Pedalabikeaway Sponsored Ride

Tomo emerging from the stingers

Those reflectors are going to have to go though

This ride is a 35 mile sponsored ride in the Forest of Dean starting and finishing at the excellent Pedalabikeaway cycle centre.

The emphasis is very much on a non-competitive sponsored ride, rather than a race. This relaxed atmosphere was achieved by the small field (about 100) and staggered start times. This meant there was plenty of time to admire the great scenery, enjoy the varied trails and even squeeze in a pub stop, although I stayed away from the 7.5% local scrumpy; a wise decision judging by the state of the other patrons teeth, or lack of them.

The signposting was discrete to say the least and the excellent map provided was often needed. It was great to be able to take away a map of the route cycled and I will definitely be back to the area to explore further.

Apart from a couple of long, steep climbs near the start and one mental descent on ball bearings to Symonds Yat the course was straight forward enough. The swoopy, rooty singletrack near Harkend is as good as any I've ridden. The only mechanical we had was when my front mech shifter seized 10 metres from the finish necessitating a humiliating push over the line.

Last but no least, respect goes out to the 9 year old lad who finished just in front of us, a star of the future.

Posted: 10/09/06