Wow what an event! 

Real ease of registration with everything arriving in the post before the race so you just needed to turn up ready to ride in the morning. You were given an allotted time but were allowed to start later if you wished. 

Parking was £5 which wasn't too bad and was 2 miles from the start. That would be ok but for the descent on a 12% gradient for 1.1K, with other rides coming back up it! Got to the bottom and realised I had to get back up it later to get my car!! 

Race start/briefing was easy and I left on time. Then at 1/4 mile we hit said hill I had just defended! What a brutal climb it was, 12% average, hitting 20&25% in places. After this the hills just never ended, some long slow climbs rewarded with breathtaking view and amazing descents. 

Now to the food stop, oh my days! Just 1 feedstop on the route but oh wow! Hot homemade sausage rolls and hot sausages made a delightful change from the usual cake and energy bars. A great selection to choose from and enough to go round. 

The final portion of the race brought you down to finish where the pros would be ending later which made for a grandstand finish and a good chance to sprint for the line! 

Crossed the line to receive my medal, can of Erdinger and a bottle of water. Before I reluctantly walked back up that hill to my cars! Too tired and cold to stick around to watch the pros finish! 

All in all a great event, it changes location each year but was well organised and I would be back to do one again.