in the UK. These events feature signed-posted routes and feeding stations and attract 500 to 1500 riders, starting in small groups at timed intervals. The local rides are the Polka Dot Challenge and the Spud Riley Gran Fondo of either 60 or 100 miles starting at Woodford, Stockport and The Cat & Fiddle Challenge, of 55 miles starting at Brian Rourke Cycles in Burslem. Each of these is non-profit, with the proceeds going to Cancer Research and Cystic Fibrosis respectively.

Denise and David Hurst, Peter Hall, Peter Hayhurst, Les Lancaster and Mark Tilstone rode The Cat & Fiddle Challenge last month and enjoyed excellent conditions – sun and little wind. The Cat & Fiddle was taken steadily by those who knew what was to follow. Axe Edge and the undulations to Leek were strength-sapping and the return stretch through Endon and up to Brown Edge were really tough – so we were relieved to arrive in Burslem after 3 to 4 hours hard riding – plus café stops for some.

The most famous Sportive is the annual Étape du Tour which is the toughest stage of the Tour de France, usually involving the big Cols in the Alps or Pyrenees. Mark Tilstone has ridden this event for the past 8 years, achieving “Silver” award 3 times and “Bronze” award 5 times. Not only is the terrain tough but these 9 to 11-hour Étape events are often held in extreme weather conditions – either blistering heat (as in the last two years) or freezing cold and wet (as in 2000 and 2001). The Tour de France riders complete the stage (held a few days later) in half the time!! Apart from the “prestige”, the big attraction is that the Étape is held on closed roads with all junctions protected, which is just as well, considering the 7000+ riders jockeying for position!

For full results and other details of Club activities see
www.congletoncyclingclub.org.uk – www.letapedutour.com – www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk – www.cfttrust.org.uk

The Club meets every Thursday at 8.30pm at the Rugby Club, Park Street and welcomes anyone who would like to swap ideas and stories on all cycling topics.

The Sunday club-runs leave from the Rugby Club, Park Street at 9.30am and at this time of year they are short and gentle or slow circuits which include a cafe stop. Last Sunday’s run was postponed at short notice due to the bad weather – so we apologise for any inconvenience which may have been caused.