Merida Challenge Penrith Sat 13th/ Sun 14th September
The Team Left to right:-
Ian (25km), Martyn (25km), Oliver (50km), Simon (50km), Angela (25km),
Nicky (25km), Jonathon (25km), Neil (50km), James (25km)
Saturday
The weekend started with a 50 or 80 milae sportif road race which Jonathon, Jimmy Finch (Merida) & I took part in, we set off just after 10am, the first 40km went like a dream, we ate up the distance with ease, After the first feed station we parted with Jimmy as he was doing the 50 mile ride, so we set off to complete the rest of the course, the next 15 miles was country rolling roads which had some lovely scenery around. We had been told by a fellow rider who we passed that a huge climb was coming up soon, how correct was he ! It was a 1900m climb to the top to be greated by another feed station what a great place to have one. After that the ride was still about another 20 miles with a classic steep hill to finish, we came home under 6hrs, clocking a total of 147km. We slept well that night !
Left to right: Jimmy Finch (Merida), Jonathon Hendry and Neil Hendry
Made it Jonathon and I are back, with Jimmy in the back ground washed and changed, longer ride next time I think !
Sunday
The day belonged to the 25km riders as when I arrived back after my race they all had big smiles on their faces, all had enjoyed the challenge and ride and to me that is what it's all about. Jonathon, James, Nicky, Martyn , Angela and Ian all completed the course within about 2hrs 30mins, The course had some tricky climbs and long rolling roads but all tackled the course well, and Martyn didn't even have a fall this time. WELL DONE all !
Oliver, Simon and I competed in the 50km race, Simon was riding his maiden race and came home in just over the 4hr mark a great effort for the difficult course, I came home just under 3hrs closely follwed by Oliver who was trying so hard to catch me. A excellent ride by Oliver knocking nearly 20mins off his previous race. A huge thank you goes out to Merida and all the people who organise these events because without there support and effort we would not have had so much fun !
Simon after his 4hr ride still smiling !
All finished and time to relax ! James pocket rocket holding me up I think.
More photo's to follow soon
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Photos taken by:-