Having recently retired and moved to the South Coast it was great to find an, almost, local sportive: Ride Reigate - and even better to get an invitation to ride.
The event was organised by Run Series, an award-winning event management company, which as the name implies, originally organised the extremely popular Run Gatwick as well as some smaller running events and, of course, Ride Reigate, with further plans to replicate such events further afield and branch into swimming and triathlon events.
My previous riding grounds were in the flat areas of the Cambridgeshire Fens so relocating to the South Downs and its incumbent climbs was always going to present new challenges.
Fortunately, for me, I've joined a very friendly cycling club, Brighton Excelsior CC, and on our weekend and midweek rides we regularly tackle local climbs, some more difficult than others, thereby conditioning me to the changing route elevations than those I was previously used to.
A week prior to Ride Reigate a very comprehensive event information sheet was sent out with all the relevant information for those taking part, including details of water stops, emergency contact number, registration and start times (all based at Reigate college), KOM and QOM competition and, importantly for this event, the fact that a chunk of the M25 was closed and an alternative route to the start location might be required. Unfortunately, the long-term weather forecast was predicting a bit of a wet day so rain jackets should be available.
Although the details were comprehensive, my understanding was not so. I got a little confused about car parking and sent off an email just to clarify the situation. Within a couple of hours, I had a reply clearing up my confusion: parking was at the Willis, Towers and Watson office block who had allowed the use of their facility for the day, much appreciated.
When the day finally arrived, good weather arrived with it, much to everyone's delight for sure.
For me the drive to the start area was just short of an hour and didn't include the M25.
Once parked up and getting the bike prepped a young lady from the organisers came round asking if we would like to donate an, optional, suggested £4 parking, as detailed in the event information email a week earlier, with the money collected benefitting the college's chosen charities.
Once suited and booted it was just a few short pedal strokes down to Reigate College for the registration process and getting the ride underway.
On arrival every rider is greeted by happy volunteers passing on directions to the bike park and registration points.
The bike park area was more than adequate for the number of bikes already there and registration was just a short stroll into the college cafeteria, which was open for breakfasts and coffee etc.
Registration was a different and 'slicker' operation than I've experienced before.
On arriving at the registration desk, you are asked for your surname which is then entered into a handheld device. Once your name pops up on the device you are called by your first name and given the next available ride number envelope: no need to search through a large selection of envelopes, you just get the next envelope in line. Easy, simple, straightforward and less time consuming.
Each envelope contained your ride numbers, one for your helmet, one for the front of your bike and the third, a long sticker that wraps around your seat post with your ride number. The idea of the seat post sticker had shades of pro racing numbers, or was that just my imagination running wild?
I was taking part in the 100km route. As is the norm, we were the first groups to set off after a comprehensive briefing, the main points being, observe the highway code and other road users, only follow the orange arrows, keep hydrated, keep safe and enjoy.
At last, we were underway. The orange route markers were plentiful to get us out of Reigate town centre and were prominent throughout the route, approaching turning points, at the turning points and as confidence markers after the turns and along the route.
Once out of town the roads were quite open and I was surprised/shocked to see one of the riders about to go through a red light onto a roundabout, fortunately a quick verbal reminder encouraged him to stop. I don't like being grouped with cyclists that go through red lights.
The weather was just as one could hope for, cool but sunny and dry, happy days.
A few riders went whizzing past and heading off at their chosen pace.
A couple of guys that flashed past were later seen at the side of the road sorting out a puncture. Asking if they were ok received a thumbs up and a thank you. It wasn't long before they came sailing past again, with another thumbs up as they carried on the route.
Unfortunately, it wasn't too much further down the route before the same two guys were sorting out yet another puncture, not a great start to the ride.
Whilst travelling along the route it was great riding directly under the approach path of aircraft going into Gatwick Airport and, although it was a long-time hobby of mine, I knew there was no time for collecting tail numbers or 'rivet rubbings': at this time, the ride must go on.
Before too long we came to what I thought was going to be the testing climb of the day, Turners Hill. I had totally forgotten about the Kidd's Hill climb, and set my pace for the climb.
It was quite fitting that the first water stop was just after the top of the climb up Turners because the effort involved deserved a little snack and drink top up.
Once again, every rider was greeted with happy smiley volunteers offering words of encouragement and well done.
The water stop, as opposed to a feed stop, had water butts, small flapjacks, chocolate brownies, and orange segments, just enough to refresh the riders but ensuring that there was no reason to stop so long that the legs would start to seize up.
The two guys who had suffered the punctures earlier went straight to the mechanic supporting the event to, no doubt, check out their puncture repair etc.
Back on the road and feeling quite happy with the weather, my legs, the ride and life in general I eventually came to the roadside reminder that the Kidd's Hill KOM & QOM timing was about to start.
