Riding the Dragon

The Dragon Ride was probably the first of the British Sportives, started in 2004 by Lou Lusardi, a Welshman of Italian extraction.  A keen cyclist, he enjoyed the Italian Grand Fondos on his visits to relatives in Italy, and eventually decided to do something of the sort here.  Living in South Wales, he was blessed with  plenty of hills and open country, so the Dragon Ride enjoyed a reputation as a pretty challenging event from the off, with big hills and the odd spot of weather.

The route has developed over the years, with longer and shorter options being added, and this year the novelty of a multi-day sportive was introduced, with three days of riding, the third day being the Dragon Ride itself.  I thought this sounded pretty good, so I got my entry in quickly, as the event has traditionally filled very fast.  This year, Wiggle and Human Race have taken over the running of the event, and their expertise has allowed larger numbers and slick organisation - 5,500 riders this year, the most ever, and they'll take more next.

The first day was a tour of Gower, very pretty, and sunny at first.  Feed stop at the Causeway Cafe, Rhosili, with Cornish Pasties on offer.  None of this gel nonsense.  Sea mist on Cefn Bryn, the biggest hill of the day, then back into town for the finish, sunny again.

Next day, off to the mountains.  Sunny at first, then some sharp showers before the sun returned.  Good enough, but very windy, especially on the tops.  But a great ride, especially the open moorland road across Bettws Mountain. 

The last day was the biggy.  You had a choice of distances from about 100 km to over 300 km, running from sea level over ridges to the centre of Wales.  I chose 157 km, thinking 100 miles or so would be about right, and it suited me well.  Some very big climbs, not quite the Alps but as big as you'll get in this country, as a riding companion from Ayr Burners confirmed.  Perfect weather, no wind and excellent organisation.  Closed or partially closed roads, attentive marshals and Police, and very supportive spectators.  I particularly enjoyed the Ystradfellte food stop, where salted potatoes and sausages were offered.  Food of long-distance champions.

Not much more to say, really.  Next year's event is already committed and expressions of interest are being taken.  If you want a big ride without getting your passport out, head West in June, and take your climbing legs with you!

Mark