Although the turnout for the inaugural Echo Challenge 100 mile ride was disappointingly small the day turned out to be a great success for all those that took part. All riders that completed the course spoke of their enjoying the day despite the excellent course proving to be very tough with a real sting in the tail in Denton Hill going up to Gorse Lane – many thanks to Phil Etches for planning the route and ensuring we didn't get lost.
A miserable wet start to the day did not deter the A group, going out at 8 o’clock and consisting of Jake Doughty, Phil Atherton, Ian Makevit, Adrian Hill, Peter Barnes and new member Siobhan McCabe. Adrian Hill unfortunately punctured on 10 miles, which necessitated a lengthy pit stop, and at the 25-mile mark Jake Doughty and Siobhan McCabe decided to turn for home. Thanks Jake for ensuring that Siobhan had some company on the ride home, this was a very sporting gesture. The remaining members of the A group ploughed on and were joined by the B group at the 35-mile mark and the two groups merged to form one supergroup.
The B group consisted of Phil Etches, Pete Pain, Rich Edwards, Paul Conneelly, Ant Conneelly and Martin Hedley and they had made good progress with no mishaps and were bang on schedule. The only dangerous situation of the day occurred at the Harringworth viaduct when Ian Makevit and Martin Hedley both came a cropper on a greasy corner but both were unhurt and with no mechanical problems we were soon on our way and into the start of the first climbs towards Rockingham.
The 50-mile mark saw a welcome rest stop at Rockingham Forest Wheelers HQ in Cottingham where Matt and Pat Pennifold had pitched up in their RV and created a coffee shop under an awning. Hot drinks were provided and we all feasted on the cakes thoughtfully provided by Jake Doughty – thanks Jake and grateful thanks to Matt and Pat also for entering into the spirit of the day despite Matt not being able to ride due to a back injury.
The next 25 miles of the route, taking us to the café stop at Ashwell, were by far the toughest of the day. With Adrian Hill cadging a lift in the support vehicle expertly piloted by Geoff Ellingworth (“not been out for six weeks” was his reason) the remainder of the group naturally spread out over the numerous tough hills but always regrouped over the top to keep everyone together and the B group riders did most of the work on the front and dragged the stragglers back into contention – as was said “no man gets left behind.”
A lengthy stop at Ashwell where some supporters were able to join us allowed Paul Conneelly to mend a puncture and give Adrian his wheel back, giving Adrian the opportunity to re-join the ride for the final 25 miles. With the group back to full strength we turned for home at Wymondham but followed a tough route back via Waltham and Eastwell. There were some tired legs by this time and Adrian and Peter finally succumbed in Eaton so they were not too far out and Geoff stayed with them to ensure they followed the correct route back.
The remaining eight riders arrived back at the cricket field bang on time (just after 4pm) followed by Adrian and Peter five minutes later. A big group hug (Maka’s suggestion) was followed by group photos and exchange of phone numbers and email addresses as we’ve all promised to keep in touch, and a reunion dinner is planned for later in the year.
The B group managed to complete the 98-mile route in 5 hours 54 minutes giving an average speed of 16.7mph, exactly as planned! All in all a very successful day and special thanks go to:
Phil Etches – for coming up with the idea and planning an excellent route.
Geoff Ellingworth – for giving up his time and piloting the support vehicle.
Rich Ellingworth – for providing the support vehicle and fuel.
Jake Doughty – for ensuring that Siobhan was accompanied back to base.
Matt and Pat Pennifold – for providing the hot drinks at the 50-mile mark.
Janet and Alan East (and Peter’s mum) – for driving the route in support as the official photographers vehicle.
And last but not least thanks to all the riders that took part for bothering to turn up.
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