With this in mind we decided to split into two teams for the day. Chuck and Mark would try and complete the course in a fast time while Maile and Steve would try to complete the course before the roads were to be re-opened.
The day before the race we decided to cycle into Pitlochry (start/finish) to register for the following day. This short, yet steep, 16 km ride would also be used as a shake down to test our bikes and equipment. This was to prove very useful. Just as we set off, Maile fell off to avoid crashing into Chuck. This was only a few metres from our accommodation! No injuries or broken components, thankfully. We managed to make it into Pitlochry and register quite easily as the event is incredibly well managed. On the way back Mark and Chuck were looking to stretch their legs and make a quick return, with Maile and Steve taking it easy. After Chuck and Mark returned there was still no sign of Steve and Maile, even after several minutes. Chuck then returned out on the road to find out what had happened. It turns out Steve (the puncture magnet) had yet another blow out and between himself and Maile had gone through about 4 snapped tyre levers before fixing the tyre. Once all the team were back, adjustments had to be made to Maile’s rear derailleur. So, in all, a good idea get all the gremlins out before the race.
The night before the race was spent doing the ubiquitous carbo-loading and fretting about what to wear. We were expecting a cold start (single digits), chance of rain and for the sun to come out later. So how does one pack for a cold/warm day with rain/sun? Layers are the future! Put it all on and strip it all off later, well not all of it. With our pockets full of energy bars and our stomachs full or oats, we set off on our 8 km warm up ride into Pitlochry. Some of us were feeling the nerves more than others, no names mentioned. It seems the more you train the more you feel the nerves as expectation mounts.
Once at the start line it was a sea of bikes and lycra. There were road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, recumbents and tandems. There was even a recumbent tandem! The organisers estimated about 4000 riders. Mark and I calculated that there was probably in the region of £5 million worth of bikes on the line. Not being too eager, we shuffled toward the start line as the last few waves set off.
Mark and Chuck set off very well on the out leg, managing an average speed near 30 kph and reached the foot of Schiehallion (the only large climb) in a few hours. They managed to get a few chain gangs going to take advantage of drafting and only stopped once for water. Was the pace too fast? Maile and Steve set off fairly quick as well but maybe a bit too quick for Maile as she had to push the gears to keep up with Steve.
The climb to the top of Schiehallion is about 350 metres in about 3-4 km. Mark and Chuck both found the climb challenging but not hard and completed it in 30 minutes. Once at the top, they kept looking for the rest of climb but that was it! Maile and Steve both made their separate ways to the top as climbing can be a bit more personal. At the top was a feed and water station complete with bag pipes playing. The descent 5km straight down with a few sharp turns. All of the team thoroughly enjoyed the fast ride down, getting up to speeds in excess of 60 kph.
The remainder of the course was through woodland and along the River Tay, mostly flat. A gentle tailwind was also in favour as they were all heading for Pitlochry. Chuck and Mark pushed hard to get a good time but pushing can cause problems as Chuck cramped up and was forced to stop, stretch and re-hydrate before setting off again. By this point Steve and Maile had separated, they were both pretty tired but determined to finish in time. When you get like this it can be better to set you own pace and grind it out until you finish.
There is a fairly steep set of hills near the finish. A real sting in the tail! As Mark approached the first one, a rider decided to stop in front of him forcing him to fall, fortunately onto some grass. Again, thankfully nothing broken and they carried on into Pitlochry. Chuck and Mark crossed the finish to a full pipe and drum band after 5 hours and 4 minutes on the course. They were both pleased with their time and average speed of 27.5 kph. A very knackered Steve rolled in next with a respectable time of 6:16. Maile reached her goal of beating clock and pulled in with a time of 6:27. Well done to everyone! With medals collected and stovies eaten, we headed back for the short ride home.
A big “Thank You” to the following people:
• Rebecca for keeping us fed and watered and putting up with constant bike talk.
• Logierait Pine Lodges for accommodation that was perfectly placed for the event.
• The people of Pitlochry and Perthshire. We really appreciated all the support along the route, you were fantastic!
• The organisers of the Etape Caledonia, well done to you.
• Brewers, vintners and distillers of the world thank you for killing the pain
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