More than 1,500 riders took part in the Velo 29-Primal Cheshire Cat Sportive cycling event in South Cheshire, writes Jonathan White.
The ride, which started and finished at Queens Park in Crewe, offered participants three different routes.
Cyclists could take a short route of 83.3km/51 miles, a medium route 130.0km/80 miles, or a long route 174.3km/108 miles.
The medium and long routes both involved a challenging ride up Station Road/Top Station Road at Mow Cop – known at the ‘Killer Mile’ – which is one of the 100 toughest climbs in the UK.
All routes re-joined for the final 25 miles.
The climb of Mow Cop is dedicated to Paul Mooney, who died in a tragic accident descending the back of Mow Cop in September 2016, aged 36, leaving behind his wife Jennifer and two young children.
Paul went to school in Nantwich and then followed his father’s footsteps working at Chatwins Bakery, where his hard work and dedication resulted in him becoming a company director.
Finishers received an event medal and had their photo taken at the photo booth, followed by a sports massage.
There were also refreshment and trade stalls.
The event was organised by Velo29.
(pics courtesy of Jonathan White)
It’s a good event but the roads are appalling for about 25%-30% of the route. That’s not unusual these days, and particularly at this time of year (after a hard winter) but it wasn’t a good route for this sort of event.
The roads authorities should have been notified of some of the worst stretches – they’re only liable if they’re told where the problems are.