Sub 8-hours for the UKs toughest sportive? Smashing my target time on the Dragon Gran Fondo

My longest ride yet and an amazing day on the bike. Enjoyed this sportive so much. For once my legs felt great, and although I started off a little too enthusiastically, I felt overall that I managed to pace the ride fairly well, got my nutrition strategy bang-on and ended strong on the last two tough climbs.

The weather wasn't that sunny, but in hindsight the cloudy skies kept things cool. Some of the climbs were no joke - particularly the Rhigos and Bwlch, that the organisers back-loaded towards the end of the route.

Huge shout-out to Neil who kept me company for the first 90-odd miles until he sped away. Also massive thanks to the organisers who put on such a fun event. I can definitely recommend this sportive to anyone who's looking for a good cycling challenge and a great atmosphere.

Maybe at some point I'll have a go at the longer, more difficult 'Devil' route, which is the one-up from the Gran Fondo I completed, and has another 50 or so miles, and 3000+ extra feet of climbing!

Copyright free music courtesy of YouTube audio library:
Will 2 Pwr - half cool
Renegade Jubilee - The Whole Other
Nimbus - Eveningland
Ringside - Dyalla
Soulicious - Dyalla
Back 2 the future - offshore

Follow me:
Strava:
  / strava  
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hampshirecy...