Oh boy, I thought Turners was a climbing workout, but it was nothing compared the Kidd's Hill, aka the Wall - and for very good reason. Turners has an average gradient of 11.3% with a maximum of 16.6% over a distance of 0.5km.
Kidd's Hill, on the other hand, has an average gradient of 9.1% and maximum of 13.2% covering a distance of 1.5km.
I knew I wouldn't be challenging the winning efforts but was determined to make it to the top, hopefully!
Looking at the climb it was quite obvious why it's also known as 'the Wall', it is all the eye can see looking forward.
One rider came past me, fairly slowly and as out of breath as I was, questioning why we do these sorts of things to ourselves. My only gasping reply was that it'll be easier doing the downward bit. The guy then started weaving across the road in an effort to lessen the gradient but despite my lungs, legs and heart feeling like they were about to give in I managed to get to the top.
Once at the top there was a group of about six or seven people applauding and congratulating every rider that succeeded in beating 'the Wall', much appreciated.
For what it's worth, the times for the KOM and QOM were 5:26 and 8:05 respectively and my time was 10:14 so my prediction of not challenging either was totally correct, but I was 102nd out of the 151 riders so I'll take that.
I'm sure the two winners of the climb will appreciate their prizes that were kindly donated by Maison Du Velo. Well done to both. Chapeau.
I was enjoying most of the climbs and the hills and valley scenery was great to see. I was happy with my progress and, dare I say, my performance, thus far and thought I was going great guns. Into a tree-lined road and with a few cars travelling behind I suddenly became aware of a pot quarry, too massive to be called a pothole, that covered most of my side of the road and there were no means to avoid it. I went clattering through fearing for my bike frame, wheels and my fillings but I seemed to survive, that is until I heard that horrible type of flapping noise that alerts you to a puncture.
Having pulled up at the side of the road I had to move into the trees, to keep clear of traffic, and rest the bike up while I removed the back wheel and got on with replacing the tube etc. Moments later another rider came to a halt, after suffering the same pot quarry, but he had flats in both tyres.
It was interesting to note that of all the riders that passed by, in either direction, the only person that enquired if I was ok, was a lady taking part in the same event.
Once repaired I was on my way, but I always feel a little, perhaps, over cautious after repairing a puncture. Everything seemed normal but it's always a concern as to whether I'd pumped enough pressure into the tyre.
With all due caution and keeping a watchful eye out for more potholes I eventually made it to the second water stop at the In Gear bike shop in Forest Row.
Immediately on arrival I grabbed the track pump that was available and checked my tyre pressure. I wasn't too far off and felt better getting it pumped up to my normal pressure.
This stop was more akin to a feed stop with bananas, fig rolls, crisps, orange segments and water available. In Gear had opened their doors to everyone and there was comfortable seating inside for all those that wanted to escape the increasing temperature or just chill out for a little longer.
The lady who was running the refreshments when I arrived was a bright and bubbly person who was happy to chat to one and all, offer more words of encouragement and constantly making sure there was enough on the table for riders to choose from. On chatting with her I discovered that she volunteers for all the Run Series events because she loves meeting the competitors and just enjoys being a volunteer. I did, of course, thank her because without people like her our events would be a little harder.
With just over 30km remaining I soon got underway with both my wheels and I refreshed. With the glorious weather and, maybe, a bit of a tail wind I was motoring quite nicely.
On reaching the outskirts of Reigate I thought it was a little cruel of the organisers to throw in a few kicker climbs in at the end of the ride, in reality it was probably more to do with keeping lots of bikes away from the town centre, just as the riders were feeling pleased with themselves for getting round the whole route.
In no time at all the finish arch appeared and, once again, there were volunteers clapping and cheering each of the finishers, a really nice touch.
Once over the line everyone was congratulated and presented with their medal and the choice of a Styrkr energy bar for their efforts. From there it was straight through to a bar area, provided by Pilgrim Brewery, for a refreshing drink of your choice to accompany a detailed debrief amongst friends and like-minded riders.
I'm not one for studying my performances although I'm always interested in my timings, but Ride Reigate sent out a great list of results that were easy to peruse.
My results figures showed that I was 103rd out of 151 and in my age category, MV60 I was 8th out of 14. Not too shabby I feel.
The whole event was well organised, simple to take part in and rather testing but a great, well signposted route and greatly enhanced by the support of the weather gods and the brilliant volunteers throughout the route: thank you one and all.
I thoroughly enjoyed it both as a ride and a test of any climbing skills I might, potentially, have. It was a great day out and I would encourage anyone to keep an eye out for future events under the Run Series banner.
Find out more and enter the next Ride Reigate at www.runseries.co.uk/ride-reigate
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