In the last 20 miles of my 71 mile ride this morning, the same ride that I
described two weeks ago, but with no rain today, I caught two other
cyclists. It was on the A62 leaving Huddersfield. I thought I'll let them go
on the hills after Cooper Bridge especially after they were talking about
their own KOM competition, which seems to have sliding rules. Anyway I got
trapped at the lights at the start of the first climb,they hopped onto the
pavement - tut tut. On the green I cruised up to the last rider, his mate,
his brother actually, was a couple of lengths ahead, I was feeling OK,
struggling less than the guy in front of me so I cruised on up to the lone
break. He explained the points system, if he got first place over the climb,
I took second he'd draw level with his brother setting up a showdown on the
final climb. I duly obliged by staying half a length behind though he
decided where the line was !. I wasn't on the rivet. The final climb is one
that I am not familiar with so I was unsure of what would happen. The sign
said 12.5%, I hung back to let them set the pace, they were both fighting
their easiest gears, on the steepest part I was able to sail past them,
thankfully the gradient relented a little and I was able to recover, I saw
the stronger of the two coming back at me so I pressed a little harder and
managed to keep my lead to the top.
Its not often I get to pass other riders on climbs, cheers guys you made me
feel good today.
Martin