Golden Rule Adventure Club: Tour de Yorkshire Sportive

A challenging ride of 84km (the 'medium route') enjoyed by nine club members in hot sunshine, with over 1500m of climbing.

Carlos took the honours, with an early breakaway move, completing the course in 3h 14m, with the added excitement of leading out the Brownlee brothers for the final sprint to the finish. We've never seen such a big grin, even by Carlos' standards!

Mario narrowly beat The Prez and Alansanndro at the line, finishing in a respectable 4h, with Joaquin coming in shortly afterwards, his final 10km compromised by cramp.

And then came GRAC's very own broom team, Jan bringing home Stewie, Alberto and Miguel at a relaxed pace a little later. Well, a lot later ;-)

Fabulous riding, great crowds and some stiff challenges, particularly out of Otley and an absurd hill sprint with ramps up to 22% out of Pool. A memorable day for all, apart from those already suffering memory loss after another excessive rehydration session back in Knaresborough, our wonderful hosts Mr & Mrs Prattachi doing a fine job of looking after us all once again.

Chapeau!

The course profile...

...and this is what it felt like.

Pre-ride hydration session. Just a modest half gallon of fine Yorkshire ale at the Half Moon in Knaresborough.

And, in Ripon, Carlos drinking lager (fine to be levied) and Mario scoffing as usual.

Stewie's selfie en route to the start.

The team, resplendent in new kit colours.

Joaquin, Alanssandro, Alberto (with matching yellow shoes, darling) and Stewie looking confident at the start...

Stewie gets in the picture again, this time with Mario and a cool-looking Carlos

And, Miguel and Jan, soaking up the early sun.

5,000 riders ready to go...

Quick photo stop above Thruscross reservoir, north of Blubberhouses

Miguel crosses the KOM finish line on the Côte de Otley Chevin.
...he had mounted the bike a few metres earlier, after an enjoyable walk up the hill :-)