13/3 kent Invicta Audax

We had a good club turnout today for the  kent Invicta audax. This audax is a tough one with 6,000 feet of climbing in just 66 miles. Riding it for the first time were Patrick, Ivan Shirley and Alec.

The organisers set everyone off at 9;30, from the scout hut near Otford railway station. The route consists of two reverse loops (clockwise and anticlockwise) . This year we had to start with the clockwise loop which meant an immediate 1.5 mile climb up Otford Mount. It felt strange to be riding among so many strangers up this steep hill. Everyone had cold legs so the pace was low.
Ivan is not known for his patience and so rapidly overtook every single rider and ended up at the front of the field. Unfortunately Ivan had no gps and at the top of the climb took a right turn rather than left. It was only after about three miles of riding he realised his mistake and had to ride back to the turn.

By the time he got back he was in among the main grupetto again, so once more had to battle his way to the front (unusually he was on a geared bike). John, Peter baker, Patrick and Alec were somewhere near the front of that mass of riders. I ended up riding with Adam who had forgotten to put the route on his gps while Malc C was riding with Shirley who did have the route on hers.

Our one and only puncture on route

Ivan finally passed the entire field once again but this time decided to stick with the front rider who was on a fancy machine and clearly out to be first man home. Ivan being a friendly chap tried to strike up a conversation but the unknown rider clearly did not want to chat.

I haven't had much experience of riding with Adam before but by now we had settled into a good partnership and so far the hills were not troubling us. Our journey was temporarily suspended while we fixed a puncture on Adam's rear wheel. Adam has yet to discover the joy of CO2 canisters so even after frantic pumping he would have to continue on about 60 psi on the rear.

Before long Shirley turned up but we urged her to keep going as we were confident of catching her up. There was no sign of Malc, somehow he had got lost.

Setting off once again we got into a steady rythm  . The hills kept coming relentlessly. Finally we dropped down into a valley and a checkpoint. Helping ourselves to sports drink and snacks we suddenly realised that this check point was for riders who were doing an Evan's sportive in the same area. Much to our surprise Malc was already there, he had been following the signs for the Evan's ride by mistake. We quickly slunk off before anyone told us off and discovered the Invicta checkpoint just down the road.

I look podgy but felt strong on York's Hill

In the distance we could see a regular flash of light and realised that this could only be the sun reflecting off Shirley's impressive shiny helmet. Encouraging Malc to stick with us we set off in pursuit.

Having passed Shirley we  started riding what appeared to be the foothills of another long climb. It was then that I realised that this was the approach to the infamous York's hill! I had completely forgotten this monster was on the route. For those that don't know its a 1.3 mile climb with an average gradient of 6%. The final part of the climb is a lot steeper than that, in fact its so steep that with my weight on a well set back saddle, the front wheel was threatening to lift up into the air. We took a short breather at the top while Adam borrowed a track pump from the checkpoint to bring his tyre pressure up to a proper psi. Shirley soon appeared but her legs gave out just before the end and she had to walk the final nasty bit.There was no sign of Malc. Having made it up the hill we were now to enjoy a five mile descent back to Otford

Shiley couldn't quite climb the final bit of Yorks Hill

Long before we arrived at the top, Ivan and his silent nemesis had also arrived. They were still in front of the entire field but here Ivan's silent companion deviated from the course to go another way (perhaps he had got the hump). It was only when Ivan spotted signs for Otford that he realised they were going the wrong way and had retrace his steps. Rejoining the correct route Ivan struck up a conversation with one of the audax riders. They rode together for a while before stopping at a junction. neither had a a gpx and Ivan enquired whether it was right or left. He was told which way to go and headed down the hill but after some descending realised that he was on his own and the 'friendly' rider had gone the other way. Was this deliberate sabotage? By the time he finally got back to Otford he arrived at about the same time as Patrick, Pete, John and Alec.

Ivan had had enough of getting lost and unfriendly audax riders and for the second lap would stick with the others. Alec decided one lap was enough and bailed at the HQ

Shirley is relieved to finish the ride

By the time myself, Shirley and Adam arrived Patrick et al had departed but much to our surprised Malc was there before us having gone a different way. He also abandoned, having had enough of getting lost.

The three of us had a long break while we refuelled on sausage  rolls, sandwiches and several cups of tea. Eventually it was time to head off for the second lap (anticlockwise) . last year I found the second lap easier than the first and so it was this year although we both suffered badly on the incredibly long 4% climb past Igtham mount plus the sun and gone in and the wind had picked up so it felt like the return of the grim winter weather after the earlier spring sunshine.Shirley was finding this second loop far tougher and we had quite a long wait back at HQ, which was the ideal excuse to stuff our faces with more tea cake and sandwiches.

A tough but very enjoyable day and good training for the 'Improver's Spring 'Specials which I will organise April/May

We made it but our legs will ache tommorrow

 Steve C