The last time I did this event on this route it was 3 degrees, it was colder this year but that didnt stop 9 hardy Wheelers turning up (Ciaran, Andy A, Tony N, Cheryl, Mike T, Steve McM, John C, Brian B, me)!
The Evans events are probably the best value, about £17 to register and then you get pretty much all of that back in a High5 Race Pack, and they are well run too. Registration was easy and then you get set off in waves of 20-30. Three routes to choose from and with the medium (55 miles) and long (88 miles) you can choose after about 45 miles, where they split, which one you want to do.
We all set off together as the route went out from Callander towards Loch Katrine on truly shocking roads, a theme for the day, as the bunch were continually shouting out potholes and weaving all over the road to try and find tarmac. After 8 miles you turn left and the first climb over Dukes Pass, about a 3 mile steady climb with a fast technical descent to Aberfoyle where we regrouped at the feed station. The route was then a loop round Loch Katrine back to the bottom of Dukes Pass again. A lumpy section round the lochs saw us split into 2 groups.
Back up over Dukes Pass and the descent to Aberfoyle where the 4 of us regrouped. We turned left and out to Port of Menteith and round the Lake with Ciaran driving the pace, which is where Tony dropped off. At Arnprior there is a long nasty climb to the Top of the World, thankfully Ciaran and Andy waited for me. On the descent to Kippen we lost Andy but we decided to stop at the next feed station to regroup. After a couple of minutes Andy appeared and immediately disappeared into the toliets for the next 10 minutes - we did check he was still alive! A few minutes later Tony arrived surprised (glad?) to meet up with us again. So the 4 of us set off for the last section.
There is a real sting in the tail as you get to Thornhill and then spend an hour going round in a lumpy circle in a strong wind to end up where you were, ohh the temptation to just cut across was tough to ignore.
With around 85 miles in the legs they then throw one last hill at you and I can you tell the language was choice particularly as it had a false summit! I had really had enough and my legs couldn't push me any harder so spun up as easy as I could. Then finally we had a mile downhill and then a mile into a headwind and we were done, well and truly done.
Is it possible to have an out and back loop where there is more climbing than descending because it felt like it, seemed we were always going up and rarely going down!
At the finish you get to use the Sports Centre changing facilities, showers etc and there is cafe for much needed cake and coffee where I was disappointed to see that the comically grumpy lady is no longer there and the staff are now pleasant and smiling!
Overall a tough day out not helped by the wind and the state of the roads, but it is a great route and a well run good value event.
The stats are below, I will post up the results when they are published.