San Fairy Ann CC Sportive 13 June 2021
The weather forecast promised that the 13th June would be a scorcher and this time they were 100% correct. Even as the twenty five K20 members lined up in Marden Library Car Park for the start of the sportive at about 0830, all the signs were there that this was going to be a hot one! Even at that time riders were seeking out respite from the early morning sun in whatever shade was available.
Covid Regulations meant that even a simple cycling sportive could not be run using the same format as in previous years. Where there is a will there is a way though and SFACC managed to adapt their normal operation and put on a successful sportive.
The sportive offers two routes, a short and a long. All but one of our Members opted for the long, 71miles route. Matthew Hill opted to do the shorter route as he was still riding his way back to fitness after a bit of a lay off. Chapeau to Matt, he doggedly ground out the 50miles on a solo ride in the searing heat.
For the most part Members formed up in their normal K20 riding groups and without doubt each group made for an impressive sight, resplendent as they were in the Club kit, which drew many positive comments and admiring glances from many of the other riders taking part. It was our distinctive kit that compelled a programme presenter from Maidstone Local Radio, also riding the sportive, to come and talk to us and ask about the Club. He even suggested I give a short interview to inform his listeners about K20 and its activities. The interview went out twice the following week during his shows. Fame at Last!
Tenterden was the feed stop for the sportive and on the long route we stopped there twice for bit of food and to top up the bidons. With our different speed groups arriving and leaving the feed station at different times this meant there was a good deal of overlapping of the K20 groups and we therefore had a good presence serving as ideal advertising for the Club.
The temperature meant that this wasn’t a day to try and break any records in completing the route, but nevertheless all the Groups made good progress and managed average speeds that were towards the top end of their speed parameters.
Most importantly though, it was a really good day for all of us, - we all had a good time and got round safely, satisfied in the knowledge that our entry fee was contributing to a worthwhile charity.
Del Leslie
