The Original Hilly 50 - DIY

It was tempting to explore unfamiliar roads on the new DIY Hilly 50. But after a spell of unseasonably dry weather the chance to ride the original Hilly 50 was too good to miss. Mike M. would have been pleased!

Ryka's was closed, but 13miles in, the Heartwork Coffee Bar in Pasturewood Road served good coffee. Very popular with cyclists - and more here than on the road! https://www.heartworkcoffee.co.uk

Heartwork coffee bar - and barn.

For early March even Logmore Lane was (mainly) dry, and riding my Etape seemed a good choice. (But I had misgivings later after a scary blowout on a fast descent of Pitch Hill). Having missed-out on Whitedown on last year's Hilly 50, even this climb was manageable, but no easier, than previous years.

Bumping into Neil C. before the Zig-Zag was a good chance to catch my breath before finishing at the surprisingly quiet National Trust cafe.

The original Hilly 50, at 34miles, is shorter than the latest version, but perhaps has more challenging gradients. (My heart rate monitor maxed-out at 165bpm up Sheephouse Lane). Similar to other rides I finished the course in a modest 3 hours. Cycling door to door was 71 miles and 5,000ft of ascent - a bit of a tester for an early season ride.

Let's hope the Hilly 50 returns in 2022 when we can ride in company - and support the Hospice. Thanks for the memories Mike.