Drumlanrig Challenge Sportive: May 3 2008
One year on, and Drumlanrig Challenge is here again. A similar route, but better weather and still the same fantastic setting at Drumlanrig Castle, north of Dumfries. Once again we had a big turnout of Border City Wheeler riders, some 10% of the total field. And with a tad more climbing this year, it promised to be a good workout, 82 miles again.
The 6 mile climb up the Mennock Pass was beautiful, the fast descent of Dalveen Pass equally so (though one of our number came a cropper sadly). After a pleasant feed stop at just short of half way it was back out on the course in the sunshine (yes, sunshine) for 50 rolling miles culminating in that brutal 1-in-4 slog out of Moniaive. That sorts the men out from the boys!
As a training ride ahead of the Pyrenees and the Etape it was ideal. I aim to be back next year.
The team after the event, and still smiling, with Drumlanrig Castle as backdrop. From L: Kev, Big Paul, YT, Sammy, Karen and Ian