Hell of the Ashdown report

Hell of the Ashdown - To Beat the Devil

There were three representatives at this years Hell of the Ashdown, Myself, Bob Sanders and Nick wood. Spring like weather made for a good event. The organiser had again tweaked the route, to add in more hills. This was my fifth time and I hoped to get below the elusive four hours, having come very close in previous years. 


With a good pace set to the half way point at the Wall, all was going well, Unfortunately Bob' shed his chain half way up the wall and arrived at the top not best pleased. With the second half beckoning we pushed on together. However, around a tight bend a rider in front breaked too hard and slipped on some mud. Leaving Nick no choice but to hit the ground to avoid the unfortunate rider. Luckily, Nick was fine, albeit a little sore. 


We pressed on with the climbs still coming, until the final feed  station, with around 15 miles to go. Shortly after, we teamed up with a fast moving group and pushed on to the finish. With Star Hill being the final climb I elected to ride sensibly and tucked in behind a couple of the group leaders. In fact it was quite enjoyable at that pace, as Nick disappeared into the distance. 


Top of the climb normal service resumed with Nick being caught after half a kilometre; flying through the lanes the finish beakoned. Nick was first out from the group to finish, with me following shortly after. And, yes, finally a sub-four hours time of 3:59:55! Well did we beat the devil? Probably not but there is always next year!

The times are below:

03:59:51	01:18:48	03:16:01	Wood, Nicholas
03:59:55	01:18:52	03:16:05	Frost, Danny
04:03:01	01:18:56	03:16:04	Sanders, Robert

Danny