Kat and Craig came up to Lincoln at the weekend to take part in the city’s annual cycling event. Setting off from the city centre they rode 62 miles around the Lincolnshire countryside before returning to tackle the steep hills of the cobbled Cathedral Quarter towards the finishing line in Castle Square.
Sarah persuaded Paul and me to form a cheerleading squad. She was well equipped with her carefully crafted sign and cow bell and as it was a bright sunny day I agreed to go along. This meant driving to certain locations on the circuit in time to cheer Kat and Craig on, no easy task bearing in mind that they were not cycling together.
Driving through the Lincolnshire Wolds we eventually arrived at a likely crossroads near Wragby (Weaver will probably know where this is) where an elderly gentleman in a yellow cap was stewarding the junction. The riders had a choice here of turning right for the long route or straight on for the medium route. Unfortunately a natural bend to the right confused a lot of the riders who kept missing the sharp right turn. The steward was doing a lousy job of directing the cyclists. It wasn’t until he got into his car and drove off that we realised he was just a spectator, not a steward!
So we ended up directing the cyclists ourselves while we waited for our guys to cycle through. All of the riders seemed to appreciate the enthusiastic bell clanging and yelling; Sarah has a very loud voice. After cheering Craig and Kat past this point we abandoned our post and drove cross country to another location. We missed Craig (he can cycle very fast) but managed to see Kat whizz past, still looking strong and comfortable.
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| keep going Kat! |
Now we headed into Lincoln and parked up, ready to be at the Castle Square finishing point. It wasn’t long before Craig came hurtling up the steep cobbled hill of Michaelgate making light work of the steep gradient. He had completed the course in 3 hours and one minute, coming third. Eventually Kat appeared and we shouted ourselves hoarse cheering her on up the hill. She had ridden amazingly well, finishing in 3 hours 39 minutes.
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| Kat tackling Michaelgate "That cobbled climb hurt!" |
Congratulations to Kat and Craig. Well done! The cycle course seems quite a challenge with hills and cobbles. The riders were lucky to have you, Paul and Sarah to direct them at the fork in the road. Racing off course would be disappointing.
ReplyDeleteWe were just thankful it was a bright and sunny day, perfect riding conditions.
DeleteI can't for the life of me think where Michaelgate is but I recognise Castle Square- my sister in law who, along with my brother, worked in the cathedral after retirement , had one of those black and white shops as a card shop many years ago. I went to the Girls' High School which in those days was half way up Lindum \hill with a side entrance half way up Greestone Stairs. Memories,
ReplyDeleteMichaelgate runs almost parallel to Steep Hill. I think the last photo is actually Wordsworth Street, a right turn then took her into Castle Square.
DeleteA spectacular result for both of your athletes. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThey did well. Needed a lot of food afterwards!
DeleteI feel out of breath just reading about it. I once did the London to Brighton ride (60 miles); I'm amazed I finished.
ReplyDeleteI think I rode just over 50 km a few years back - a circular route taking in Prayssac and Puy l'Eveque. Just the once!
DeleteThat sounds like a fun day out - especially if you're spectating! Congratulations to Kat and Craig - they did very well.
ReplyDeleteI gather Rick had to stay at home, just in case he felt like chasing after Kat, to keep her company!
During the winter months we have a lot of the well-known cycle teams practising around here, as it's very hilly. They drive us to distraction, and act as though they own the road - riding in a line across both carriageways.
Didn't dare take Rick, he would have chased every single rider!
DeleteBut look at all the walks that would have saved you!
DeleteKat and Craig are obviously well suited.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that they share a sport that they are both passionate about.
DeleteOh, how exciting! They both did well. I hope it has inspired you, Paul and perhaps Sarah too to sign up for the race next year!
ReplyDeleteOh no, not with that steep hill to climb at the finish!
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