This Sunday 5th May sees the FOD Classic running through the spectacular Wye Valley countryside.
May 7th Update - now I've rode this course there is a hill I missed out during the recon! After the climb out of Lydbrook (my no. 2, but actually no.3) there is a further drop down and then a short but steep hill - the real no. 2 hill.
The 145km route features loads of hills. I've been out the check out the last 4 - three happen in succession and then there’s a ride over the final Symonds Yat test...
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| Nasty 4th from last hill |
The initial descent is tricky with big gravel and potholes on a narrow road. A further, bigger descent down into the Wye valley is much smoother, no gravel but at least one lethal pothole in the centre of the road and several tight hairpin bends you'll approach too fast...
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| It'll take you ages to climb up towards this cottage - and that's only halfway on this climb |
Descent to Lydbrook again features at least one significant pothole plus another couple of nerve-wracking hairpins.
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| World's tightest lefthand turn |
Then a nice leg loosening ride over to the final climb of the day - Symonds Yat at 131km.
This one is tricky - narrow roads and if cars are coming down then you may have to stop. Bits of 10 or 15% slopes mixed in with flatter sections make it seem OK. Then you get to a super narrow part (just past the Methodist Chapel) and pretty soon its 23% all the way to the top - the final challenge.
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| Gateway to Heaven? If you see this you are done on the FOD |